Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 01. August 2024 – Premium tyre manufacturer Hankook is equipping the new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé with the UUHP (Ultra Ultra High Performance) tyre Ventus S1 evo Z ex works. In keeping with the highly dynamic handling characteristics of the all-wheel-drive sports car developing up to 430 kW/585 hp, the tyre has a bespoke sports pattern and a modified tread mixture, which guarantee maximum grip even in extreme driving situations. The OEM approval including the “MO1” label on the tyre wall marks the first partnership between Mercedes-AMG and Hankook.
“We are proud to be an OEM for the new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé – a high-performance model with particularly sporty handling. We see this as a confirmation that our products meet the highest requirements,” says Sanghoon Lee, President and COO of Hankook Tire Europe. “With its outstanding handling and technology carried over from motorsport, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z is the perfect partner for the flagship model in the Mercedes-AMG range.”
Specific modifications for improved tyre and vehicle performance
One of the special features of the Ventus S1 evo Z on the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé is the extra-wide tread. Together with a specifically modified tyre pattern, this delivers first-class stability. In addition, the developers have equipped the Ventus S1 evo Z for use in the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé with a reinforced aramid hybrid cap ply, which further improves the performance, especially on dry surfaces. The aramid material prevents unwanted expansion of the tyre due to the centrifugal forces at high speed – extremely important in a vehicle with a top speed of over 196 mph. Consequently, the tyre has a speed index of (Y). Moreover, the deformation of the tread due to lateral forces when changing direction is minimised, which promotes neutral handling and control at all times.
The tread mixture is also new, with more silica for better grip and rigidity in all kinds of weather. The modified material mixture means that the tread now interlocks even more effectively with the road surface, for maximum braking performance. As an added bonus, the new mixture can also withstand high temperatures caused by extreme use, keeping the performance level of the tyres constant for longer. The features of the Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z combine to further push the limits of the UUHP tyre designed for the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé. The tyre carries the label “MO1” (= Mercedes-AMG Original) on the wall. Only these tyres are approved as original equipment for a Mercedes-AMG vehicle, and strict criteria are imposed by the manufacturer in this respect.
Put through its paces on the Nürburgring Nordschleife
Along with the extreme performance requirements, the short development time also posed a challenge for the Hankook team. Instead of the usual two years, the developers had just eight months, which also included intensive dry handling tests on the 12.665-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife, one of the toughest race courses in the world with numerous corners and more than 300 metres of elevation change. One lap under race conditions is equivalent here to around 1243 miles of everyday driving. The Ventus S1 evo Z and the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé reached a top speed of 190 mph and an average speed of around 93 mph on the “Green Hell”. The Hankook development engineers were in close contact with the Mercedes-AMG test drivers throughout. “If you can hit your performance and speed targets on the Nordschleife, you can have full confidence in the capability of your tyres. The partnership with Mercedes-AMG will only further increase the reputation of the Hankook name in the supersport segment,” says Klaus Krause, Head of the Hankook Europe Technical Center (ETC).
Hankook produces the tyres supplied in the sizes 295/35 ZR20 (105Y) XL for the front and 305/35 ZR20 (107Y) XL for the rear at its plant in Rácalmás, Hungary.
