Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. is not only adding eight sizes to its Ecsta V710 D.O.T.-approved competition tire, but also revamping the line, at least a little.
It was time for some changes, according to Motorsports Manager Rudy Consolacion. "We didn't reinvent the wheel. We simply tweaked the compound and construction to improve the tire's (dry track)performance."
The V710 features an asymmetric tread designed using a slick tread surface with two circumferential grooves on the inner half of the tire. The grooves are molded at 4/32nds of an inch, so the tire does not require shaving.
The V710's radial construction includes two slightly angled polyester carcass plies and two lightweight steel belts reinforced by a circumferential nylon cap ply.
The new V710 will be available in January in 25 sizes. The eight new sizes are 305/30R18, 345/35R18, 225/45R17, 225/40R18, 215/45R16, 245/45R16, 215/40R17 and 335/30R19.
Kumho also introduced a D.O.T. competition tire intended for wet conditions. The W710 is based on both the Ecsta V710 and the company's "wet" tire used in the American Le Mans Series, the Japanese Grand Touring Car Series and Formula 3 competition.
The W710, which features a slightly softer compound than the V710, will be available in the first quarter of 2008 in the following sizes: 205/50R15, 215/45R16, 265/45R16, 275/40R17, 305/30R18 and 335/350R19.
