Hankook has prepared tires for the new BMW M5
For the seventh-generation BMW M5 sedan, exclusive tires Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z of the UUHP (Ultra-Ultra High Performance) class were developed, optimized taking into account that the luxury model from BMW M can run on electric traction for the first time in its almost 40-year history, the press service of the Korean tire manufacturer reported.
Since hybrids are heavier than conventional vehicles, Hankook engineers had to increase the tire's load-carrying capacity, and also had to guarantee a high level of traction, since the total power of the M5 power unit is 727 horsepower, and the maximum torque is 1000 Nm.
Ventus S1 evo Z should also provide fast and precise reactions to steering wheel turns, both on the road and on the racing track, as a result of which tires were prepared in a different size format — 285/40ZR20 for the front and 295/35ZR21 for the rear axle, which should improve handling sensitivity, lateral stability, as well as dynamic characteristics that M5 is famous for. In addition, the reduced rolling resistance of the tires will have a positive effect on fuel and energy consumption, and, like all tires for the original equipment of BMW and BMW M cars, the sidewall will be marked with a star symbol. The production of tires for the M5 will be carried out at the plant in Hungary.
"We are proud that in close cooperation with BMW M, we were able to create the perfect tire for such a legendary car," said Klaus Krause, head of the Hankook technical center in Hanover, Germany. — Our goal was to preserve the unique dynamic capabilities of the sedan without compromising energy efficiency, and we were able to achieve this over three years of work.
The company adds that tires for BMW M models must meet stringent requirements for all parameters, such as handling, economy, or the ability to maintain characteristics throughout the entire life cycle, and the first step in creating tires for the new M5 was to improve load-carrying capacity, ensuring optimal directional stability, including when driving in sport mode. The updated tread pattern is distinguished by an increased contact patch and a modified groove design, which accelerated the response to the driver's actions both on the road and on the racing track. In addition, the wide blocks of the tread also improve maneuverability at high speeds.
The tire design includes a hybrid breaker belt reinforced with aramid fibers and preventing tire deformation due to the impact of centrifugal forces at high speeds, while the index (Y) indicates that Ventus S1 evo Z can be safely used at speeds over 300 km/h. In addition to this, aramid fibers also reduce the deformability of the tread when turning, stabilizing handling and control over the car.
Hankook emphasizes that although the tires were adapted to very high speeds on the racing track, they were also refined with the aim of "ensuring maximum comfort in everyday life, as a result of which even a long drive on the highway at medium speeds will be a relaxing pleasure".
The rubber compound was also developed taking into account the characteristics of the M5, and, for example, a number of high-performance resins were added to it, which enhanced traction over a wide temperature range. In addition, "the innovative structure of interconnected organic fillers provides a stable level of characteristics throughout the entire service life".
During the development of the tires, tests were carried out on the Nürburgring Nordstrecke and on the high-speed track "Nardo" in Italy, and, in addition, algorithms based on artificial intelligence were used, which, for example, helped optimize the distribution of loads in the contact area during complex maneuvers.
For the winter season, Hankook iON i*cept tires are available, specially designed for electric vehicles and hybrids, and also received a star symbol. Hankook notes that since it was necessary to provide optimal handling not only in winter conditions but also on dry and wet asphalt, the tires for the M5 are made of a harder rubber compound. Hankook iON i*cept is offered to M5 buyers in sizes 275/40 R20 and 285/40 R20 for the front and rear axles, respectively.