Hankook Tire & Technology, a prominent name in the tire industry, is now outfitting the new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé with its Ventus S1 evo Z tires, renowned for their ultra-ultra high performance (UUHP).
Tailored to complement the highly dynamic handling of the all-wheel-drive sports car, which generates up to 430 kW/585 hp, these tires boast a specialized sports pattern and a modified tread mixture to deliver maximum grip even under extreme driving conditions.
This marks the first collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and Hankook, with the “MO1” designation on the tire’s sidewall indicating this original equipment manufacturer (OEM) approval.
Innovative Technology for Enhanced Performance
Hankook Tire has introduced specific enhancements to the Ventus S1 evo Z to align with the vehicle’s performance needs. A notable feature is the extra-wide tread combined with a uniquely adjusted tire pattern, providing outstanding stability.
The tire also incorporates a reinforced aramid hybrid cap ply, which improves performance, particularly on dry surfaces, by preventing unwanted tire expansion due to high-speed centrifugal forces. This feature is crucial for a vehicle with a top speed of over 196 mph and a (Y) speed index, as it reduces tread deformation caused by lateral forces during direction changes, ensuring optimal control.
The new tread mixture, which includes more silica, enhances grip and rigidity across various weather conditions. This improvement allows the tread to interlock more effectively with the road surface, maximizing braking performance. Additionally, the new mixture withstands high temperatures from extreme use, maintaining the tire’s performance consistency over time.
Collectively, these features of the Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z push the limits of UUHP tires designed for the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé, bearing the “MO1” (Mercedes-AMG Original) label on the sidewall. These are the only tires approved as original equipment for a Mercedes-AMG vehicle, adhering to the manufacturer’s stringent standards.
Expedited Development
The development timeline for these high-performance tires was notably compressed. Typically requiring two years, the development was completed in just eight months, including rigorous dry handling tests on the demanding 12.665-mile Nürburgring North loop.
This track, known for its numerous corners and nearly 1,000 feet of elevation change, equates one lap under race conditions to approximately 1,243 miles of regular driving. The Ventus S1 evo Z and the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé achieved a top speed of 190 mph and an average speed of about 93 mph on this famous “Green Hell.” Hankook’s engineers collaborated closely with Mercedes-AMG test drivers throughout the process.