From exotic cars roaring down the main track to Jeep Wranglers and Land Rover Defenders powering through mud, the 2025 edition of Hankook Experience Day at the ICAR complex in Mirabel felt like a massive rolling laboratory.

Polestar 2 on the drag strip, Ford Mustang drifting, Alfa Romeo Stelvio slaloming around the Le Mans course: each module showcased a different Hankook tire. While the variety of vehicles and test zones captivated participants, the real highlight was elsewhere. Hankook unveiled two new models that will join its lineup in spring 2026.

Rising stars on the track

The Ventus evo, also offered for SUVs, was fitted on exotic cars such as the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430 and Porsche 911 GT3. This premium summer tire is designed for drivers seeking “outstanding sports performance.” It delivers 7% shorter braking distances and 4% better handling on wet roads compared to the previous model. These improvements are due to superior transverse drainage that “controls block deformation” and reduces “contact irregularities caused by concave distortion.”

Wider shoulder grooves increase the contact area and help reduce noise “in normal driving conditions.” The Ventus evo, available in 39 sizes, comes in widths ranging from 215 to 315 mm and aspect ratios between 30 and 50. It fits rims from 18 to 21 inches.

The Dynapro evo AS stood out as the key newcomer in the utility segment. Like the Ventus, it carries the “evo” designation, synonymous with high performance in the brand’s lineup. “Designed for everyday driving, this all-season tire delivers ‘optimal performance in wet and dry conditions.’” Tested on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio during slalom and relay race exercises, it impressed with its comfort and quiet ride.

The South Korean manufacturer reports a 3% improvement in dry braking and 6% on wet surfaces (based on tests with 255/45R20 tires). Much of this comes from its 3D sipes, featuring interlocking lateral bands and central waves. Dense and precise, they minimize block deformation. Integrated into the tread, they not only optimize depth but also improve handling and provide stronger deceleration performance. Offered in widths from 235 to 325 mm and aspect ratios from 35 to 65, the Dynapro evo AS is designed for rims from 19 to 20 inches.

A full lineup

These launches reflect Hankook’s broader strategy to showcase the diversity of their lineup and cover every segment of the market.

• Ventus: high-end performance line for sports cars.
• Dynapro: designed for SUVs and pickups.
• Kinergy: the most complete range, for passenger cars.
• Winter i*cept and i*Pike : winter tires, studless and studded.
• Weatherflex: all-weather tires.
• iON: EV-dedicated tires.
• Vantra: trailer line.

Hankook also markets Laufenn, an affiliated brand positioned as an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on safety, reliability or quality. As Jongho Park, President and COO of Hankook Tire Europe, noted in an April press release, Laufenn is designed for mainstream drivers yet still offers dedicated product lines: S FIT (sport and high performance), G FIT (similar to Kinergy, for passenger cars), X FIT (off-road, for SUVs and light trucks, all-season and all-condition), and I FIT Ice (for winter).

A playground for grown-ups

To demonstrate these lines in action, nothing beats real-world testing. Working with Jean-Sébastien Sauriol’s team, Hankook designed four modules to highlight the strengths of their new and flagship products.

On the main track, supercars on Ventus evo tires tore down the straightaways. Off-road, Jeep Wranglers and Land Rover Defenders showcased the ruggedness and comfort of Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tires. On the market for several years, this model features the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) designation, combining aggressive looks with quiet ride quality and backed by a warranty of up to 113,000 km on P-metric sizes.

The Polestar 2, equipped with iON evo AS tires, impressed with their grip and stability during quick lateral manoeuvres. Designed to boost energy efficiency, they help reduce range anxiety and are backed by an 80,000-km warranty.

Finally, on the Le Mans track, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio on Dynapro evo AS tires showed off the strengths of this new all-season release. For the more adventurous, Ford Mustangs fitted with Ventus evo tires were available for drift sessions under the guidance of professional drivers. Beyond the showmanship, the event demonstrated Hankook’s ability to innovate and deliver across every segment of the tire market.