When customers collect their new Cupra Terramar from the dealership, chances are their SUV will be wearing Hankook Tyres. Cupra has approved the Ventus evo SUV as an original equipment fitment for the Terramar in three sizes from 18 to 20 inches.
“Meticulously designed for the specific needs of various model derivatives, the main priority when developing the 18-inch and 19-inch versions was high driving comfort,” says Hankook. “The top-of-the-range Cupra Terramar models, optionally available with high-performance plug-in hybrid technology, can be fitted with the 20-inch Ventus evo SUV on request.” All tyres bear the ‘+’ symbol for Cupra original equipment on the sidewall and will also be available from replacement dealers.
“With the Terramar, Cupra is showing that family friendliness and sporty performance can go hand in hand. It is a perfect match for our Ventus evo SUV premium summer tyre, which masterfully transfers the engine performance and sporty handling to the road,” says Klaus Krause, Vice President and Head of Europe Technical Center at Hankook. “The collaborative partnership with Cupra on the tyre development is reflected in the optimum match for each tyre size. This enabled us to make an essential contribution to the sporty performance of the latest addition to the Cupra family.”
Sporty but quiet
The focus for Hankook during the tyre’s two-year development phase leaned heavily towards refining the sporty handling characteristics of the Ventus evo SUV without having to compromise on its low noise level. According to the tyre maker, the development team succeeded in achieving especially quiet rolling characteristics by means of the “thoughtfully engineered tread design” as well as the “careful mix of tread materials.” Coming in at less than 66 decibels, the Ventus evo SUV is even below Cupra’s own manufacturer’s specification, thus contributing to the Cupra Terramar’s maximum overall noise level of 68 decibels.
Technical features of the Ventus evo SUV include Opti Pitch technology, which optimises the size and positioning of the tread blocks, and the Kerf design, which Hankook uses to minimise noise levels. Dual Pitch technology ensures the optimum number of blocks on the inside and outside of the tread for maximum steering precision when cornering but also takes into account the requirements for a low-noise tread pattern. Additionally, the Hankook development team adjusted the tread height to reduce noise without compromising traction, braking behaviour, cornering stability or maximum mileage.
Maximum performance in all sizes
Whether on the test bed, a bumpy, vibrating track, or in the endurance test on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Hankook subjected each tyre version for the Cupra Terramar to a challenging testing programme in order to achieve maximum performance in each and every size. The focus for the 18-inch and 19-inch versions of the Ventus evo SUV was maximum driving comfort, while the Hankook engineers gave the 20-inch tyre a sportier configuration to emphasise its dynamic character.
Hankook produces the Ventus evo SUV at its plant in Rácalmás, Hungary. All sizes of the Ventus evo SUV – 235/55 R18, 255/45 R19 and 255/45 R20XL – are available in all markets where Cupra sells the Terramar.
