News of Hankook Ventus R-S4 development and upcoming release was well-received here at MinimumTread HQ.
After many years and HPDE experiences with a range of tires, the Ventus R-S3 remains our all-time favorite. There are faster track tires out there, but few that tick all of the boxes on road and track like the R-S3. Cursed be the nail that finally killed our last set, and shame on the heartless tire shops that wouldn't fix the wound… What do you mean you won't patch a tire with no remaining tread?
Anyways, the Ventus R-S4 -- details are sparse so far. We have an infographic, and what appears to be a hacked image. (Russians got Hankook too.)
But even with limited information the Ventus R-S4 looks the business. Like the R-S3, the Ventus R-S4 features an "aggressive" directional tread pattern. But this iteration is more sharp and purposeful, less frills; similar to various performance car design evolutions.
After many years and HPDE experiences with a range of tires, the Ventus R-S3 remains our all-time favorite. There are faster track tires out there, but few that tick all of the boxes on road and track like the R-S3. Cursed be the nail that finally killed our last set, and shame on the heartless tire shops that wouldn't fix the wound… What do you mean you won't patch a tire with no remaining tread?
Anyways, the Ventus R-S4 -- details are sparse so far. We have an infographic, and what appears to be a hacked image. (Russians got Hankook too.)
But even with limited information the Ventus R-S4 looks the business. Like the R-S3, the Ventus R-S4 features an "aggressive" directional tread pattern. But this iteration is more sharp and purposeful, less frills; similar to various performance car design evolutions.
 Hankook Ventus R-S3 |  Hankook Ventus R-S4 |
Steering response was reportedly a focal point of R-S4 development. Both the center and shoulder blocks are said to be optimized for responsiveness. Not necessarily the engineering priority that we would have expected since this is already a strength of the R-S3, which always feels up on its toes. If Hankook has advanced the R-S4 in this area, then we're probably looking at the most responsive and tactile track tire on the market.
Contact rate per tread block has been increased, as has shoulder block stiffness.
R-S4 center block and channels have been widened for superior aquaplaning resistance.
Unreported in the infographic are advancements in tire compound. Per Tire Rack, the Ventus R-S4 "utilizes a new, carbon black and silica high-grip compound" and the "addition of highly dispersible silica," which contributes to improved wet road traction.
Ventus R-S4 pricing looks right about in line with the R-S3 (pre-closeout pricing). If the performance and handling improvements are actual, and the tremendous treadlife remains consistent, the R-S4 could be the tire to have for the 2017 HPDE season and beyond.
The Ventus R-S4 is available for order from Tire Rack now.
R-S4 center block and channels have been widened for superior aquaplaning resistance.
Unreported in the infographic are advancements in tire compound. Per Tire Rack, the Ventus R-S4 "utilizes a new, carbon black and silica high-grip compound" and the "addition of highly dispersible silica," which contributes to improved wet road traction.
Ventus R-S4 pricing looks right about in line with the R-S3 (pre-closeout pricing). If the performance and handling improvements are actual, and the tremendous treadlife remains consistent, the R-S4 could be the tire to have for the 2017 HPDE season and beyond.
The Ventus R-S4 is available for order from Tire Rack now.
