Kumho Adds New Performance Patterns

Kumho has recently introduced a number of new additions to its performance line-up. Launched last year, the ECSTA SPT range will be available in no less than 72 sizes by this summer, most with extra load capability and Y speed rating. The new tyre incorporates a number of features designed to enhance the driving experience. These include patented rotate wear indicators enabling visual monitoring of tread life and special notches to protect against water turbulence through the tyre’s longitudinal grooves

Kumho also introduced its first XRP or Extended Run-Flat Performance version of the ECSTA SPT for the Mini Cooper in 2005. Several additional sizes are now under development and planned for production in 2006.
KUMHO’s XRP tyres have reinforced sidewalls and a specially reinforced bead, which will support the car’s weight and ensure a secure fit on the wheel even after complete loss of inflation pressure. Specials materials are also designed to prevent heat from building up while driving when the tyre is deflated.

New Solus range

In recent months KUMHO has launched a new high performance range to replace the Powermax 769. Known as the Solus KH15, the T, H, V and W rated line-up covers aspect ratios from 80 to 50 series and already extends to some 80 sizes.

Under the ECSTA banner, the KU19, an asymmetric patterned ultra-high performance tyre featuring nano-technology is targeted specifically at drivers of the most powerful luxury and sports-tuned cars. KU19 currently features some 26 W and Y speed rated sizes from 17 to 20 inches. A further 26 sizes up to 22 inches are under development. To round off the current line-up, the ECSTA MX KU15 is now available in sizes up to 19 inches and will appeal to track day enthusiasts and sports-orientated drivers alike.
Kumho’s ECSTA STX KL12 now comes in sizes for some of the world’s largest 4x4s, including the Hummer H2. It is available in sizes from 15 up to the gargantuan 325/35R28. The size range includes many sizes developed specially for the world’s top SUV tuners.

New Matrac from Marshal

The first asymmetric high performance pattern joined the Marshal range at the start of 2006. Named the MATRAC XM KH35, the new tyre promises to deliver “maximum performance in the key areas of handling and ride comfort.”

A further important claim of the MATRAC XM is its high degree of driving stability. Two solid type ribbed blocks are used too increase stability at high speed and the stiff outer shoulder blocks are designed to maximize grip when cornering.

The initial MATRAC XM line-up will cover 38 H, V and W speed rated sizes from 175/60R14 to 255/35R18 including several new to the Marshal range. Several more sizes are already in the development pipeline for introduction later in the year.

Then there is the MATRAC TX KU17, which like XM features ESCOT technology. ESCOT stands for Excellent and Smart Contour Optimisation Theory, a patented technology for maximising tyre performance using finite element techniques. The MATRAC TX KU17 is available in a wide range of V and W speed rated sizes from 15 to 20-inches and is complemented by the established Power Racer II 717.

Completing Marshal’s high performance line-up is the recently launched MATRAC STX street-patterned SUV tyre. Available in sizes from 15 to 24 inches, the H, V and W speed rated STX features a stylish tread design which is engineered to deliver maximum grip in wet road conditions.