South Korean tyre-maker Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook) has been chosen to equip Porsche’s new 2020 Cayenne, an all-wheel-drive luxury/sport hatchback SUV. The fitment with Hankook’s 21-inch versions of the Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV tyres marks their second OE contract with Porsche, after the Macan, the Cayenne’s smaller SUV sibling.
Porsche said the third-generation Cayenne is the quickest version of the model, with front/rear tyre/wheel fitments for enhanced agility, stability, driving dynamics and comfort – the fast-accelerating SUV is capable of carrying four adults and a payload of up to 1,862 pounds, and has a top speed of 152 mph.
Meanwhile, the Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV tyres uses new high-performance natural resins in the tread compound, which Hankook claims increases the grip level at both peak power and over a wide temperature range. The tyres also feature a hybrid aramid cap ply over the steel cord belts to ensure high resistance and durability; and special nylon materials in the sidewall for high driving stability.
According to Klaus Krause, Head of Hankook’s European Research and Development Centre,it was very challenging to develop the tyre design for the Porsche Cayenne due to the vehicle load in combination with sporty drivability, low rolling resistance and high load capacity.
However, Hankook said the Ventus evo3 UHP tyre delivers “high steering precision and very sporty handling” in both wet and dry conditions, thanks to a design that is based on technology derived from its motorsports engagement with the DTM German Touring Car Championship.