Kumho Tire’s new ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre, the ECSTA Sport, has been rated ‘Very Good’ in the latest Die Reifentester summer tyre test.

The tyre size used for testing was 225/40R18. Eight tyre manufacturers participated in the test, including well-known names like Goodyear, Bridgestone, Michelin and Continental. Bridgestone and Continental shared the top rating with Kumho's ECSTA Sport. The wet braking results were one of the test's main features. With a stopping distance of only 23.07 metres at 80 kmph, the ECSTA Sport outperformed every other tyre in the test. It was one of just two tyres – the other being the Continental SportContact 7 – to receive the ‘Very Good’ rating in wet handling. In dry weather, the ECSTA Sport also performed admirably. Die Reifentester gave it a ‘Very Good’ grade for dry handling, comparing it to three competitors of premium brands.

Drivers seeking precision handling, robust safety features and high mileage performance are the target market for the ECSTA Sport. The tyre, which comes in sizes 16 to 22 inches, features a new compound blend that improves high-speed stability and reduces stopping distances.

Matthias Bode, Head of Research and Development Europe at Kumho Tire, said, “We are delighted with this result from Die Reifentester. Kumho ECSTA Sport is designed to offer excellent performance for all motorists, including the most demanding drivers, and this test result is an excellent indication that we are on the right course.”

Tony Gangseung Lee, Head of Europe, said, “This test result demonstrates the commitment of Kumho to developing and producing exceptional tyres which offer excellent value to the driving public. I am delighted to see the team’s hard work being so well rewarded in this independent tyre test as we set new performance benchmarks.”

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Giti Tire recently hosted an immersive event at its Hefei R&D Centre for its distributor and dealer network, moving far beyond a simple meeting to deliver a hands-on masterclass in future mobility. The core experience was a guided tour through Giti's Innovation Hub, where specialised zones deconstructed the entire tyre development journey. Partners witnessed firsthand the advanced materials, EV-specific engineering and rigorous motorsport-grade testing processes that form the foundation of Giti's collaborations with leading global automakers.

The event physically manifested this innovation with two pivotal showcases. Guests received a rare, hands-on examination of the Giti Flexcore (Airless) Technology, a concept designed for ultimate safety and sustainability by eliminating punctures. Furthermore, they experienced the cutting edge of automotive performance firsthand by entering the cabin of the YANGWANG U9X, a premier electric supercar, engaging directly with its advanced technology and premium construction.

This carefully curated experience was designed to demonstrate how Giti meticulously engineers, challenges and validates ideas long before production. By providing this transparent look into their technological ecosystem, Giti reinforced its role not just as a supplier but as a strategic partner invested in shared growth. The event served to align the network with the brand's forward trajectory, firmly establishing Giti’s commitment to co-shaping the future of mobility through tangible innovation and deepened collaboration.

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Michelin has launched a specialised tyre engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern high-capacity mine and quarry loaders. The MICHELIN Xtra Power L5** 26.5 R25 tyre focuses on delivering durability and enhanced productivity in the most challenging operational environments while also prioritising operator comfort. This new size expands Michelin’s portfolio for loaders, building upon the earlier MICHELIN Xtra Power L5*** 35/65 R33 launched in 2021.

The tyre is built to handle complex applications, from face work and block handling to forestry transport and high-speed operations that impose extreme stress. It responds to the industry trend towards larger vehicles with bigger buckets, offering a substantial load capacity increase of up to 18.5 tonnes – a 23 percent improvement over the previous generation.

Key technical advancements underpin its performance. Engineers developed an innovative structure with a curved design and optimised rubber block support to minimise contact surface stress and boost protection. Reinforcements in the tread and shoulders improve damage resistance, while a larger bead heel enhances torque transmission and helps prevent rim slip, reducing premature wear.

Constructed to endure abrasive soils and aggressive surfaces like stone and rock, the tyre facilitates movement across varied terrain, supporting greater machine productivity. Its new tread design and unique rubber compound contribute to this robustness. Additionally, the design incorporates strengthened crown and protective layers with added metal for superior damage resistance.

For long-term cost efficiency, the tyre is designed to be retreadable, helping fleet managers optimise operational expenses. Operator safety and comfort are further enhanced by its capability to operate at pressures up to 7.5 bars, improving machine stability by 20 percent even during intensive loading cycles.

Clifford de Jager, CES Technical Manager, Beyond Road – Mining, Construction, Material Handling at Michelin, said, “At Michelin, we are always adapting and developing our products to ensure they match the needs of the latest machinery on the market. The MICHELIN Xtra Power L5** 26.5 R25 can handle the most challenging working environments while delivering optimised load capacity and improved torque transmission in a stable, comfortable and safe manner.”

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Hankook Tire is all geared up to showcase the prowess of its racing tyres as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship arrives at the Miami International Autodrome for the 2026 Miami E-Prix. The event, serving as Round 3 of Season 12, marks the series' first World Championship race at this iconic venue, albeit on a shorter, 2.32-kilometre layout crafted for Formula E's distinct performance characteristics. This new circuit configuration around Hard Rock Stadium presents a balanced technical challenge, demanding optimal tyre performance in rapid warm-up, traction on corner exit and stability under heavy regenerative braking.

The temporary nature of the circuit, blending permanent asphalt with repurposed stadium grounds, ensures a weekend of significant track evolution. As the surface rubberises, grip levels will change, particularly in high-load areas, making consistent tyre behaviour a critical factor for success. Teams will rely on predictable temperature build-up and dependable grip to execute qualifying strategies and manage energy efficiency throughout the race. Central to meeting this challenge is Hankook's iON Race tyre, engineered to provide strong adhesion and precise handling while maintaining the crucial low rolling resistance required in the all-electric championship.

This motorsport engagement is a cornerstone of Hankook's premium brand advancement in the region, running parallel to its role as a Founding Partner of the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL). Beyond the track, the Miami event will be a full spectacle, featuring a vibrant festival atmosphere with live entertainment, interactive fan experiences and local food offerings. With the home crowd supporting US-linked teams like Andretti and DS PENSKE, and a new circuit testing every component, the E-Prix is set to be a defining event, powered by the technology within Hankook's tyres.

Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director, Hankook Motorsport, said, “Miami is the type of venue that immediately raises the technical stakes. With a Formula E layout making its first championship appearance at the Miami International Autodrome, teams arrive without the usual backlog of race-weekend references. That places even greater importance on tyre consistency, traction stability and temperature control. We’re looking forward to seeing the iON Race support close, high-intensity racing as Formula E brings its street-racing character to Miami.”

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Pirelli has launched the latest summer tyre for SUVs, the new Scorpion, representing a comprehensive evolution of a line first introduced in 1986 for high-driving-position vehicles like the legendary Lamborghini LM002. Today, the Scorpion name encompasses a broad family of products, including SUV, motorcycle and bicycle tyres. This newest iteration is engineered to deliver safety, comfort and lasting performance, specifically tailored to the demands of modern Sport Utility Vehicles.

The development process leveraged advanced virtual engineering, with Pirelli’s Milan-based R&D team evaluating over 20 technological variants of compounds and tread patterns using proprietary mileage-prediction tools. Driving simulators further optimised handling and dry performance before physical validation, which confirmed significant improvements over the preceding generation. This integrated design approach yielded a tyre that excels across key metrics. It has earned the TÜV institute’s Premium Quality Mark, ranking first in independent dry braking and wet handling tests while also leading in wet braking and straight-line aquaplaning. The entire launch range achieves the top European Class A rating for wet grip, along with Class A/B for acoustic comfort and Class B for rolling resistance, ensuring consistent performance across summer temperatures.

To address the unique challenges of SUVs, such as increased weight and a higher centre of gravity, Pirelli incorporated dedicated technical solutions. The tyre features a reinforced carcass and structure, wider central tread blocks and an optimised profile that promotes uniform pressure distribution and reduces shoulder deformation. This design promotes even wear, making it ideal for heavier vehicles. The updated tread compound, which shares innovative materials with the acclaimed latest-generation Cinturato for saloons, ensures stable performance, improved wet grip and excellent mileage. Furthermore, a new groove geometry in the tread pattern enhances both handling and noise comfort.

The new Scorpion is already offered in 16 sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches. It incorporates technologies like Elect, which can extend the range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by up to 10 percent through solutions designed for their specific powertrain characteristics. Building on a legacy of over 300 homologations for the Scorpion summer range, this new generation, developed in collaboration with leading car manufacturers, already has more than 40 homologations in progress.

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