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.
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.
About Kumho Tyre
Founded in 1960, the Kumho Tire Company based in Seoul, South Korea is currently one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers with revenues in excess of two billion US dollars. Each year, the company sells over 60 million tyres worldwide. The company is part of the long-established Kumho Asiana Group, one of Korea’s best known and largest companies, which also owns Asiana Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance. With over 10,000 employees worldwide, Kumho develops, manufactures and primarily markets tyres for passenger cars, vans and trucks. Kumho operates production facilities in Korea, China, USA and Vietnam. The company also maintains research and development centres in Korea, China, Europe and North America. Kumho is an original equipment supplier to car manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and the Korean manufacturers Hyundai and Kia. Kumho Tire Europe GmbH with its head office in Offenbach am Main is responsible for marketing and sales activities in Germany and Europe.