Hankook tires are homologated for Cupra Tavascan
The new Cupra Tavascan electric crossover comes with Hankook iON evo SUV summer tires, specially developed for electric vehicles and improving the handling characteristics of the new "SUV-coupe" without compromising comfort, according to the Korean tire company.
For the Tavascan, tires are available in a staggered configuration (235/55 R19 at the front and 255/50 R19 at the rear), as well as 20- and 21-inch tires for both axles. The 21-inch tires have an "e-Performance" marking on the sidewall, in addition to the plus sign confirming homologation in Volkswagen, indicating that they have been optimized for increased grip and shorter braking distances thanks to a special rubber compound. In addition, Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 SUV all-season tires are also offered (likely referring to the Kinergy 4S 2 X model), which are also adapted for use on electric cars.
"We are very proud to have developed the perfect tire for Cupra's new all-electric model in close collaboration with the brand," said Klaus Krause, Vice President and Head of the European Technical Center at Hankook. "The goal was to help utilize the full dynamic potential of the cross-coupe while also reducing rolling resistance to ensure maximum range without compromising comfort levels."
Special attention was also paid to improving the acoustic characteristics of the tires, and it was necessary to meet the European limits on vehicle noise (68 dB). The developers reduced the noise level of the iON evo SUV to less than 66 dB, which was made possible, among other things, by the Opti Pitch technology, which optimizes the size and number of tread blocks.
Hankook emphasizes that compared to standard iON evo SUV tires, they increase the range even when driving in a sporty style, and they have also been optimized with regard to the instantly available maximum torque of the electric car and accelerate from a standstill. Another important factor is the increased weight of the Tavascan, and Hankook has increased the load-carrying capacity of the tires. High-strength aramid fibers improve their resistance to deforming forces that occur due to high torque, especially when starting from a standstill and accelerating. In addition, a high proportion of natural resin has been added to the tread compound, which, according to the company, increases the durability of the tires due to improved wear resistance.
The compound also contains silica, which, on a micro level, increases grip on wet surfaces by counteracting the formation of a potentially hazardous water film between the tire and the road. Vegetable oils in the rubber compound make the tires more durable and environmentally friendly. The tires also have a reduced mass, which further reduces rolling resistance, and this is also contributed to by the aerodynamic design of both the tread and the sidewalls.
To make tire operation even more comfortable and safe, the Sealguard technology has been applied, which, using a special sealant, automatically seals holes in the tread up to 5 mm in diameter. This allows you to continue driving in the event of a puncture, rather than performing a potentially hazardous tire change on the side of the road, according to Hankook.