Hankook gains OE fitments on Audi RS6, RS7 models

INGOLSTADT, Germany — German car maker Audi A.G. has expanded its OE relationship with Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd., adding a pair of Hankook-branded OE fitments for its RS 6 Avant and Audi RS 7 Sportback.

Audi has added Hankook's Ventus S1 evo 3 ultra-high-performance tire as standard OE fitments for both vehicles and offers Hankook's Winter i*cept evo 2 as an approved winter tire fitment.

The Ventus fitments on both RS models are size 275/35 ZR21 (103Y) XL or optionally 285/30 ZR22 (101Y) XL, Hankook said. The Winter i*cept fitments are sizes 245/40 R21 100V XL or 285/30 R22 101W XL.

"Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback combine impressive driving performance with suitability for everyday use," Hyunjun Cho, head of Hankook's OE division, said. "The same can be said about our premium tires. As a long-standing partner, we already equip many high-performance Audi models and are very proud that our products once again impress Audi Sport GmbH."

With engine output ratings of 600 hp, the Audi performance models can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.6 seconds.

To qualify for fitment on the Audi RS models, tires must withstand 10 laps of the German Nürburgring "Nordschleife" course at maximum possible speed, Hankook said, to ensure the tire construction is robust with no compromise on comfort or performance.

Hankook also provides OE fitments on the Audi RS 4 Avant, RS5 Sportback and TT RS.

The Ventus S1 evo 3 is equipped with a high-strength bead core which, in combination with the reinforced sidewall, ensures not only sporty and dynamic handling but also driving control, straight-line stability and steering precision, especially at high speeds, Hankook said.

The use of a double-layer carcass and an aramid composite material help reduce the undesired expansion of the rolling circumference at speeds above 180 mph by up to 60% versus previous designs. In addition, the tire's tread design helps reduce interior noise, a characteristic typical of low-profile performance tires at certain speeds.

The Winter i*cept evo 2 features an asymmetric tread with a wide block pattern on the outside to help ensure precise directional control in dry conditions, while the inner side employs tread block edges and sipes for braking and traction performance on snow, slush and wet roads.