Aerodynamic tyres break new ground

Hankook Tire has broken new ground at the Frankfurt Motor Show by unveiling a prototype tyre that features aerodynamic winglets on its sidewalls.

The Ventus Aero features six winglets on each sidewall which create downforce and act directly on the vehicle's axles, maximising tyre grip at higher speeds.

The concept tyre also features a so-called "dimple structure" above three of the winglets on the tyre sidewalls' upper section.

The dimples create a micro-vortex as the tyre rotates and assist in reducing aerodynamic drag created by the winglets below them.

"The impetus for the development of Ventus Aero has been to scoop out the largely unused aerodynamic possibilities when it comes to tyre design," said Hankook's chief marketing officer, Hyun Shick Cho.

Hankook has applied for a patent on the technology developed for the new tyre - which is the result of the company's strong focus on innovation.

"Future transportation concepts will require innovative and smart solutions, especially from the tyre industry," said Mr Cho.

"Hankook Tire will be expanding investment in future innovation as well as top-level motorsport like the DTM, where advanced technologies are applied to developing new high performance tyres."

Hankook says its aerodynamic sidewall technology will be applied to its racing tyres, and is likely to be incorporated into a new generation of ultra-high performance road tyres for especially fast and powerful super sports cars.

The company also used the Frankfurt show to debut its next generation of race tyres for the German-based DTM touring car series, which moves to new regulations next year.

The tyres are wider and larger in diameter and incorporate lessons about construction and compound learnt by Hankook during this year's inaugural season of tyre supply to the DTM.

Hankook also displayed another concept tyre specifically for electric vehicles called Kinergy Eco EV, featuring technologies to reduce rolling resistance, minimise battery usage, enhance battery charging speed and improve motor performance.