Hankook as original equipment for Mercedes Benz C-Class

“The new C Class is already the third Mercedes-Benz premium model that has been equipped with our high-performance tyres in the last twelve months. It thereby documents our recognised and consistently high performance both in development as well as in production”, explained Ho-Youl Pae, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. “We are particularly proud that our Hankook Runflat System, which is produced in Europe, is able to satisfy the high demands of the Mercedes-Benz engineers when it comes to safety, driving dynamics as well as comfort. This original equipment is therefore further proof of the worldwide technological competence of the Hankook brand.”

In addition to the standard version of Hankook’s Ventus S1 evo², Hankook’s Runflat System (HRS), which is being used for the first time in the premium original equipment segment, has been especially adapted by Hankook developers to fit the typical Mercedes aspects of safety and comfort for the new Mercedes Benz C Class. Even in the test phase both versions of the Ventus S1 evo² being used were distinguished by predictable, reliable handling, outstanding braking performance, high directional stability, low rolling noise and significantly reduced rolling resistance. The reason for it, among others, is a significant weight reduction (less unsprung mass) thanks to an extremely lightweight and highly durable steel cord material used for the belt package technology that is also found in the Hankook racing tyres in the DTM.

The rubber mixture used is also purely high-tech. By extending the mixing periods at reduced temperatures a significant increase of the compounding rate is achieved in the tread surface area and a significantly more targeted cross-linkage between the carbon black and rubber molecules. The result is less heat development during the drive, which also has a positive effect on driving dynamic and particularly on rolling resistance and wearout properties. Furthermore, a specially developed styrene-polymer also significantly increases the grip level of the tyres for outstanding braking and traction performance in wet conditions.

* Kontrol Technology

Derived from the English terms Kinetic (for movement) and Control (for control), Hankook Tire Kontrol Technology reflects the best possible controllability of the interaction between the driver, the vehicle and the road by the tyres during the journey. Kontrol Technology has been developed in order to provide the vehicle driver with all currently available benefits of the latest Hankook tyre technology in terms of safety, driving characteristics, comfort and environmental compatibility.

Technical Characteristics of the Hankook Ventus S1 evo²

1.   DTM-derived tyre contour with Multi Tread Radius for equal ground contact pressure achieved through ideal tyre footprint. Significant weight reduction through application of ultra-lightyet highly durable steel cord material for steel belt package:

• Distinctive dynamic driving characteristics even under demanding conditions.
• Outstanding straight stability also at highest speeds.
• High level of driving comfort and low rolling noise.
• Increased performance especially in lateral hydroplaning.

2.   DTM-inspired triple layer block design for superior traction:

• The staircase arrangement of the outer rib blocks is designed to increase the tyre contact patch with      the surface as the tyre wear progresses, ensuring a consistently high traction performance throughout   the tyre-lifecycle.

3.   Latest generation Mixing Technologies and all new Tread Compound for reduced Rolling Resistance, dynamic handling characteristics and improved wet braking performance:

• The extension of mixing times at reduced temperatures significantly increases the bonding rate and more targeted cross linking between carbon and rubber molecules for reduced heat generation during driving thus improving handling characteristics while at the same time reducing rolling resistance, tread wear and thermal caused aging.
• A new High Styrene Polymer enhances the tyre’s wet braking performance as well.

4.   Advanced Cooling System with Intercoolers for improved heat regulation:

• Surface-enlarging cooling fins applied to the tyre’s main grooves allow for continuous heat reduction, resulting in a more stable handling performance.
• Double step dimples applied to outer block edges generate cooling micro turbulences thus reducing heat in the tyre’s shoulder part.
• Aerodynamically designed side wall helps to reduce noise and vibration level for increased driving comfort.

5.   VAI Siping System (Vehicle Alignment Indicator)

• Provides drivers an easy and convenient way to check the vehicles alignment themselves by comparing wear on  the sipes of both of the tyre’s shoulders and realign as necessary.

6.   Line-Up:

• The current line-up comprises 55 dimensions from 16 to 19 inch with aspect ratios 60 to 30, covering tread widths from 205 to 305mm. The Ventus S1 evo²is available for high powered compact cars, luxury limousines, sportive coupés /convertibles and GTs as well as high end sports cars.
• The run-flat version comprises dimensions from 17 to 18 inch with aspect ratios 50 to 40, covering tread widths from 205 to 245mm.