The Hankook Smart Flex AL51 tyre model, designed for the steering axle and all positions, stands out with a reduction in rolling resistance of up to 20% compared to the SmartFlex AH31, thanks to various targeted measures implemented by Hankook engineers.
The SmartFlex AL51 features a striking design with three parallel grooves. The tread groove walls are stepped, increasing the stability of the wider tread blocks. These blocks, designed to be stiffer, improve grip, increase mileage, and reduce rolling resistance. Additionally, the reinforcement of block interlocking has a positive impact on the tyre's lifespan and traction.
The sipes and hidden grooves, created through a 3D metal printing process, allow for even wear. This means that the tyre maintains its safety, traction, and rolling resistance properties throughout its lifecycle. The hidden grooves reveal themselves in two stages depending on the wear level, ensuring continuous wet grip. At around 40% wear, the new 3D sipes benefit from the stiffness of the remaining tread blocks, increasing grip and contributing to low rolling resistance. At 70% wear, additional linear grooves appear, providing more traction and grip on wet surfaces.
The self-generating horn-shaped sipes prevent cracks and reduce the load on the tyre shoulders. They also allow for more targeted water evacuation, improving wet performance by 15%.
An important aspect of the Hankook SmartFlex product range is the advanced compound technology, with a dual carbon-silica loading system that improves the homogeneity of the rubber mix, thus increasing energy efficiency. Another notable feature is the significantly reduced heat generated by the tyre, thanks to Hankook's innovative mixing system (IMS) and the rigidity of the tread blocks due to the interlocking 3D sipes. The Stiffness Control Contour Technology (SCCT) ensures uniform tread deformation, counteracting uneven wear through targeted load distribution.
