Hankook is to introduce a new ultra-high performance flagship tyre for cars and SUVs early next year, the Ventus S1 evo 3.

It has improved wet grip and handling/steering in what is now the third generation of its S1 evo and reduced rolling resistance. Initially it will be available in 72 sizes on 17 to 22 inch rims.

The S1 evo 3 will also be made in an adapted version for SUVs. Hankook has used high-performance natural resins in the tread compound. This increases the grip level at the peak of performance output and the tyre also remains at this grip level across a significantly larger range of temperatures so it performs at its maximum in a wide variety of road and weather conditions. Rolling resistance has been reduced, partly through a new type of compound for the side wall.

The original Ventus S1 evo was launched in 2005 and was a landmark tyre for the company as it held a stream of best-in-class test results and brought the brand to greater prominence among consumers. The evo 2 continues that and is fitted as original equipment by leading German car makers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.