Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 10th September 2024 – Tuned for sportiness - Hankook is supplying the premium iON evo SUV tyre for the new CUPRA Tavascan. Specially developed for all-electric vehicles, this summer tyre has been specifically matched to the handling characteristics of the dynamic SUV coupé for maximum sportiness without any compromise on comfort. The Hankook premium tyre, with the “+” marking for original equipment, is available for the CUPRA Tavascan as a mixed tyre in the 19-inch variants and as an all-position tyre in the 20- and 21-inch sizes. The 21-inch tyre also comes in a special sport design, identifiable by the notation “e-Performance” on the sidewall. In keeping with its sporty tuning, it offers even more traction and shorter braking distances thanks to its high-grip mixture. Hankook also offers a 19-inch all-season tyre, also designed specifically for electric vehicles, as original equipment for the model.

“We are proud of having developed the perfect tyre in close cooperation with CUPRA for the brand’s new all-electric top model,” says Klaus Krause, Vice President and Head of Europe Technical Center at Hankook. “Our clear objective was to transmit the high dynamic potential of the SUV coupé to the road and at the same time achieve the lowest possible rolling resistance for maximum range without having to compromise when it comes to comfort.”

Noise reduction at the highest level

A key development goal for the iON evo SUV for the CUPRA Tavascan was to reduce rolling noise as much as possible. With a noise level of less than 66 decibels, the Hankook premium tyre remains below the development target in order to not exceed the overall vehicle limit of 68 decibels. Hankook achieved the minimised tread noise among other things through its Opti Pitch Technology, which optimises the number and size of tread blocks.

Tailored for electrifying driving fun

Working in close cooperation with CUPRA, Hankook has been able to match the iON evo SUV specifically to the sporty characteristics of the dynamic SUV coupé. Through a host of technical measures, the engineers have succeeded in reducing the rolling resistance and achieving particularly quiet rolling behaviour as well as high resilience. Compared to conventional tyres, this means more range per battery charge for EV drivers, even with a sporty driving style. Moreover, the new Hankook iON evo SUV is specifically designed for the all-wheel-drive CUPRA Tavascan’s immediate maximum torque delivery, which plays a significant role in its acceleration from a standing start.

Technology package for EV-specific requirements

The Hankook iON evo SUV handles the vehicle mass of the CUPRA Tavascan, which is caused by the large traction battery, with a higher load capacity. Extremely durable aramid fibres counteract the deformation forces that result from the high torque, especially when driving off and accelerating. The tread mixture with a high natural resin content also ensures exemplary durability of the premium tyre, and at the same time reduces abrasion compared to a conventional material mix.

The high silica content ensures more grip on wet roads at micro level by counteracting the formation of a potentially dangerous film of water between the road surface and the tyres, which is also important in view of the sporty handling of the CUPRA Tavascan. Another special feature of the mixture is the high content of plant-based oils. These make the iON evo SUV more sustainable overall, and also have a positive impact on the durability of the tread strip. This enables consistent performance with less use of materials. The tyre also has a low weight, which again has a positive effect on rolling resistance.

Another important detail that signals the care taken during development is the especially aerodynamic design of the iON evo SUV, leveraging every potential for greater efficiency and range. The tyre pattern is optimised for the least possible air resistance, right down to the lettering on the tyre sidewalls.

SEALGUARD® technology for stress-free travelling without punctures

As a further comfort and safety feature, the tyres for the CUPRA Tavascan feature Hankook’s SEALGUARD® technology, which automatically seals punctures up to 5 mm in diameter in the tread. With Hankook SEALGUARD®, it is possible to continue driving, even if a tyre is punctured, instead of having to perform a potentially dangerous tyre change on the side of the road.

Photo credit:  Copyright CUPRA