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.”

 

That thing is fooking wide! The small sidewall probably makes it seem even wider (proportionally). I have to ask though....


...why? Is this one of those "why not" kinda things? I can't really see things things being used on anything but showcars or something that don't actually get driven.

 

One pothole = epic wheel fail

 

I don't know about you, but I typically steer around the potholes.

 

They need to mold these at the plant they are building down the street from me...

 

Better watch those curbs too.

 

Yeah, but... one screw up will be the end of that wheel.

I've seen plenty of concealed potholes, either in darkness... or under water after a rain storm... You can't be 100% successful 100% of the time. This makes 100% perfection necessary. Pretty retarded when you're talking about a screw up costing you $700+. Not to mention it looks stupid to see NO sidewall.

And potholes aren't even all there is to it. I've seen freeway overpasses with a step up that would wreck that thing at freeway speed.

 

What's up with the tread?? Is that just a reference model

 

Leave California and head up north where the real potholes are. There are places where a good winter freeze will turn a whole section of road into rubble that won't be patched till July.

 

In Michigan, we refer to steering around potholes as "off-roading"

Man, am I glad that I'm not in the business of mounting tires, because trying to squeeze that thing onto an expensive wheel would cause cold sweat, gray hair, and the invention of new swear words.

 

That's pretty thin but still, a 15 series at 385mm width would be like a 25 series tire at 235mm... not that I've ever heard of any that thin either... 25 series at 265 is the thinnest I've heard of but pretty close...

I bet that sort of profile rides amazingly harsh... especially since they're run flats.

 

Might as well just wrap rubber around the rim, why try to make it pneumatic?

 

Naw, on a good mounter with the appropriate wheel width it would be pretty easy, but I know there is somebody out there that wants to squeeze that puppy on the wrong size rim.


Among my Brand-M brethern I try and tell them to follow the reccomended rim widths for various tires (alot of older S-197 guys have this fascination with the big and little tire look using stock rims to save some pennies). Its a shame somebody found out the guys running the Shelby GT's in F/stock are using a 295/somethingR18s on an 18x8.5 wheel

 

Good God, that's a lot of left-to-right real estate!

 

Wow, talk about massive wheelspin with a small sidewall like that. Any car with these will be completely worthless from a dig.

*Not that people that own these are even really interested in that...