Hankook Ventus evo — the summer novelty of 2025

During the Essen Motor Show in Germany, the company Hankook revealed details about the summer tires Hankook Ventus evo of the UHP class, which "will set a new standard in the industry by combining exceptional wet grip with impressively low rolling resistance and high durability".

"By launching the fourth generation of Ventus evo, we are setting new standards in the market," said Klaus Krause, head of Hankook's European Technical Center. "We decided to use artificial intelligence early on in the development of rubber compounds and were able to successfully transform the laboratory results into high-quality production processes, and now we are seeing the fruits of our labor. Thanks to the innovative combination of components in the Ventus evo composition, we have achieved unprecedented benefits in terms of efficiency, safety, and durability".

The first model in the Ventus evo line was the Hankook Ventus S1 evo, introduced over 15 years ago, followed by the Ventus S1 evo2 and Ventus S1 evo3, both of which were homologated for installation on prestigious brands such as Audi, BMW, and Porsche, and when the fourth generation was released, the tire name was shortened.

A new comprehensive rubber mixing process was used in the creation of the tires, which allowed Hankook engineers to improve the distribution of silica particles in the compound, which is crucial for increasing wet grip. Additionally, expanding grooves are located in the shoulder areas, accelerating water drainage, and the developers also reduced block deformation, which also reduces the risk of aquaplaning. Compared to the previous generation tires, braking performance and handling on wet surfaces were improved by 7 and 4%, respectively.

The efficiency of the tires in difficult weather conditions is evidenced by the fact that they received an "A" rating for wet grip in all sizes according to the European labeling system.

The tread blocks of the new tires have beveled edges, which allows for a more even distribution of pressure in the contact patch and increases the level of grip. Compared to the Ventus S1 evo3, dry asphalt braking efficiency was increased by 6%.

The tires also feature a flat profile, which has increased stability at high speeds, while the increased stiffness of the tread, especially the wide blocks in the outer zone, has also improved handling characteristics on dry surfaces.

The manufacturer adds that the scheme for placing lamellas, transverse grooves, and inter-block bridges was developed, among other things, to ensure even stiffness of the tread, which increases the durability of the tires. Additionally, the optimized shape and design of the tires guarantee a balanced distribution of loads across the tread, also making the tires more durable, and compared to the previous generation tires, mileage was increased by 32%.

Despite the fact that, like any Ultra-High Performance tire, the novelty was created with an emphasis on enhancing grip, the new rubber compound also helped reduce fuel consumption, i.e., the tires help reduce fuel consumption, and in addition to everything else, the design of the aerodynamic sidewalls is made using Vanta Velvet technology, which made the inscriptions more distinguishable.

The Hankook Ventus evo and the version for crossovers and SUVs — Hankook Ventus evo SUV — will go on sale for the next summer season in 58 sizes, and both models have already been approved for initial equipment of premium vehicles. By the end of 2025, the tires will be available in 94 sizes with diameters from 17 to 23 inches, profile widths from 205 to 325 mm, and speed indices from V to (Y).