Vredestein unveils Ultrac Vorti R
Apollo Vredestein used the recent Geneva Motor Show to introduce its latest Ultra High Performance tyre, the Ultrac Vorti R.
Based on the Ultrac Vorti, the Ultrac Vorti R has an increased focus on grip and sportiness, all within a distinctive size range.
The new tyre was developed in close cooperation with the Italian design house Giugiaro. Its tread is sleek asymmetrical, with carbon accents on the sidewall and the tread creating a unique design. The Ultrac Vorti R is equipped with the (Y) speed code, making it well suited for speeds above 186 mph. The Ultrac Vorti R is the ideal choice for real sports cars that require the ultimate performance from their tyres, such as the Porsche 911, Lamborghini Gallardo or Audi R8.
The Vredestein Ultrac Vorti R is the result of an intensive cooperation between Vredestein and renowned partners in the auto industry. The tread of the Ultrac Vorti R, for instance, was developed together with the Italian design house Giugiaro, which has been closely involved in the development of Vredestein tyres for the past 16 years. The name of the Ultrac Vorti R itself is a Giugiaro creation and is derived from the word vortex, referring to the powerful air flow created by the blades of a helicopter as it takes off. Contacts with premium car stylers such as Carlsson, and the new partnership with Hamann, also played a very valuable part in the development of the Ultrac Vorti R.
A tyre performs best within a specific temperature range. If it gets too hot, grip is reduced. Fast acceleration, braking, taking bends and driving at high speeds all increase a tyre’s temperature. The tread compound of the Ultrac Vorti R contains multiple resins that are activated at different temperatures. This carefully composed compound means a much wider range of temperatures that facilitate an optimal performance. As a result, the Ultrac Vorti R maintains a high grip level for longer periods.
Many of the sporty cars for which the Ultrac Vorti R was developed have different sizes in front and rear tyres due to their high capacities and rear-wheel drive. For these cars, Ultrac Vorti R comes in sizes with an adjusted tread and construction specifically optimised for the rear axle.
The adjusted belt angle and lower air ratio ensure that an even larger part of the tread comes into contact with the road surface. This way the car’s power is converted into an even more controllable grip. The extra groove in the central rib also provides more cooling to maintain this high level of traction. As a result, the tyre is safe and reliable at increased speeds.
The tread of the Ultrac Vorti R is broader whereas the contour of the tyre is flat. This creates an extra-wide contact surface and results in superior grip, handling and stability, especially in bends and at high speeds. The large tread blocks on the outer shoulder provide the tyre with an even greater sideway grip.
The circumferential grooves have slanted flanks for enhanced block stability in the traverse direction. This leads to greater compensation for the sideway forces in bends. The 30ᵒ edge in the inner wall contributes to an even and fluent transition of surface pressure when driving fast around bends and gives a higher level of grip.
The Ultrac Vorti R has unique side notches in the central ribs that serve as flex points. This ensures that the footprint is extended, the performance and steering precision increased, and the tyre is provided with extra cooling. The optimised construction guarantees steering precision at higher speeds and exceptionally stable road-holding.