Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 and Winter i*cept evo2 SUV: Optimized driving in all winter conditions

Hankook upgrades 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.

BRAMPTON, ON, September 21, 2015 – Premium tire maker Hankook introduces a new generation of its ultra-high performance snow specialist, 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.

As snow, ice, frost, heavy rain and wet leaves are set to blanket our roads making way for more dangerous driving conditions, the new Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 and Winter i*cept evo2 SUV tackle cold weather’s challenges with further improved compounds and enhanced design features.

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.

# # #

Technical Characteristics Hankook Winter i*cept evo2

1. New High-Dispersible Nano Silica Tread Compound
- Improved wet traction, snow and ice performance.

2. Dual Function Asymmetric Performance Tread
- The outside tread provides improved snow handling performance.
- The inside tread enhances braking performance on snow and wet roads.

3. 3D Sipes
- Enhanced driving stability and improved winter performance through minimized block movement.

4. Lateral Ice Axe Shaped Traction Grooves
- Scratching effect on snow-covered roads for powerful snow performance by optimizing the lateral groove angle.

5. Wide Grooves
- Improved snow grip and hydroplaning performance through optimized contact area.
- 30% wider grooves compared to existing product ensure efficient water and slush displacement.

6. Wide Shoulder And Optimized Cube Block
- Improved handling performance, grip and cornering performance.

7. Red Dot-Design Winner 2015

###

About Hankook Tire Canada Corp.

Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, Hankook Tire Canada Corporation is a technology-focused, customer-oriented company that markets and distributes a complete line of high performance and ultra-high performance passenger tires, light truck and SUV tires, winter tires and medium truck and bus tires in Canada. With quality-proven products, Hankook Tire Canada is rapidly growing to become an industry leader in Canada. As the National Partner and the Official Tire of Hockey Canada, Hankook Tire Canada actively supports grassroots sports and contributes back to local communities.