Further Audi RS models ex works with Hankook tires: Hankook tires now as original equipment for the Audi RS 6 Avant & Audi RS 7 Sportback

Hankook is expanding its original equipment business at AUDI AG in the powerful RS model segment. In addition to the current Audi models RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Sportback and TT RS, the Audi RS 6 Avant and Audi RS 7 Sportback will also be delivered with Hankook tires ex works from their market launch in 2020. The Ventus S1 evo 3 models and Winter i*cept evo 2, each in 21 or 22 inches, will be fitted.

Neu-Isenburg, Germany, November 4, 2020 – Global leading premium tire maker Hankook Tire also equips the new Audi RS 6 Avant and Audi RS 7 Sportback with its UHP tires ex works from the model launch. With their powerful 441 kW (600 hp) engines, the two new Audi performance models require just 3.6 seconds for the prestigious sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. And the high-performance sports cars still offer space and comfort for the whole family. The same applies to the fitted tires, which, in addition to the industry-standard release tests for RS tires, must also withstand ten laps of the Nürburgring's legendary Nordschleife at maximum possible speed. This ensures that the tire construction is robust, but there must be no compromise on comfort in other situations.

To achieve this balancing act between incredible driving performance and suitability for everyday use, Hankook supplies powerful all-rounders as suitable tires in this particularly demanding vehicle segment. Both new Audi RS models will be fitted with Hankook's Ventus S1 evo 3 in 275/35 ZR21 (103Y) XL AO or optionally 285/30 ZR22 (101Y) XL AO tires. To ensure safe driving in the cold season, Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback can also be equipped with the Winter i*cept evo 2, in 245/40 R21 100V XL AO or 285/30 R22 101W XL AO.

"Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback combine impressive driving performance with suitability for everyday use," says Hyunjun Cho, Head of Hankook OE Division. "The same can be said about our premium tires. As a long-standing partner, we already equip many high-performance Audi models and are very proud that our products have once again managed to impress Audi Sport GmbH."

The Ventus S1 evo 3 is equipped with a high-strength bead core which, in combination with the reinforced sidewall, ensures not only sporty and dynamic handling but also driving control, straight-line stability and steering precision, especially at high speeds. In addition, the double-layer carcass and the use of a special aramid composite material reduce the undesired expansion of the rolling circumference at speeds above 300 km/h by up to 60 percent compared to previously used fabrics. The new tread compound, which uses high-performance natural resins, ensures the necessary grip with excellent traction and braking performance on both dry and wet roads. Reducing a higher level of interior noise, typical of low profile sports tires at certain speed, was a central aspect during the development work, which aimed to provide a powerful yet comfortable driving experience.

The award-winning Hankook Winter i*cept evo 2 with asymmetric tread is used as an optional winter tire for both Audi RS models. The outer side of the tread with its wide block tread pattern ensures improved handling characteristics and precise directional control especially in dry conditions, while the inner side of the tread with an increased number of tread block edges and sipes ensures excellent braking and traction performance on snow, slush and wet roads.