Ventus tyres from Hankook are designed for drivers of high-performance cars who want nothing but the best from their machine, whether on the road or at track days at race circuits. And nothing but the best in the minds of these drivers means winning, either when racing against other drivers or against the stopwatch.

We have just returned from a most informative trip to the testing and manufacturing facilities of Hankook Tyre in South Korea. There we spent two very full days learning about Hankook, the worlds’ seventh largest tyre manufacture, as well as track and skidpan testing this new generation high-performance Ventus R-S3 tyre.

                       

The Hankook's Ventus R-S3 is the latest in a line of UHPT ultra-high performance tyres from this long established company. Though best known for its day-to-day road tyres, Hankook is also keen to be involved in the top end of the market. That's both to provide a halo effect for its everyday products and also to give it credibility with the topline automotive marques.

Audi, BMW and Mercedes are all in Hankook's sights as users of its tyres as original equipment. Audi is already using Hankook tyres on some of its low-end models, the others are reportedly showing a fair degree of interest. It comes as a somewhat surprising fact to us that price is a significant factor in the purchasing decision even from these topline companies.

But back to the company's new high-performance tyre: the Ventus R-S3 is based on pure racing tyre technology as it's uncompromising in its design and materials. Though, obviously, as a road tyre that can be driven to the track, it has to meet safety standards.

The Ventus R-S3 has four main grooves to reduce the chances of aquaplaning. High stiffness shoulder blocks reduce distortion in bends and provide high stiffness to maintain surface contact. The tyre uses what Hankook calls a ‘triple-radius’ design to maximise the amount of tread on the road under varying cornering, braking and accelerating conditions. The compound is from racing technology and racing type carbon black is used.

                       

Hankook's Australian representatives say the tyres are well suited to local Club Sprint Class events.

We tested the Hankook Ventus R-S3 tyres at the company's huge research and development at G’Trac test facility at Geumsan 200 kilometres out of Seoul. There we were able to carry out tests on both wet and dry roads as well as spend some time at the skid pan. Test vehicles were a Hyundai Genesis coupe and a pair of BMW 3 Series convertibles. The latter had their tops down to add to the enjoyment of the occasion.

These tyres are simply superb in the balance and control they provide. They are more than willing to turn into corners, as well as to change direction partway through a bend. Tyre noise was minimal and the squeal we did get out of them during extreme cornering was just enough to let the driver tailor throttle openings to maximise cornering power.

                  

On the road-style circuit where we tested the R-S3 in dry conditions the flowing series of bends really showed the BMWs to perfection, but we are sure they will enhance the characteristics of any car they to which they are attached.

The Hankook Ventus R-S3 is being constructed in 22 different sizes, ranging from 15- to 19-inch in diameter and with profiles from 30 to 50 per cent. Not all may be imported to Australia. With a specialist tyre like the R-S3 it may be possible to have other sizes imported at your special request. May we suggest you contact your Hankook specialist or log onto www.hankooktyre.com.au for full details.