Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 and Winter i*cept evo2 SUV

Hankook  has upgraded its winter tire line-up with a new generation of its ultra-high performance winter tire, the Winter i*cept evo2 which will for the first time also be available in a W speed index rating and a SUV version. Optimized for Canadian winter conditions, a new silica compound has been applied to the new the eco-friendly winter specialist. In combination with a dual function asymmetric tread design it makes for enhanced snow performance and superior traction and braking in both wet and dry conditions.

Hankook has introduced a new generation of its ultra-high performance snow tire, the Winter i*cept evo2. The tire has been optimized to ensure greater safety for winter driving as weather conditions during this season become increasingly changeable in Canada. The pattern which already has been awarded the Red Dot design award is specifically designed for upper midsize to prestige vehicles, luxury limousines and sports cars. For the first time, also a SUV version will be available – the Winter i*cept evo2 SUV which has been adapted to the special requirements of the popular Sports Utility Vehicle category.

A new Nano-sized, high dispersible silica compound resistant to hardening in low temperatures has been applied to ensure better grip by increasing the contact area on wintery and wet roads. Also the tire’s increased contact area with the road, realized through an improvement of the profile and tire foot shape, improves snow and wet performance while preventing hydroplaning by ensuring an equal footprint pressure.

The Hankook Winter i*cept evo2’s asymmetric tread pattern stands for improved snow handling and traction performance on the outside and an inside tread design that ensures enhanced braking performance on snow, slush and wet roads. An increased pitch number further supports the snow traction performance by effectively ‘biting’ the snow. Special 3D sipes applied throughout the tire tread additionally enhance driving stability in wintery conditions by minimizing block movement, abrasion and enhancing the overall handling performance by maximizing edge effects. Lateral ice axe shaped grooves applied to the inside tread has a scratching effect on snow-covered roads, resulting in powerful snow performance by optimizing the lateral groove angle.

The outside tread’s two longitudinal wide grooves have been designed with a 30% increased void volume compared to existing products for efficient water and slush displacement. They support the Hankook Winter i*cept evo2’s snow grip and hydroplaning performance for a stable driving experience on snowy and wet roads. A reinforced sidewall and bead section in combination with the tire’s wider shoulder and optimized cube block design lead to a direct steering response as well as improved cornering grip and dry handling performance.

The Winter i*cept evo2 and Winter i*cept evo2 SUV delivers stylish winter performance with a pattern design that has won the internationally renowned Red Dot Design Award in 2015. They are mainly produced in Hankook’s European state-of-the-art production site in Hungary and are now available in various dimensions. The Winter i*cept evo2 is available in sizes from 16 – 19 inches in tread widths of 205 – 275 mm with aspect ratios from 40 – 60 series in speed indexes H and V mainly as Extra-Load (XL) versions. The Winter i*cept evo2 SUV is available in sizes from 17 – 20 inches in tread widths of 225 – 275 mm with aspect ratios from 40 – 65 series in speed indexes H and V.

www.hankooktire.ca