New Hankook ultra-high-performance tire shows evolutionary improvement

The Ventus V12 evo2 gains traction in our tire ratings

Published: September 22, 2014 12:00 PM

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Since we last tested ultra-high-performance summer tires, Hankook has introduced a successor to the midpack-performing Ventus V12 evo. To take measure of how the logically named Ventus V12 evo2 stacks up, we purchased many of them to put them through our suite of tests, including braking and handling on dry and wet pavement, hydroplaning resistance, ride, and rolling resistance. And we performed a 12,000-mile vehicle tread wear test.

Ultra-high-performance tires are designed to optimize cornering, stopping grip, and handling, and they are typically found on sports and high-performance luxury cars. Summer tires are designed to deliver the ultimate grip on dry and wet roads, but their tread design and compounds do not grip well in cold weather and should not be used in wintry climates.

The Ventus V12 evo tested last year had a mediocre ranking, placing 12th out of the 21 models evaluated. It achieved an overall score of 66 and was noted for its tenacious dry braking grip. Handling and wet grip were very good, but the tire didn't distinguish itself much among the many impressive models tested.

The new Ventus V12 evo2 addressed some of those shortcomings. Like its predecessor, its dry braking is stellar, but now wet braking is right up there with the best tires. And the improvement comes without compromising rolling resistance, ride, or tread life. The Ventus V12 evo2 places in the upper third in our Ratings chart and achieves a 72-point overall score, good enough to be recommended as a well-rounded choice for drivers looking for sure-footed stopping grip on dry and wet roads, solid handling, and good ride comfort and tread life.

See the ratings of the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 and other tires at consumerreports.org/tires.

—Gene Petersen