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FORMULA 3 TEAMS TO RELY ON KUMHO RACE TYRES AT 2016 ZANDVOORT MASTERS

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For 15 years straight, here at Kumho, we have supplied all of the tyres for Europe’s top F3 teams to compete in the annual Zandvoort Masters meeting. And, coming up, more than 20 of the latest crop of would-be Grand Prix drivers will push their Kumho ECSTA race tyres to the limits at this famous former F1 circuit on the weekend of 20/21 August .

 

Large supplies of specially-made ECSTA S700 (slick) and ECSTA W700 (wet) tyres will be on hand for this, Europe’s most prestigious F3 event of the year. Each car is eligible for up to four sets of slicks to cover free practice, qualifying and the races. They also have access to three sets of the W700 tyres, in case any of the sessions are declared ‘wet’ by the officials. As with F1, tyre strategy is paramount and the teams work as hard on this as the set-up of the cars themselves.

 

“We are proud to have been the partner and exclusive tyre supplier to the legendary Formula 3 Zandvoort Masters event for the last 15 years in succession. Many talented young drivers competed here on Kumho tyres before later debuting on the ultimate racing stage of F1. I look forward to an exciting race weekend,” Manfred Theisen of Kumho Motorsport Europe.

 

Since first being appointed official supplier to the event 15 years ago, Kumho has witnessed some especially gifted racers take victory in the blue riband event – including the little-know (!) triple F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who achieved the double in 2005 by winning the F3 Euro series as well, which was also supplied by Kumho. More recent victors include current F1 stars Nico Hülkenberg and Valtteri Bottas; also the senior formula’s youngest ever recruit, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who created motorsport history in 2014 when he won the prestigious Zandvoort Masters in a Kumho-shod Dallara Volkswagen, thereby echoing the 1993 achievement of his famous father Jos.

Kumho Motorsports supplies tyres to drivers and teams in a variety of motorsport disciplines, including single-seaters, sports racing and touring cars, for use throughout Europe and beyond. Kumho ECSTA S700 slick and ECSTA W700 wet tyres are developed by experienced engineers specifically for race use and are supplied in sizes 13 to 18 inches. Both are available in a range of compounds to suit all track and weather conditions. The F3 Masters cars are equipped with:

Kumho Tyre   FORMULA 3 TEAMS TO RELY ON KUMHO RACE TYRES AT 2016 ZANDVOORT MASTERS Kumho Tyre   FORMULA 3 TEAMS TO RELY ON KUMHO RACE TYRES AT 2016 ZANDVOORT MASTERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kumho ECSTA S700 (for dry conditions)     Kumho ECSTA W700 (for wet conditions)

Front: 200/550 R 13                                          Front: 180/550 R 13

Rear: 240/570 R 13                                            Rear: 240/570 R 13

The post FORMULA 3 TEAMS TO RELY ON KUMHO RACE TYRES AT 2016 ZANDVOORT MASTERS appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.


KUMHO HONOURED WITH PRESTIGIOUS IDEA AWARDS FOR ITS INNOVATIVE ‘SMASHER’ &‘SEALANT’ TYRES

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Kumho’s ground-breaking ‘Smasher’ and ‘Sealant’ tyres have been honoured with 2016 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). With the world’s top three design accolades behind it – the Red Dot (Germany), iF International Forum Design (Germany) and IDEA (United States) – Kumho’s design and technological capabilities have now been recognised by the industry as a whole.

The prestigious IDEA competition is co-sponsored by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and Businessweek magazine. By triumphing with ‘Smasher’ – a futuristic concept tyre equipped with ultra-innovative technologies – and ‘Sealant’ – a product already on sale in some markets – Kumho has confirmed its ability to simultaneously encompass both the future and present of tyre design.

The ‘Smasher’ was evolved in collaboration with the SsangYong Motor Company and attracted significant attention when unveiled on the Tivoli at the 2015 IAA Motorshow. The tyre is optimised for driving in extreme conditions, and features such innovations as suction plates and grinder-shaped tread blocks. The former enable the vehicle to ascend steep slopes by creating a vacuum between the tyre and the ground, while the latter permit safe driving over even the roughest terrain by crushing uneven areas that could otherwise damage a tyre.

Kumho Tyre   KUMHO HONOURED WITH PRESTIGIOUS IDEA AWARDS FOR ITS INNOVATIVE ‘SMASHER’ & ‘SEALANT’ TYRES

As the name suggests, the ‘Sealant’ tyre automatically seals itself when penetrated by debris, thereby preventing loss of air pressure. The IDEA award is the latest accolade for this product, that has already been bestowed with the Red Dot, Good Design (Japan) and Good Design (Korea) awards.

“We are very proud to now have the top three international design awards under our belt,” said Chung Taek-Gyun, Executive Vice President at Kumho Tire and Head of R&D Division, “and will continue to build our capabilities in all areas of tyre technology, including design, in order to open a new chapter for the global tyre industry.”

Last month, Kumho won two prizes at the Green Good Design Awards 2016 held in the United States. They were for the ‘Eco Sense SE11’ and the ‘WATTRUN VS31’ – tyres specifically designed for environment-friendly and electric vehicles that have already reached the market in Japan and North America, respectively. This is the second consecutive year Kumho has received a Green Good Design award – further recognition of its contribution to sustainability, innovation and the future environment.

The post KUMHO HONOURED WITH PRESTIGIOUS IDEA AWARDS FOR ITS INNOVATIVE ‘SMASHER’ & ‘SEALANT’ TYRES appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Returning to the UK Truck Tyre Market in style

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It has been 18 months since we returned to the UK truck tyre market and the future looks bright!

With impressive sales, an expanded team in place and new products in the warehouse, our UK truck tyre offering and performance is better than ever.

Our products deliver substantial mileage benefits that compete well with and often surpass those of our premium brand competitors. Our sales from 2016 are already running 160% up on last year.

“These are challenging times for our market, which is seeing a major influx of Asian product, coupled with the uncertainty of the global economy and Britain’s decision to leave the EU. However, not only have we moved swiftly to create an effective dealer chain, but also been very busy developing an exciting new range of products.” Steve Miller, head of Kumho Tyre UK’s Truck Tyre Business.

Let’s have a look at the KXS10 and KXD10. These flagship steer and drive tyres first became available at the back-end of last year in 315/80 size. 295/80 and 315/70 versions will be added in the near future and Kumho has very high hopes for these cross-Euro patterns and their upcoming derivatives.

Then there’s the KRS50 and KRD50. Stocks of the extra-load, Euro 6 compliant KRS50 pattern are just coming on stream and, according to Miller, “already flying out of the door”. This new regional steer pattern is available now in 295/80 size, with the 315/70 version set to join the range at the turn of the year. Its regional drive axle partner is the upgraded KRD50.

The KRT03 is set to join Kumho’s ever-evolving truck tyre line-up by the close of 2016/early 2017.

“One of the major challenges of creating a sustainable range of truck tyres these days is taking account of all the different load levels, temperatures and meteorological conditions fleets can encounter as they travel from one side of the continent to the other in a very short space of time. We believe our solutions are as competitive as those of any major tyre manufacturer, and will be sharing these and other forward-looking views with our European dealers at a special seminar in Hanover on the evening of September 26, that’s been timed to coincide with the IAA,” Miller concluded.

The post Returning to the UK Truck Tyre Market in style appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

KUMHO DEALERS ATTEND ZANDVOORT MASTERS AND TEST KUMHO UHP PRODUCTS

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For the last 15 years, we have supplied all of the tyres for the LEGENDARY Zandvoort Masters of F3 event.

Kumho Tyre   KUMHO DEALERS ATTEND ZANDVOORT MASTERS AND TEST KUMHO UHP PRODUCTS

Zandvoort 19.08.2016. Masters of Formula 3 Zandvoort ©Essayprodukties.nl

This year, around 100 members of Kumho Tyre’s European dealer network were not only treated to hospitality throughout the race weekend, but reunited at the circuit the following Monday in order to sample the company’s range of high-performance road products for themselves.

Kumho Tyre   KUMHO DEALERS ATTEND ZANDVOORT MASTERS AND TEST KUMHO UHP PRODUCTS

Zandvoort 19-22.08.2016. Kumho Masters of Formula 3 Zandvoort ©Essayprodukties.nl

The dealer party comprised of our delegates from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden and Romania, who all gathered over dinner at the Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin, Noordwijk on Saturday, August 20. The following day they were transported to the Zandvoort circuit where they were able to meet the ‘class of 2016’ F3 drivers, experience a tour of the comprehensive Kumho motorsport facility installed for the event, witness the performance of the company’s slick (ECSTA S700) and wet (ECSTA W700) racing tyres in action AND even enjoy an interview with the overall race winner, the meeting’s sole Swedish contender, Joel Eriksson. The day was rounded off in appropriate manner by a boat trip and evening meal in Amsterdam.

“This was a notably successful dealer trip that combined the best of hospitality, motorsport and product testing, and we have received many positive reports from those attending.” Kumho Manager, Steve Miller.

Kumho Tyre   KUMHO DEALERS ATTEND ZANDVOORT MASTERS AND TEST KUMHO UHP PRODUCTS

Zandvoort 19-22.08.2016. Kumho Masters of Formula 3 Zandvoort ©Essayprodukties.nl

Following a good night’s sleep, the party returned to the circuit to sample Kumho’s high-performance road tyres on the same circuit they had witnessed the experts competing the day before. They tried their hand at driving on wet and dry surfaces and even a spot of drifting. However, the high spot of the day for a lucky few was sitting alongside Dutch drifting ace Rick van Goethem – as, fresh from a competition in Denmark, he made this most exacting of motorsports look positively facile. Another surprise guest among the gathering was Dutch kickboxing ace Nieky Holzken.

Another successful dealer trip!

Kumho Tyre   KUMHO DEALERS ATTEND ZANDVOORT MASTERS AND TEST KUMHO UHP PRODUCTS

Zandvoort 19-22.08.2016. Kumho Masters of Formula 3 Zandvoort ©Essayprodukties.nl

 

The post KUMHO DEALERS ATTEND ZANDVOORT MASTERS AND TEST KUMHO UHP PRODUCTS appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Kumho Quality Standard for your 4×4

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Kumho Tyre   Kumho Quality Standard for your 4x4We have recently enhanced our comprehensive 4×4 tyre range with the addition of the Crugen HP91, a high performance tyre for an SUV segment that has never been so important. Kumho has a broad range of products and we are proud that the majority of requirements are now covered by the latest on-road offering and the cross-functional Road Venture patterns MT KL71 and AT KL78. Between them, these products have size ranges and applications that cover everything from such top-end SUV brands as Range Rover and BMW X5 to 4×4 stalwarts such as the Land Rover Defender.

Aimed at owners of the latest lifestyle and luxury SUVs who seek the optimum driving experience from their prestige vehicles, the Crugen HP91 will eventually replace the long serving KL17. The newcomer features an asymmetric tread pattern combined with four wide circumferential grooves. Its silica-enhanced compound results in improved wet weather handling and braking, and a rolling resistance Kumho states is comparable to that of most passenger car tyres. The product’s other major attributes include strong high speed stability, low wear rates, and better resistance to aquaplaning. The HP91 is manufactured in in V, W and Y speed ratings and is available in sizes to fit, for example, the Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque, BMW X5 and X3, and Volvo XC90 and XC60.

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Quality Standard for your 4x4Our mud terrain 4×4 tyre, the Road Venture MT KL71 has a wider footprint for better floatation on soft surfaces and superior stability on-road. Kumho adds that the tread itself is its most innovative aspect: on-road, the tread pitch sequence and centre elements have been designed to give a quieter ride than typical MT tyres. The centre area of the tread is strong and solid, which maximizes on-road stability and braking. The high void directional pattern means better aquaplaning resistance and also more efficient cleaning, for faster mud clearance. The shoulder lugs provide better off-road traction on soft surfaces.

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Quality Standard for your 4x4The Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 is now well established within our 4×4 tyre range, having become the joint winner of the 2008 ‘ultimate tyre test’, jointly organised by 4×4 Magazine and Land Rover World. We’d say that the Road Venture AT KL78 as the most versatile tyre in the Kumho 4×4 range. Our expert engineers designed the KL78 to be truly cross-functional, with good road manners and competent off-road capability.

Check out our full range of 4×4 tyres by clicking here.

The post Kumho Quality Standard for your 4×4 appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

OUR ALL-SEASON TYRE HONOURED WITH PRESTIGIOUS JAPANESE GOOD DESIGN AWARD

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The latest all-season tyre within our range, the Solus HA31, has won itself one of the much-coveted Japanese Good Design Awards. Not only that, it turns out good things come in twos! The Kumho Eco Sense SE11 also won an award. Its pattern specifically designed for environmentally friendly and electric vehicles but, unlike the HA31, this tyre is not currently available on the UK market.

Kumho Tyre   OUR ALL SEASON TYRE HONOURED WITH PRESTIGIOUS JAPANESE GOOD DESIGN AWARD

The ideal all-weather choice for all sizes of passenger car

Solus HA31 has now all but replaced the Solus Vier KH21 in the UK; though the older pattern is currently still available in some sizes. HA31 is the ideal choice for drivers of all sizes of passenger car seeking optimum performance and reliability in all weathers. It features lateral grooves for enhanced wet road performance, honeycomb structure 3D sipes for optimum traction on snowy surfaces, a directional tread pattern with S-SBR technology for an exceptional balance between wet grip, fuel economy and wear rate, and reinforced centre rib and tread blocks for improved braking performance.

 

HA31 is available in sizes 13 to 17 inch, and a recent addition of eight new fitments in 16 and 17 inch sizes has brought the current total number of options to around 60. We are an established supplier of cold and all-weather tyres for the more traditional winter tyre markets of Scandinavia and Central Europe, where Kumho Tyre’s comprehensive range of products is very highly regarded.

 

A golden period of recognition

These latest accolades cap a golden period of recognition for Kumho, with our products recently receiving tributes from all three of the world’s top design forums – the Red Dot (Germany), iF International Forum Design (Germany) and IDEA (United States) – as well as winning two prizes at the Green Good Design Awards 2016 held in the United States. The latter were for the aforementioned Eco Sense SE11 and another new Kumho pattern aimed environmentally-friendly and electric vehicle markets, the WATTRUN VS31, which will become available on the UK market this December.

The post OUR ALL-SEASON TYRE HONOURED WITH PRESTIGIOUS JAPANESE GOOD DESIGN AWARD appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

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The Kumho Experience 2016 kicked off last week at the legendary Silverstone racetrack and what a week it was! From Lambos to Ariel Atoms, Rally-racing to Audi R8s, Off-roading to even a few appearances from some Tottenham Hotspur legends – it was a fantastic few days for everyone involved.

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

We invited Kumho Tyre dealers from across Great Britain and Ireland to come on down and take on the track with our tyres and the turnout was incredible (a special shout-out to the guys from Ireland who trekked around 400 miles to be there!). Well, I guess the offer to take a lap around Silverstone in a Lamborghini Gallardo is a pretty tough one to turn down, right?

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

So what did the day entail? Well, we know everyone likes to get a little bit competitive – especially when supercars are involved. The aim of the day was to test out our offerings and the dealers were scored for each tyre they took out. Our professional instructors scored based on finesse, precision and skills in an array of different driving disciplines that included off-roading, dirt rally racing and on the racetrack. Each section of the test, of course, was paired perfectly with one of tyres.

On the race track, we saw Audi R8s passing Lamborghini Gallardos, closely followed by an Ariel Atom, with a Fiat 500 Abarth not far behind and a cheeky Alfa Romeo 4C or two also putting on a good show. Each dealer got a chance to get behind the wheel of each car and was scored based on their performance.

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Both the Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8 were riding on ECSTA PS91s. These are tyres that are developed for the world’s fastest supercars. Think precise steering, excellent dry handling performance and outstanding high-speed stability.

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

One of our most established tyres – the ECSTA HS51 – was seen on the Alfa Romeo 4Cs. They offered maximum ride comfort and well balanced performance for the Alfa Romeo. Their excellent traction made for the perfect answer to taking on the bends at Silverstone.

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Also seen on the racetrack was the iconic Ariel Atom. These legendary motors were driven by the professionals; with the dealers taking the passenger’s seat for two laps that they would not be forgetting anytime soon! The Atom was paired beautifully with the V70A.

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

The outstanding driving stability of the ECSTA PS71s was tested on the Fiat 500 Abarths. These tyres offer improved wet performance – but arguably luckily for everyone at Silverstone across the three days, the great weather meant that aquaplaning didn’t come into the equation!

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Aside from the track, the dealers got the chance to take on the Silverstone off-roading experience in beastly Land Rover Defenders with equally beastly Road Venture MT51s. They offered balanced on and off-road driving with excellent off-road traction. The dealers may have already proven their prowess on the track, but how will they do off the track?

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Finally was the chance to enjoy a bit of dirt rallying before the day was over. The R800 gravel rally tyres saw the dealers experience the dirt in style. Expertly driven across Silverstone’s special rally stage, the course showed off the R800’s ability to seriously eat dirt!

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Okay, the driving experience was pretty special. But do you know what would top the day off even more? How about some appearances from some of the most legendary Tottenham Hotspurs icons out there? Okay! We were lucky enough to have a Q&A from none other than Ledley King, Clive Allen, Osvaldo Ardiles and Micky Hazard.

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

 

It was a fantastic few days and we would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved! From all the dealers who made the trip to everyone behind the scenes – the Kumho Experience 2016 was quite the experience!

 

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016

The post Kumho Tyre at Silverstone for the Kumho Experience 2016 appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Bob Fowden & Paul Wakely clinch Welsh Title on our tyres

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Bob Fowden and Paul Wakely took a dominant victory on the Peter Lloyd Stages Rally held at the Pembrey Motorsports Centre in West Wales on Sunday October 23rd. Their Comline Auto Parts – Kumho Tyre – NGK backed Subaru Impreza WRC machine was fastest over all five special stages at a sunny, but windy, venue on the Welsh coastline. The rally win only went and secured the 2016 Welsh Championship!

The result brought another maximum points score in the JD Tyres Welsh National Tarmacadam Rally Championship , adding to the wins on six previous rounds, namely the Rali Cwm Gwendraeth, the Tour of Epynt, Harlech Stages, Dale Stages, the Harry Flatters Epynt Stages, and the Mewla Stages – again over the notorious Epynt Ranges on Military land near Brecon.
With seven maximum scores Fowden and Wakely can now not be beaten in the premier Welsh series, and will collect the series trophies at the WAMC Presentation Dinner at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells on January 21st 2017.

The win gives Bob Fowden a remarkable tally of four titles, having taken the top spot in 2011, 2013, and 2015, now on top once again and setting an unequalled record in the process. Co-driver Paul Wakely takes his first victory in the series, in his first year competing with the Fowden Motorsport Team in this championship.

Congrats, boys!

The post Bob Fowden & Paul Wakely clinch Welsh Title on our tyres appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.


KUMHO VICTORIOUS IN FIA AUTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

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  • Kumho victorious in European Autocross for the second year running
  • 2016 – another successful season that confirms Kumho’s ability to shine in all manner of motorsport disciplines

Frenchman Florent Tafani recently brought his Kumho-shod Peters Suzuki home ahead of no less than 38 fellow competitors, to clinch the Buggy 1600cc class of the 2016 FIA Autocross Championship at his home circuit of Saint-Igny-De-Vers. Three victories and no less than eight podiums in the nine-round series was just reward for the experienced Tafani, who finished a frustrated runner-up in the same category last season. This year, he stuck with the soft compound K33 Kumho R800 tyres throughout the final weekend, re-cutting them when rain began to affect the mix of rough and muddy terrain.

There was success for Kumho in the Super Buggy class of the Series too, with last year’s Buggy 1600 victor, Johnny Feuillade, annexing 5th place in this more powerful class. To obtain optimum traction he opted for a mix of compounds for his Kumho R800 tyres, placing the soft K33 ones on the front and harder K71 versions on the rear. The ever-competitive Feuillade was among the quickest runners throughout the season, but suffered too many collisions to repeat the success he’d previously enjoyed in the lower class. 

Another strong and varied motorsport season for Kumho

Kumho is already able to reflect on another successful season in many branches of motorsport. Aside of the company’s R800 performance in the Autocross Championship:

  • Rick van Goethem won the Nürburgring Drift Cup on Kumho’s street-legal V70A track day tyres
  • Kumho-shod vehicles claimed two class wins and two 3rd places in the annual Nürburgring 24 Hour race
  • The company celebrated its 15th successive year as sole tyre supplier to the blue riband Zandvoort Masters of F3 meeting, which was this year won by Joel Eriksson
  • The company continues to be the sole supplier of tyres to the Chinese Touring Car Championship
  • Bob Fowden and Paul Wakely have clinched the Welsh National Tarmacadam Rally Championship after a dominant season in their Kumho-shod Subaru Impreza WRC

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Winter Olympic Gold medallist Amy Williams slides to success on Wales Rally GB

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Winter Olympic Gold medallist Amy Williams MBE has successfully completed her second Wales Rally GB as co-driver to Sky Sports News’ F1 analyst Tony Jardine. The privateer pair survived a last stage scare to finish a very creditable 39th overall among the world’s top rally teams.

Kumho Tyre   Winter Olympic Gold medallist Amy Williams slides to success on Wales Rally GB

Campaigning the same Kumho-shod Mitsubishi Evo IX that they enjoyed a class win on the 2013 event, the duo quickly gelled once more to survive unscathed on what is recognised as one of the most gruelling events on the WRC calendar. Not everything always go to plan, however!

“In the very last stage we slid wide at a hairpin and feared we’d damaged the intercooler. However, the ProSpeed team had prepared the car to perfection and this just confirmed what a tough car they’ve built.” Commenting on the K71 compound Kumho R800 pattern rally tyres used throughout the rally he added: “We owe a massive thank you to Kumho for once again providing us with state of the art tyre technology.” Tony Jardine.

Kumho Tyre   Winter Olympic Gold medallist Amy Williams slides to success on Wales Rally GB

“Thanks to professional tuition I was better prepared for my co-driving duties than last time, though still a little apprehensive, as it’s completely different once you are out on the tough gravel stages; it was also a tougher event than the 2013 one. Overall it’s been a huge success for me.” Amy Williams, MBE.

The final day began with the team putting on a new set of our tyres in the anticipation of some difficult stage conditions that will lay ahead. After a brief road section the pair then tackled the final 50km of the competitive stages in the Welsh forests.

Kumho Tyre   Winter Olympic Gold medallist Amy Williams slides to success on Wales Rally GB

With renewed enthusiasm and a desire to make up time lost after yesterday’s midstage tyre change, the pair battled through the classic Clocaenog stage making the most of their high-grip tyres. Stage-by-stage, Tony and Amy reeled in the competition snatching 39th overall and leapfrogging their way to 20th in class.

“Our relationship with Tony goes back many years now, and he’s again proved what a safe pair of hands he is by achieving yet another commendable finish on a rally that regularly defeats even the best of professional drivers.” Steve Thompson, Kumho Motorsports.

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Hutchinson & Garnett from RallyTravel take on the Wales Rally GB

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Sitting on the start line of the daunting first stage of Wales Rally GB (the classic Welsh forest stage of Myherin) David Hutchinson and Jeff Garnett from Rallytravel.com would be forgiven for wondering what they’d let themselves in for as the predicted warm and dry Welsh October weather had instead materialised as a damp, foggy and cold morning more akin to December than October. Within just a mile of the start of this first stage they passed by 3 cars crashed off the side of the road in the treacherous conditions, and a little further through the stage were greeted around a blind corner by the leading Mitsubishi Evo spun and blocking the road! Not even halfway through the stage at this point, the madness continued at the summit of the stage as the pair endured a couple of ‘near misses’ in the thick fog and swirling low cloud, before finally tackling the famous ‘Pikes Peak’ downhill sequence of hairpin bends to the finish.
Kumho Tyre   Hutchinson & Garnett from RallyTravel take on the Wales Rally GB
This was the first time the team had tackled any stages in the wet with their Kumho R800 tyres, so were delighted to have set a top 20 time over this opening stage beating the rally legend Jimmy McRae and several 4WD cars in their two wheel drive Ford Escort Mk2. “With over 260bhp and just rear-wheel drive that opening stage was certainly exciting” recalls co-driver Jeff Garnett “I always concentrate on keeping my head down and reading the pace notes, but I did catch an occasional glimpse of the fog and slippery conditions as the scenery flew by, which was a bit disconcerting!”
As some of their competitors struggled to change tyres on the roadside before the next batch of stages, the lower wear rate of the team’s R800s meant David and Jeff could continue to the next competitive sections and concentrate on the job of bringing the car back to the evening service in their targeted top 20 position. A great run through the final super-fast Dyfnant stage, where the top WRC competitors were clocked at over 120mph down the narrow forest tracks, brought them to the evening rest halt in Chester in 18th position overall.
The 2nd day of the rally began with a Spectator-friendly tarmac stage at Cholmondeley Castle which included a ‘doughnut’ section where the drivers could entertain the 12,000 plus spectators by demonstrating their ‘handbrake turn’ techniques, all played out live on the large TV screens around the venue. A long liaison section into mid-wales followed and another 4 challenging forest stages, again on the same set of Kumho R800’s all day which was quite an ask for the tyres.
“The weather improved on the Saturday which meant the tyres had to cope with a tarmac stage in the morning, 2 long liaison sections on the public roads and then around 40 miles of flat out driving through the flinty mid-wales stages. With the main WRC field having passed over these stages twice before our ‘National Rally’ field there were some huge rocks unearthed by the earlier cars through the stages, but our car and tyres coped perfectly bringing us to the end of the day in a great position.” David Hutchinson
Kumho Tyre   Hutchinson & Garnett from RallyTravel take on the Wales Rally GB
The eclectic entry list in the National Rally field meant that the Rallytravel.com team were competing in the same class as modern full-specification R5 and WRC type cars, as well as classic four wheel drive cars such as the Group B Metro 6R4. Even so, the team were confident of a good finish when suddenly on the way back to Chester on Saturday evening the Ford Escort began to experience problems with the clutch. In true rallying tradition team mechanic Bobby Scarth from Motoscope dived under the car and within 10 minutes the gearbox was out and on the floor ready for the clutch to be inspected! Rally mechanics are a breed apart and no amount of mud or rain gets in the way of an important job being carried out, usually in a tenth of the time your local garage or repair centre would quote for and often at the side of a muddy forest track in the middle of the night!
Roaring back into the rally on the final morning the team consolidated their position as first two wheel drive car in their class and were back up to 18th overall, again just one place behind Jimmy McRae when further transmission failure put them out of the rally just before the start of the final stage.
“We were all devastated not to finish, particularly so close to the end of the rally. But at that point we were beating our finishing position from last year, and we proved that the Kumho R800 tyres could work on both the front and rear of the car in any road conditions – it says something for the tyres that they can propel a 40 year old two wheel drive car ahead of so many modern four wheel drive cars on such a gruelling event.” David Hutchinson

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Winter Care for your Vehicle

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Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Winter tyres aren’t the answer to all your problems this winter. We’ve got some easy tips to keep safe whilst the days are extra cold.

> We know getting up on these extra cold/dark mornings is bad enough as it is, but we’d recommend getting up at least 15 minutes earlier to give you time to prepare your car

> You’re not playing on the PS4, no need to recreate driving the tank with a tiny hole cleared in the windscreen. Clear all windows using a scraper and de-icer and don’t leave the driveway until this is completely done.

> Always choose to take the busier roads which are more likely to have been gritted and will be safer. Put safety before punctuality.

> Allow extra time for winter journeys but be prepared for the inevitability of being late for work due to unexpected delays. Don’t breathe on the lock, as the moisture will condense and freeze. Use a cigarette lighter to warm a key for a frozen lock.

 

Kumho Tyre   Winter Care for your VehicleIce isn’t as great for everyone, especially drivers.

 

Driving in snow and ice

It’s all about simple, slow and calm manoeuvres in the snow and ice. No harsh revving or speedy turns. Remember that stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow.

> If you have to use brakes, make sure your apply them gently.

> If your car is Automatic, you should be uber careful in the winter. Under normal driving conditions (motorways, etc) it’s best to select ‘Drive’ and let the gearbox do the work throughout the full gear range. In slippery, snowy conditions it’s best to select ‘2’, which limits the gear changes and also makes you less reliant on the brakes.

> Make the choice to pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid any potential wheel-spin.When going up hill, try to avoid having to stop part way up by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room to the car in front. Keep your speed at a constant, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill.

> When you’re going down hill, reduce your speed before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front.

> Worse comes to worst and you get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Try using something like a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.

 

Tyres

Now let’s get a bit more tyre specific. You should aim for at least 3mm of tread on your tyres during winter, but make sure tread is definitely no less than 2mm.

> One common winter myth that we’re ready to debunk is that you can reduce your tyre pressure to get more grip. But this IS NOT the case! This will only reduce your stability.

> Seriously consider changing to either winter tyres or all-season tyres. A winter tyre has a higher silica content in the tread which prevents it hardening at lower temperatures, and therefore gives better grip in cold, wet conditions.

> We’ve got some information about our new WinterCraft tyres below. Check them out!

 

WinterCraft WP71Kumho Tyre   Winter Care for your Vehicle

  • New compound technology for excellent braking performance in winter conditions
  • Excellent traction on snow and ice with new tread pattern design and 3D sipes
  • Optimised tyre construction for improved driving stability
  • Enhanced performance on wet roads through new tyre contour design
  • With M+S marking and snowflake (3PMSF)
  • For midsize saloons, luxury and sports cars

 

WinterCraft WP51Kumho Tyre   Winter Care for your Vehicle

  • Newly developed High Performance Tyre
  • Directional pattern design offering excellent resistance against aquaplanning
  • Enhanced grip on ice and snow through latest sipe technology
  • Silica tread compound for short braking distance
  • With M+S marking and snowflake
  • For compact and medium cars

 

Find out about Winter Tyres for your SUVS, Vans and more of our Winter Tyre Car range by clicking here.

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Killarney Historic Rally saw Kumho Tyre own the track

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It’s coming up to the end of the year which means it’s time for the final rally of the year in Ireland. Time to hit the Killarney Historic Rally!

In the Modified section, this year’s MSA British Rally Championship Junior Champion, Rob Duggan, took to the track in his highly modified Ford Escort MK11 (seen below). It took the might of his own driving expertise and a little help from his Kumho tyres to see the young champion across the finish line in first place and claim victory in the Modified section.

Kumho Tyre   Killarney Historic Rally saw Kumho Tyre own the track

The Historic Rally, overall, was won by Ryan Barrett also in his Ford Escort MK11, and ALSO shod in Kumho tyres! After moving into the lead on the fourth stage, Barrett, guided by Paul McCann, finished the seven-stage event 45.1 seconds ahead of the Escort of Welsh ace Melvyn Evans and his Cork co-driver Sean Hayde.

A great event all round, with some awesome success for Kumho Tyre.

There was plenty of excitement across the board at Killarney. See an extract of the excitement below.

“Gaining time on S.S. 5 Duggan went 14.2 seconds ahead but Newman responded to reduce the margin to 7.9 seconds prior to the night’s final stage. In a dramatic final stage Duggan damaged the rear left wheel rim, but kept his composure to take victory by 5.6 seconds. Donegal’s Kevin Eves (Toyota Corolla) made a final stage push that saw him take third away from Damien Toner (Escort).” Martin Walsh, Motorsport, Irish Examiner.

Read all of the action by clicking here

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2016: A Successful Year for Kumho in Motorsport

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At Kumho, we invest heavily in R&D, as well as boasting up-to-the-minute facilities on three continents. An integral part of this process is motorsport, which is why Kumho are prominent in several competition disciplines, not least racing, rallying and autocross.

There are some final results of  various championships that are yet to be decided, but the year has undoubtedly been another successful one on all fronts. Have a look at what we’ve been up to this year:

 

Racing

Single-seater categories

Kumho Tyre   2016: A Successful Year for Kumho in Motorsport

The 2016 Zandvoort Masters of F3

The Zandvoort Masters event remains the blue riband of European F3 racing, for which Kumho has supplied all the tyres for the last 15 years – this year the choice was between ECSTA S700 slicks and ECSTA W700 wets. By winning the 2016 final, Swede Joel Eriksson is following in the wheel tracks of current F1 stars triple World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Valtteri Bottas and Nico Hülkenburg.

Kumho Tyre   2016: A Successful Year for Kumho in Motorsport

Ye Yifei, French F4 series winner

You can check out a video of the event here.

Kumho has also been the sole tyre supplier to the French F4 series for a number of years. A truly international category, it was won this season by 16-year old Chinese talent Ye Yifei, who was victorious in no less than 14 of the 23 races.

 

Saloon formulae and events

Kumho Tyre   2016: A Successful Year for Kumho in Motorsport

Class-winning BMW at Nürburgring 24 hour race

Kumho’s tyres have an enviable record around the Nürburgring Nordschleife’s incomparable 12.9 miles of twists and turns, and this year it was further enhanced when Kumho-shod entries achieved 2 class victories and two 3rd places in the gruelling annual 24 hour race.

This was also the 19th consecutive year that Kumho has supported the UK’s popular BMW Saloon Championship, and the second for which it has successfully provided the powerful Class A cars with the option of slicks and wet weather tyres.

Further afield Kumho has continued to supply all the tyres for such major national competitions as the Australian V8 Touring Car and Chinese Touring Car championships. 

 

Rallying

Wales

Kumho Tyre   2016: A Successful Year for Kumho in Motorsport

Fowden/Wakely, Welsh Tarmac Champions

Competitors have been winning national rally championships on Kumho tyres for very many years and the latest to do so are Bob Fowden and Paul Wakely, who clinched the 2016 JD Tyres Welsh National Tarmacadam Rally Championship aboard their Subaru Impreza WRC with one round to spare.

Winter Olympic medallist Amy Williams MBE this year successfully completed her second Wales Rally GB as co-driver to Kumho stalwart and Sky Sports’ F1 analyst Tony Jardine. They survived a last stage scare to finish a very creditable 39th overall among the world’s best rally teams. Tony’s 23rd finish on the event surpasses that of 1983 World Rally Champion Hannu Mikkola and is only three less than was achieved by the legendary Stig Blomqvist.

Ireland

Kumho Tyre   2016: A Successful Year for Kumho in Motorsport

Garry Jennings, Galway Rally winner

Some of the Irish championships in which Kumho is involved are yet to be concluded, but regular Kumho ambassador and 2013 Irish Rally Champion Garry Jennings kicked off the season in typical style by winning the Galway International event outright in his Subaru Impreza, as well as the first round of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship; the Mayo Stages.

 

The second Triton showers event was also won by a Kumho-shod car – the Ford Fiesta WRC of Donegal rallying cousins Declan and Brian Boyle.

 

France

Following in the footsteps of 2011 French Gravel Rally Champion Simon Jean-Joseph, Arnaud Mordacq finished the 2016 series undefeated in Group N and overall runner-up with his Kumho-tyred Mitsubishi Evo 9.

 

Autocross

Kumho Tyre   2016: A Successful Year for Kumho in Motorsport

Florent Tafani, FIA Autocross champion

Kumho has frequently shone in both rallycross and autocross and this year won the FIA Autocross Championship courtesy of Frenchman Florent Tafani, who clinched the Buggy 1600cc class at his home circuit of Saint-Igny-De-Vers by beating no less than 38 fellow competitors to the flag. For the purpose, his Peters Suzuki was equipped with ECSTA R800 gravel tyres – soft K33 compound ones on the front and harder K71 versions on the rear.

“Some manufacturers achieve wins and podium places by concentrating on one particular branch of the sport. Kumho has always been prepared to tackle a range of disciplines and, as this year, has a habit of achieving notable results in them all. It is this breadth of experience in the heat of competition that has helped to make our latest range of high-performance road tyres among the very best on the market.” Kumho Motorsport’s Steve Thompson

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KUMHO TO SPONSOR ALASTAIR FISHER’S ASSAULT ON THE 2017 IRISH TARMAC RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

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Last season, 28-year old construction engineer Alastair Fisher finished a fighting fourth in the Clonakilty Blackpudding Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, driving a Ford Fiesta R5. This year he will again be doing his best to lift the series trophy that his uncle, the late great Bertie Fisher, won no less than four times. Equally hopeful of his success are his new sponsor Kumho Tyre and the company’s Irish distributor, Modern Tyre Service of Enniskillen, under whose colours the car will be running.

Alastair began his rally career in 2005 and in 2010 annexed the Irish Tarmac Group N Championship with a Mitsubishi Lancer. He then enjoyed a spell contesting the Academy and Junior categories of the World Rally Championship (WRC), in which he achieved a number of victories and podiums, before making a welcome return to his home championship last year. He will be at the wheel of a Fiesta R5 again this season, in which he will be partnered by his regular co-driver, the hugely experienced Gordon Noble.

Kumho will keep the pair supplied with ample stocks of its highly-rated FIA-homologated TM02 tarmac rally tyre. Commenting on the arrangement, Kumho Motorsport’s Steve Thompson said: “We are very excited to be backing Alastair’s latest title aspirations. He is without question one of the quickest of the current crop of home-grown drivers, and we are looking forward to a very exciting season.”

The team’s first outing in the six-round championship is on this weekend’s (February 4/5) Corrib Oil Galway International Rally, for which Alastair is the leading R5 seed. Kumho will also be providing their usual support for the WRC Subaru of Garry Jennings, who is the top seed for this event.

For further information on Kumho and its products for rally stage, track and road, see www.kumhotyre.co.uk.

Kumho Tyre   KUMHO TO SPONSOR ALASTAIR FISHER’S ASSAULT ON THE 2017 IRISH TARMAC RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

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KUMHO’S NEW SUPERCAR TYRE DELIVERS PREMIUM PERFORMANCE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

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Now readily available on the UK market, the eagerly-awaited ECSTA PS91 is Kumho’s optimum performance road car product. Benefiting from the company’s enviable motorsport achievements, PS91 is aimed squarely at supercars and such mouth-wateringly quick passenger saloons as BMW M cars, Mercedes-Benz AMG models and Audi RS ones. The entire range is Y or (Y) rated and offered in sizes from 18 to 20 inches in diameter.

The focus is on maximum grip and braking performance in the dry, combined with outstanding feel in all conditions. Motorsport technology has been employed in the creation of the tread compound, enhanced stiffness below which optimises grip and maximises high speed durability – all of which contributed to the tyre’s optimum (Y) speed rating that caters for cars capable of speeds in excess of 187mph (300kph). Another factor aiding durability is the 3D dimple technology that maximises heat dissipation and minimises wear rates. Such performance qualities often come at the expense of other attributes in the tyre world, but not in the case of Kumho’s ECSTA PS91, that also features sidewalls specially designed to supress vibration, improving comfort and reducing noise.

Kumho Tyre   KUMHO’S NEW SUPERCAR TYRE DELIVERS PREMIUM PERFORMANCE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

Yet another technical innovation that helps separate the asymmetric patterned ECSTA PS91 from its competitors, is that when fitted to especially powerful rearwheel drive cars, the rear fitments are endowed with additional block stiffness. Much thought has also been applied to the tyre’s aesthetics, and the tread around its slim outer groove features a series of dynamic racing flags, while the sidewall is enhanced by patches of trendy triangular engraving.

The newcomer has been given the thumbs up in a variety of independent tests, not least that by the 100 drivers Kumho invited to experience its qualities around Silverstone’s Stowe circuit – the UK’s only official F1 test track. They were able to put the tyre through its paces on Lamborghini Gallardos and Audi R8s and were generally very impressed by the predictability of the handling and high levels of grip displayed.

For many drivers, the best news of all will be the price of ECSTA PS91, which is decidedly competitive when compared with that of its premium brand rivals. Further information about this exciting new tyre and Kumho’s other products for road and track are available at www.kumhotyre.co.uk, as are details of its nationwide network of retailers.

Kumho Tyre   KUMHO’S NEW SUPERCAR TYRE DELIVERS PREMIUM PERFORMANCE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

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KUMHO ENJOYS MEMORABLE SUCCESS ON GALWAY RALLY, EQUIPPING ALMOST ALL THE MAJOR CLASS WINNERS

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Kumho had high hopes of success on last weekend’s (February 4/5) Corrib Oil Galway International Rally, but exceeded all expectations by equipping not only the outright winning WRC Subaru of Garry Jennings and Rory Kennedy, and the Ford Fiesta of new signings Alastair Fisher and Gordon Noble that annexed the all-important R5 class, but cars victorious in no less than 10 other divisions.

This was Fisher’s first outing with backing from Kumho, plus renewed support from the company’s Irish Distributor, Modern Tyre Service of Enniskillen, and his haul of maximum points towards the Clonakilty Blackpudding Irish Tarmac Rally Championship means he is now leading the series outright with five rounds to go.

Kumho Tyre   KUMHO ENJOYS MEMORABLE SUCCESS ON GALWAY RALLY, EQUIPPING ALMOST ALL THE MAJOR CLASS WINNERS

Photo: Martin Walsh

Said Kumho Motorsport’s Steve Thompson: “We have a strong record in Irish rallying, but this was nevertheless a standout weekend for us. Fisher and Noble were never headed within the R5 class and finished over 30 seconds ahead of their nearest championship rival. They were running our latest, soft-compound FIA-homologated TM02 tarmac rally tyres, while the majority of our other runners were shod with Kumho’s proven TW02 tyre or hand-cut slicks. We couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the season and now very much look forward to the second round of the Irish tarmac series, the West Cork Rally on March 18/19.

The full list of Kumho’s Galway Rally successes is as follows:

> 1st WRC & 1st overall – Garry Jennings & Rory Kennedy, Subaru Impreza WRC S12B

> 1st R5 & 3rd overall – Alastair Fisher & Gordon Noble, Ford Fiesta R5

> 1st R3 – Andrew Burke & Colin Keegan, Citroën DS3

> 1st Class 13 & 2nd overall National – Damien Tourish & Domhnall McAlaney, Ford Escort MKII

> 2nd Class 14 & 3rd overall National – Kevin Eves & William Lynch, Toyota Corolla AE86

> 1st Class 15 – Tommy Cahill & Enda O’Leary, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo

> 1st Class 11R – Jason Tuthill & Ben Teggart, Ford Escort MKII

> 1st Class 22 – Art McCarrick & John McCay, Honda Civic

> 1st Class 13 – Paul McHugh & David Mannion, Honda Integra

> 1st Class 10 – Declan Forde & Thomas Ward, Ford Escort MKII

> 1st Class 12 – Joe & Leona Donoghue, Ford Escort MKII

> 1st Overall Historic – Ernie Graham & Tim Sayer, Ford Escort MKII

For further information on Kumho or its products for rally stage, circuit or road use see www.kumhotyre.co.uk.

Kumho Tyre   KUMHO ENJOYS MEMORABLE SUCCESS ON GALWAY RALLY, EQUIPPING ALMOST ALL THE MAJOR CLASS WINNERS

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Kumho Tyre’s innovation honoured throughout Europe

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Last year, our products were honoured with the world’s top three design accolades – the Red Dot Award (Germany), iF International Forum Design (Germany), and International Design Excellence Awards (United States). Add further laurels from Good Design (Japan), Good Design (Korea) and Green Good Design (United States), and it was a bumper 12 months.

The innovation of note in recent years include: 15 series tyres; 32-inch SUV tyres; Laser-etched tread patterns; Coloured smoke tyres; and even aroma tyres. The company was also the first to be awarded the Nordic Swan Eco-Label.

The creation of concept tyres for global manufacturers including GM, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan and SsangYong has brought the world such memorable designs as: the super-low aspect ratio ‘Maxplo’ that changes shape according to the driving conditions; and ‘Smasher’, that features suction plates and grinder-shaped tread blocks.

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyres innovation honoured throughout Europe

The Kumho ‘Maxplo’ concept

Bespoke motorsport-derived OE fitments of note include the ECSTA V720 that’s fitted as standard to the thunderous 645bhp Dodge Viper ACR; also the ECSTA V70A on which all single-seat BAC Monos ride and which featured on all 2000 MK2 Mini John Cooper Works GPs.

Eco credentials

Also last year, we were honoured with the world’s top three design accolades – the Red Dot Award (Germany), iF International Forum Design (Germany), and International Design Excellence Awards (United States). Add further laurels from Good Design (Japan), Good Design (Korea) and Green Good Design (United States), and it was a bumper 12 months.

We displayed the Kia 3-cylinder, 2-stroke ‘Coop-Car 3 for free’ at last year’s Reifen exhibition. Its engine, capable of delivering a fuel consumption of just 2.5l/100km, was complemented by Kumho KH27 Ecowing ES01 tyres – they were especially chosen for their low rolling resistance and minimal noise level, following the achievement of top marks in these disciplines in an ADAC tyre test. Still newer additions to Kumho’s ‘green’ line-up are the award-winning Eco Sense SE11 (not currently on sale in the UK) and the WattruN VS31 that is now available on these shores in two sizes – both patterns have been designed specifically for the burgeoning environmentally-friendly and electric vehicle markets.

Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyres innovation honoured throughout Europe

Kia Coop-Car 3

With recently-launched patterns of UHP, eco-friendly, all-season and winter car tyres, and more to come during 2017, we currently have much to offer the UK market. This much will be evident in September when the company once again has a major presence at the IAA.

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Kumho receives yet more international design awards

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In the past few years, the products of the innovative Korean tyre producer Kumho have received a number of iF, Red Dot, IDEA and Good Design awards – i.e. the world’s top design accolades. Now the company has been presented with not one but two more iF Awards for its ever-growing trophy cabinet. The products recognised in the 2017 competition are the recently-launched high-performance ECSTA PS71, and the company’s futuristic concept tyre fittingly known as the ‘Smasher’. The criteria for the comprehensive selection process included innovativeness, environmental friendliness, quality, functionality and convenience, as well as design.

Kumho Tyre   Kumho receives yet more international design awards 

ECSTA PS71

Recently added to Kumho’s excellent new UK range of high-performance tyres, the asymmetrically-patterned PS71 was one of the first major products to be developed at Kumho’s new R&D Centre at Yongin near Seoul, South Korea and is progressively replacing the ever-popular ECSTA KU39. PS71 has been designed for outstanding high-speed stability and strong wet weather performance. Thirty sizes are already on sale and the pattern will ultimately be available in 37 Y-rated sizes from 17 to 20 inches in diameter – i.e. to fit the market’s best-selling executive saloons and sports cars. Eleven run-flat sizes will be added from late 2017.

 

The ‘Smasher’

The ‘Smasher’ was evolved in collaboration with the SsangYong Motor Company and attracted significant attention when unveiled on the Tivoli at the 2015 IAA Motor Show. The tyre is optimised for driving in extreme conditions, and features such innovations as suction plates and grinder-shaped tread blocks. The former enable the vehicle to ascend steep slopes by creating a vacuum between the tyre and the ground, while the latter permit safe driving over even the roughest terrain by crushing uneven areas that could otherwise damage a tyre. This fascinating concept product has unsurprisingly caused widespread international interest, and was last year feted with an IDEA Award.

 

Commenting on the company’s latest accolade Chung Taek-gyun, head of its R&D division said: “We will continue to focus our research capabilities on creating designs that set our products apart from those of our competitors.”

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Kumho Tyre: The First Choice for Rally Safety Crew

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(Cover image credit: BPW-Galleries Photography.)
 
When the organising team behind the recent Riponian Forest Rally (held in the notoriously slippery and challenging North Yorkshire moors) needed a safe pair of ‘boots’ for their eventsafety car they knew who to ask, and the Kumho R800s on the Rallytravel.com Ford Escort performed perfectly guiding the all-important final safety ‘zero’ car through the 120 mile route.
 
“We were delighted to be invited to run as safety car on this highly-regarded event, and as the last official car to run through the stages before the first competitor it was essential that we got around the route without any punctures or other issues. I had total faith in the Kumho R800s, and the excellent grip and traction allowed us to concentrate on the safety job in hand rather than struggling to control the car over the slippery surfaces.” David Hutchinson
Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre: The First Choice for Rally Safety Crew

Image Credit: Andy Ellis

Assistant Rally Clerk of the Course and experienced co-driver Neil Colman was alongside David in the Kumho-shod Escort to observe and report on the stage.
 
The Safety car’s primary role is to make a final check of the rally route, paying particular attention to any spectators who may be standing in dangerous areas and report back to Rally HQ at the end of each stage confirming whether it is safe for the rally stage to run competitively. Whilst not running at full speed the final of the 3 safety cars, termed the ‘zero’ car, must run at a reasonably competitive speed to help make the spectators aware that the competing cars are on their way close behind, and to check the stage layout and safety provisions.
 
Kumho Tyre   Kumho Tyre: The First Choice for Rally Safety Crew

Image Credit: Andy Ellis

 
The team were delighted to report that the Kumho tyres did their job and that the event, one of the few rallies still taking place through the classic North Yorkshire rally stages and ‘Heartbeat’ countryside, ran without a hitch. David and regular co-driver Jeff Garnett will be back together in the Kumho Tyre Rallytravel.com Ford Escort on the famous Malcolm Wilson Rally in the Lake District on March 11th.
 
Check out the Rallytravel website by clicking here

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