Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 1st December 2016 – Hankook Tire will be supplying original fitment tyres for the Audi Q7 range including the recently launched all new Audi SQ7 TDI. The first S-edition of the premium car makers’ Audi Q7 model is the strongest Diesel-SUV on the market and incorporates a variety of cutting-edge technologies, some of them applied for the first time in automobile history. Together with its Q7 sister models, the SQ7 TDI will optionally be equipped amongst others with the tyre maker’s ultra-high performance tyre Ventus S1 evo² SUV in size 285/35 R 22 106 Y XL all round, containing Hankook’s new ‘sound absorber’-technology.
To fully match with Audi AG’s requirements for their premium SUV range, Hankook engineers developed an ultra-high performance pattern without sacrificing the necessary comfort characteristics that are mandatory for this class of luxury vehicles. As an increased cavity noise is typical for light weight low aspect ratio tyres, its reduction was a pivotal aspect and a focal point of the development work to provide a top performing yet pleasant driving experience.
The Hankook engineers adapted the company’s own silent tyre technology ‘sound absorber’ to their flagship model Ventus S1 evo² SUV. A special noise absorbing polyurethane foam inlay sheet is applied to the inside of the tyres and is then bonded by a thin layer of Hankook’s Sealguard material. With the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 SUV, Audi has chosen a tyre that combines sporty and dynamic driving performance with high suspension comfort, very low rolling noise and reduced rolling resistance. The safety features including wet grip for example, have also been specially adapted to meet the demands of drivers of high performing premium SUVs.
With the sophisticated technology of the Ventus S1 evo² SUV with its multiple tread radius and double-layer rayon carcass provides maximum tread contact under all conditions. The tyre not only impresses from outstanding aquaplaning behaviour but also with optimum road contact for perfect balance under both wet and dry conditions. Driving control and safety at high speeds are also improved significantly. The innovative DTM inspired 3-layer block design, with its special staircase arrangement of the outer rib blocks, ensures an evenly gripping tyre contact area even as tyre wear progresses thereby guaranteeing very good traction performance throughout the entire lifetime of the tyre.
A state-of-the-art high-grip styrene-polymer-silica mixture not only enables optimised wet grip, but also reduced rolling resistance for more environmental compatibility. Thanks to improved wear and heat-ageing resistance, it also contributes to higher mileage and thereby to the economy of the tyre. The refined cooling system of the tyre also enables faster heat discharge for stable handling features and an overall longer tyre lifetime.
