Kumho keeps a low profile with world's first 15 Series tire
How low can you go? That's the big question in the tire-making industry, where profile sizes keep getting lower and lower. Sooner or later they're going to be spraying layers of rubber on a wheel with a pocket of air injected underneath. But in the meantime, Kumho has upped the ante (or lowered it, as the case may be) with its new 15 series tires, the lowest profile rubber on the market.Wait, who? Okay, Kumho may not be as well known as Goodyear or Pirelli, but they've got an established history of innovation in tire technology – to varying degrees of usefulness – like scented, colored smoke and X-rated rubber. And while those may sound more like the stock list for the local "intimate apparel" store, it's things like that which have put Kumho on the map. The tires are being initially offered as upgrades for supercars like the Ferrari F430, Dodge Viper and Corvette Z06, and offer partial run-flat capability. Check out the press release after the jump and the images in the gallery below for more.
Gallery: Kumho World First 15 Series Tire
[Source: Kumho]
PRESS RELEASE
KUMHO LAUNCHES WORLD'S FIRST 15 SERIES TYRE
Ever the innovator, Kumho is launching the world's first ultra low profile 15 Series tyre at the 2008 SEMA (Speciality Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas this week (November 4-7).
The 385/15ZR22 size ECSTA SPT KU31 has been developed as a conversion option for such exotic sports cars as the Ferrari F430, Dodge Viper, and Corvette Z06.
The company has used cutting-edge computer simulation technology to optimise the sidewall structure, thereby preventing the formation of standing waves or ripples in the contact patch – a problem that can occur with the build up of heat at high speeds.
The new tyre also benefits from a semi run flat capability, ensuring it remains firmly fixed to the rim even after a puncture or general loss of pressure.
"The world's first 15 Series tyre is a perfect example of what we have achieved through our ongoing commitment to research and development," said Sae-chul Oh, Kumho's President and CEO. "This is one of many innovations by our company which include aroma, coloured smoke and X-speed tyres. We will maintain our position at the cutting edge of tyre technology as we race towards our goal of becoming one of the world's top five tyre makers."
For more information on Kumho and its products, log onto www.kumhotyre.co.uk
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Metar 7:22AM (11/05/2008)
The minuscule amounts of air in that tyre obviously make it a "partial run-flat" no matter what.
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geo.stewart 7:24AM (11/05/2008)
beat me to it.
Cole Mitguard 7:39AM (11/05/2008)
For the amount of money that they are sure to charge for these tires, maybe "partial run flat" means that they have the World Strongest Man shoved in your trunk to help carry your car to the next available service station... now if only cars like the ZR1 and F430 had an actual "trunk" and not something measured in how many golf "clubs" you can fit in. haha
Joe K. 7:55AM (11/05/2008)
And Here I was gonna say "partial run-flat capability" only refers to the part touching the ground, The rest of the tire stays up...
Hamud 7:29AM (11/05/2008)
Holy sh... that's huge.
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bob 7:51AM (11/05/2008)
Uhm everyone's heard of Kumho. Hell i've been out of the car scene for three years now and I've heard of them.
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Hahaha 8:04AM (11/05/2008)
Actually, Kumho, of Korea, has been supplying its OE tires for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
See: http://www.autoebid.com/autoenews/newsAEBSingle.php?artID=607
Bob-omb 4:45PM (11/05/2008)
Kumho is a great company. And if you really do some research on their "regular" tire line, their tires are arguably the best value in the business. The KR21 is the best all-season passenger tire for the money. Tread life isn't super, but the warranty is (85K), so that's something I suppose.
RyanK 7:54AM (11/05/2008)
Better make sure you don't hit a pothole with these suckers. One bad day and you're replacing a wheel...
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Joe 8:48AM (11/05/2008)
I can't imagine anyone but rappers using them as actual street tires.
These are most likely going to be used on-track, for the most part, but I think anybody with a Z06 that tracks it on the weekends will likely have a set of racing slicks or really high end z-rated rubber.
geo.stewart 9:00AM (11/05/2008)
nothing like seeing these on a 'blinged' off-road SUV...
H2, Land Cruiser,
always a kick to see big rims with skinny tires on a vehicle for off road.
Jay Evans 10:46AM (11/05/2008)
TO Joe
Sorry, but SPTs are street tires, very good street tires but street compound still.
I've had a set of SPTs on my Miata for several years. Not the grip of my previous MXs but much longer wear.
1970Dodge 7:55AM (11/05/2008)
Not Ideal for tire-swings.
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Kitko 8:06AM (11/05/2008)
a no-profile tyre/tire
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hahaha 8:15AM (11/05/2008)
R U stupid or what? No profile tyre??? Kumho has been supplying its UHP tires for Mercedes Benz or other German Luxury marques for years! And Kumho is a platinum sponsor of Manchester United football club, one of the world's top brands!
See: http://www.autoebid.com/autoenews/newsAEBSingle.php?artID=607
Snutz 8:53AM (11/05/2008)
Dear God you're an idiot. Tires with short sidewalls are called low profile tires. He called it a no-profile tire to emphasize that there's practically no sidewall on this, not to say that no one knows what Kumho is.
Kitko 9:00AM (11/05/2008)
Snutz
Thank you :-)
hahaha 8:16AM (11/05/2008)
R U stupid or what? No profile tyre??? Kumho has been supplying its UHP tires for Mercedes Benz or other German Luxury marques for years! And Kumho is a platinum sponsor of Manchester United football club, one of the world's top brands!
See: http://www.autoebid.com/autoenews/newsAEBSingle.php?artID=607
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TwoSixMike 8:28AM (11/05/2008)
Alright, three posts spamming your link and beating your chest about Kumho was plenty, thanks.
I do agree that I was pretty surprised by the "wait, who?" comment. I'm pretty sure that anybody who can grasp how insane a 385/15 tire is has heard of Kumho.
nagmashot 8:31AM (11/05/2008)
Kumho delivers tires for ONE low level Mercedes model and they deliver NO tires for any other German brand...
Audi use Bridgstone, Pirelli, Michelin and Conti
BMW use Bridgstone, Michelin,
Porsche use Michelin
Mercedes perfromance models carry mainly Pirelli
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