Hankook Tire & Technology has been selected as original equipment (OE) supplier, providing its Ventus evo SUV tire to the Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron. Six tire sizes ranging from 17in to 20in are available for various model versions of the Tiguan. Five sizes are available for the Tayron, a crossover SUV that comes in five- and seven-seater versions.
The tire development, carried out in close collaboration with Volkswagen, focused on balancing handling, comfort and performance while also prioritizing the lowest noise levels possible. The tread design was tailored to the segment’s needs, using an innovative material mix that delivers high mileage and excellent handling without compromising safety.
“The provision of original equipment for the two SUV models Tiguan and Tayron is further proof that the Volkswagen Group considers Hankook Tire one of its top development partners in the tire sector,” said Klaus Krause, vice president and head of the Europe Technical Center at Hankook Tire. “We have succeeded in perfectly matching our premium summer tire, Ventus evo SUV, in every tire size to the driving characteristics of the two models, and achieved our goal of combining the requirements for high comfort over long distances with a sporty character.”
The development and fine-tuning of the Ventus evo SUV tires took place at the Hankook Tire Technology Center in Hannover. The tires are produced in Hankook Tire’s European plant in Rácalmás, Hungary.
Low-noise
The development phase focused on the Ventus evo SUV’s comfort-oriented driving characteristics, with engineers prioritizing low noise levels. An optimized tread design and tailored tread compound contribute to its reduced rolling noise. With a noise output of under 66dB, the Ventus evo SUV meets Volkswagen’s specifications and plays a key role in helping the two SUV models stay within the overall noise limit of 68dB.
The tires feature Opti Pitch technology, which focuses on the size and positioning of the tread blocks, and Kerf design, which has a noise-reducing effect. The Dual Pitch technology ensures the optimum number of blocks on the inside and outside of the tread for maximum steering precision when cornering. It also reduces the rolling noise. Additionally, the development engineers adjusted the tread height to reduce noise without compromising traction, braking behavior, cornering stability or maximum mileage.
Tire with its own character
Hankook Tire tested the Ventus evo SUV tires for the two Volkswagen models under laboratory conditions on the testbed and on the test track. The various tire sizes had to demonstrate their qualities both on the vibrating track and on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The engineers designed the 17in, 18in and 19in sizes of the Ventus evo SUV for maximum driving comfort; the 20in tires have a sportier character.
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