The new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé comes equipped with Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z tyres as original fitment. These bespoke ultra-ultra-high-performance (UUHP) tyres feature a modified tread pattern and compound to ensure the 585 hp (430 kW) car achieves “maximum grip even in extreme driving conditions.” This marks the first partnership between Mercedes-AMG and Hankook, with the tyre maker’s M01 (Mercedes-AMG Original) symbol proudly displayed on the tyre’s sidewall.
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z tyres worn by the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé are produced at the company’s plant in Rácalmás, Hungary in the front wheel size 295/35 ZR20 (105Y) XL and rear size 305/35 ZR20 (107Y) XL.
“We are proud to be an OEM for the new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé – a high-performance model with particularly sporty handling. We see this as a confirmation that our products meet the highest requirements,” says Sanghoon Lee, president and chief operating officer of Hankook Tire Europe. “With its outstanding handling and technology carried over from motorsport, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z is the perfect partner for the flagship model in the Mercedes-AMG range.”
Modified for improved performance
The original equipment Ventus S1 evo Z tyres for the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé boast an extra-wide tread. This, along with a modified pattern, provides “first-class stability.” Additionally, Hankook’s development team has equipped the tyre with a reinforced aramid hybrid cap ply, which enhances performance, particularly on dry surfaces. The aramid material prevents unwanted expansion of the tyre due to centrifugal forces at high speeds – crucial for a vehicle with a top speed exceeding 196 mph. Consequently, the tyre has a speed index of (Y) and minimises tread deformation from lateral forces during direction changes, ensuring neutral handling and control.
The tread compound is also new, with added silica for improved grip and rigidity in all weather conditions. Hankook explains that this modified compound allows the tread to interlock more effectively with the road surface, enhancing braking performance. Furthermore, the new compound can withstand high temperatures generated during extreme use, maintaining the tyre’s performance for longer.
“The features of the Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z combine to further push the limits of the UUHP tyre designed for the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé,” states the tyre maker.
Testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife
Alongside the extreme performance requirements, Hankook Tire notes that a short development time posed a challenge for its team. Instead of the usual two years, Mercedes-AMG gave the developers just eight months, during which they also needed to perform intensive dry handling tests on the 12.665-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Known as one of the toughest race courses in the world, with numerous corners and over 300 metres of elevation change, Hankook Tire estimates that one lap of the Nordschleife under race conditions is equivalent to around 1,243 miles of everyday driving. The Ventus S1 evo Z-shod Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé reached a top speed of 190 mph and an average speed of around 93 mph on the ‘Green Hell’ during an evaluation period that involved close collaboration between Hankook development engineers and Mercedes-AMG test drivers.
“If you can hit your performance and speed targets on the Nordschleife, you can have full confidence in the capability of your tyres. The partnership with Mercedes-AMG will only further increase the reputation of the Hankook name in the supersport segment,” says Klaus Krause, head of the Hankook Europe Technical Center (ETC).
