Hankook Ventus Prime2 K115b

Safety features are of the highest priority in the Ventus Prime 2, says Hankook, and in this respect the new tyre has made clear gains; Hankook reports a 20 per cent improvement in wet braking distance in comparison with the predecessor tyre. In addition to using new materials and compound technology, the Ventus Prime2 features a tread that draws upon nature; this ‘Bionik’ tread – a name taken from the German words for biology and technology – is said to have been inspired by the teeth of predatory cats: “The block-edge design of the outer profile ridges, based on their fangs, virtually dovetail with the road and therefore guarantee the best possible traction at all times, as well as a significantly improved cornering stability in both wet and dry conditions.” The tyre’s tread contour is based upon the principle of Multi-Tread Radius Technology. Six (three on each side) different tread width radii are intended to “guarantee a balanced distribution of pressure on the ground, and therefore maximum road contact in all conditions, including during extreme cornering and at very high speeds.” A full-silica tread compound, complete with nano particles and optimised molecule chain ends, is said to delivery high braking power, low road resistance and a high operational performance. Road noise is dealt with by Hankook Tire's ‘Quiet Ride Technology’, a profile block design optimised for reduced tyre noise.