Building on what it has learned from its Winter i*cept RS2, Hankook has now released details of its latest Winter i*cept RS3.
Designed for application to passenger cars and compact SUVs, the Winter i*cept RS3 features a vast range of updates over its predecessor to enable drivers to safely navigate snow-covered roads. The shoulder area of the tire has been increased by Hankook engineers by using new micro edges to deliver improved traction and lateral grip when cornering. Additionally, a newly designed V-tread and 3D sipes ensure stable braking characteristics and 4% shorter braking distances in wintery conditions compared with the previous iteration.
The tread of the Winter i*cept RS3 has also been made stiffer for added grip on icy roads, with internal tests showing the tread blocks being 1% stiffer horizontally and 3% stiffer vertically compared with the previous generation.
Hankook’s Winter i*cept RS3 benefits from V-shaped tread grooves, with individual blocks on the surface that are also crisscrossed with small grooves. This enables effective water evacuation and reduces the chance of vehicles aquaplaning. An overlaid W tread pattern further improves steering response on wet roads.
For its latest product, the tire maker utilized its new-generation Aqua Pine compound to reduce wet braking distances. Compounds made of all-silica result in less tire mileage, but Hankook’s natural-resins-based material is not affected in the same way. Mileage has been increased by 10% compared with the Winter i*cept RS2, and wet braking distances are now 7% shorter.
“Offering tire products that ensure driver safety on the road is our top priority. This is why we are continuously investing in research and development so that we can always offer the latest technologies on the market,” said Sanghoon Lee, president of Hankook Tire Europe. “That is why we are confident that the new Winter i*cept RS3 will also meet the high expectations of our customers.”
The Winter i*cept RS3 will be available for the European market in 71 sizes to suit diameters ranging from 14in to 17in. Four runflat options will also be included.
