2005 TIRE BUYERS GUIDE

Class: Max Performance (Wet and Dry)
Tread Depth: 10.5/32"
Tread Design: Asymmetric
Tread Wear: 280
Traction: AA
Temperature: A
Load Index/Speed Rating: 94Y
Price: $131
Contact:www.hankooktire.com
Overall Ranking: 11th

WET
Slalom: 4.841sec
Skidpan: 0.704g
Lap Time: 34.030sec
Braking from 50 mph: 109.1ft
DRY
Slalom: 4.157sec
Skidpan: 0.923g
Lap Time: 29.956sec
Braking from 50 mph: 80.1ft

The Ventus S1 evo K107 is very new but is designed to have optimal ground contact, which translates to better handling and dry traction. The tread pattern is laid out to expel water and reduce hydroplaning while increasing wet traction. The Hankook brand is a relatively small player in the high performance market but it aims to build a quality product at an affordable price. Its surprising performance in the dry reflects that thinking, although it was disappointing in the wet.

DRY
Don: This felt slightly better than the Vredestein. It was more predictable but didn't have loads of grip. However, it was more manageable and gave better feedback at the limit. It braked well and didn't give up as easily when pushed.
Will: This tire didn't fall off as easily as the Vredestein. It was well balanced, less squirmy, but lacked ultimate grip on the skidpad. It was also more stable than the Vredestein.

WET
Don: I didn't like these in the wet. There was very little braking control and a lack of grip under power.
Will: These weren't as good as the Fuzion in the wet. They lost grip easily and couldn't recover. They would go away quickly and all of a sudden. When they lost grip on turn-in it would snap away. Braking and acceleration were also poor. The tires felt hard and never seemed to grip thepavement.