Mercedes-AMG has selected Hankook's Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP) tyre, the Ventus S1 evo Z, as the original equipment for its latest model, the AMG GT Coupé. This marks a milestone as the first time Mercedes-AMG has partnered with Hankook, with the tyres carrying the prestigious “MO1” label, denoting their exclusive approval for this high-performance vehicle.
A Strategic Choice for High Performance
Mercedes-AMG's decision to equip the new GT Coupé with Ventus S1 evo Z tyres underscores the tyre's advanced engineering and suitability for high-speed, dynamic driving. The AMG GT Coupé boasts a powerful 430 kW (585 hp) engine, demanding exceptional grip and stability from its tyres. The Ventus S1 evo Z, with its unique sports pattern and modified tread mixture, meets these requirements by delivering maximum grip in even the most challenging driving situations.
Key Features and Enhancements
The Ventus S1 evo Z tyres feature an extra-wide tread and a specifically modified pattern, designed to enhance stability and handling. A reinforced aramid hybrid cap ply further improves performance, particularly on dry surfaces, by preventing tyre expansion due to centrifugal forces at high speeds. This is a crucial feature for a vehicle with a top speed exceeding 196 mph.
The tyres' new tread mixture, rich in silica, provides better grip and rigidity in various weather conditions. This innovative material mix ensures effective interlocking with the road surface, enhancing braking performance. Additionally, the tyres are engineered to maintain their performance under extreme conditions, thanks to their resistance to high temperatures.
Proving Grounds: Nürburgring Nordschleife
The decision by Mercedes-AMG to choose Hankook's Ventus S1 evo Z tyres followed extensive testing, including rigorous trials on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Known as one of the toughest race tracks globally, the Nordschleife's demanding conditions provided an ideal setting to demonstrate the tyres' capabilities. The Ventus S1 evo Z, paired with the AMG GT Coupé, achieved impressive results, including a top speed of 190 mph and an average speed of around 93 mph. This performance highlights the tyres' reliability and suitability for high-performance applications.
Manufacturing and Availability
Hankook produces the Ventus S1 evo Z tyres for the AMG GT Coupé in specific sizes—295/35 ZR20 (105Y) XL for the front and 305/35 ZR20 (107Y) XL for the rear—at its plant in Rácalmás, Hungary. This partnership between Hankook and Mercedes-AMG not only reinforces Hankook's position in the high-performance tyre market but also reflects the brand's commitment to innovation and quality.
