The new BMW M5 will be factory-equipped with Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z tires. The fast saloon comes with mixed tires in the size 285/40 ZR20 at the front axle and 295/35 ZR21 at the rear axle.
Since the M5 is a PHEV with high output of 725hp/1000Nm, grip was a priority, so engineers tuned the tires to offer good response for a sharper handling. Hankook has also managed to keep fuel consumption in check through a low rolling resistance. The Ventus S1 evo Z tires are produced in Hankook’s European plant in Hungary.
Klaus Krause, vice president and head of Europe technical center at Hankook in Hanover, said, “Our clear objective was to transmit the unique driving dynamics of the high-performance saloon to the road without having to compromise when it comes to rolling resistance. We have achieved this over the three-year development time.”
For the BMW M5, the tread of the Ventus S1 evo Z was specifically designed and it uses an exclusive material mix to compliment the handling characteristics of the saloon. Thanks to the addition of various high-performance resins, the tires offer optimum grip across a wide range of operating temperatures.
The Ventus S1 evo Z’s high-load characteristics ensure the directional stability of the performance saloon, even when driven hard. The tire also features a new tread with generous contact surface and rearranged linear grooves that support fast feedback in response to steering commands. Wide tread blocks on the tire also support the agile steering behavior.
The tires also feature an aramid hybrid belt for the BMW M5, which enhances the performance on dry surfaces. This prevents unwanted expansion of the tire due to centrifugal forces at high speed, and, with a Y speed index, the tires support top speeds in exceed of 300km/h (186mph).
During the development of the Ventus S1 evo Z, the Hankook engineers also relied on AI-supported algorithms to achieve the desired handling. The focus was particularly on the optimum force distribution in the tread during demanding cornering maneuvers. Numerous testing laps were completed on the Nürburgring as well as the Nardò high-speed ring.
Hankook is also supplying the iON i*cept as winter tires for the M5.
