Kumho Tire has debuted Ecsta Sport and Ecsta Sport S as successors to the Ecsta PS91 and PS71. It says the newcomers build on the strengths of the predecessors, with the Sport S sitting a rung higher on the performance ladder. Kumho bills this as a “super sport tyre.”
Elaborating on the latest additions to the Ecsta range, Kumho says the new patterns “perfectly support the high-performance demands of powerful vehicles.” The tyre maker adds that increased durability enables agile and precise handling, while an optimised tread rib design enhances stability at high speeds.
TÜV SÜD confirms performance
The team at the Kumho Europe Technical Centre (KETC) in Germany worked on the two new models between 2021 and 2024, and Kumho says their input results in “improved mileage and energy efficiency.” TÜV SÜD testing of the Ecsta Sport S verifies this, as Kumho shares.
In 2024, TÜV SÜD evaluated the Ecsta Sport S alongside “five comparable tyres from other major manufacturers.” It found that the Kumho tyre delivers “greater performance than its competition.” Ecsta Sport S “outperformed the average of the comparable models in major criteria, including braking and handling on dry and wet roads, and delivered slightly higher performance in straight-line driving on rain-covered surfaces.”
Suitable for EVs
Kumho has designed the entire range to be compatible with electric vehicles, leveraging its proprietary electric vehicle technology to meet key criteria such as abrasion resistance and noise reduction. Selected sizes feature Kumho’s K-Silent system, with polyurethane foam attached to the inside of the tyre’s tread to minimise both cavity and road surface noise. In addition, it additionally reinforced several sizes to give them the HL (high load) capacity required to support the heavier weight of electric vehicles.
Evolution to premium
“The new Ecsta models are ultra-high-performance tyres built on our decades of technological advancements,” says Il-taik Jung, President & CEO of Kumho Tire. “We will continue striving to enhance our reputation as a global technology powerhouse and high-performance brand.”
Upon the launch of the Ecsta Sport and Ecsta Sport S, Kumho comments that it achieved “record-high sales” in 2024 and has “consistently been recognised” for the quality of its tyres in tests conducted by organisations and motoring publications, including ADAC and Auto Bild in Germany. To maintain its track record of “delivering high-quality products that satisfy customers,” Kumho plans to strengthen research, increase investment, and enhance competitiveness in sales and marketing as part of its strategy to evolve into a premium brand.
