Kumho Tire USA Ecsta V-710...
Kumho Tire USA
Ecsta V-710(shown)
Use: A DOT-approved road-race product, it's currently the Spec tire for the SCCA Pro Racing Mazda MX-5 Cup.
Tech Notes: UTQG Treadwear 30, Traction C, Temperature A. Asymmetric tread design with two circumferential grooves molded at 4/32 inch. Does not need to be shaved before track use. Optimum Core Temperature: 212 degrees F
Size Range: 27 sizes, 13 inch to 19 inch in diameter
Ecsta V-700
Use: DOT-approved design for SCCA and amateur racers.
Tech Notes: UTQG Treadwear 50, Traction AA, Temperature A. Tread Depth: 6/32 inch. Shaving: Yes - 4/32 inch. Heat cycle before use. Optimum core temperature: 195 degrees F. Directional tread design and symmetric construction allow the racer to mount this tire "inside-out" to extend its life.
Size Range: 9 sizes, 13, 17 and 18 inch diameters
Ecsta W-710 (shown) Use:...
Ecsta W-710(shown)
Use: DOT-approved road-race product designed for racing applications in wet conditions.
Tech Notes: UTQG Treadwear 30, Traction A, Temperature A. Tread Depth: 8/32 inch. Shaving not recommended. Heat cycle before use. Optimum core temperature: 195 degrees F
Size Range: 5 sizes, 15 inch to 18 inch diameters
Victoracer
Use: DOT-approved and has been designed for the sports car club racer.
Tech Notes: UTQG Treadwear 50, Traction AA, Temperature A. Tread Depth: 6/32 inch. Shaving: Yes - 4/32 inch. Asymmetric tread design that wears down after 2/32 inch, thus allowing the racer to rotate the tires to any wheel position to maximize wear. Heat cycle before use. Optimum core temperature: 195 degrees F
Size Range: 13 sizes; 14, 15, 16 and 17 inch diameters
Ecsta XS KU-36 Use: Extreme...
Ecsta XS KU-36
Use: Extreme summer performance designed for the street and SCCA driver who competes in a class where a UTQG rating of 140 and higher is required
Tech Notes: UTQG Treadwear 180, Traction AA, Temperature A. Asymmetric tread design. Tread Depth: 8/32 inch. Shaving: No. Heat cycle before use: No. Optimum core temperature: 203 degrees F.
Size Range: 25 sizes; 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 inch diameters
Kumho Tire USA, Inc.
10299 Sixth Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
800/445-8646
www.kumhousa.com
Tech Talk
A briefing on tire specifications courtesy of Discount Tire Direct.
Treadwear
The United States government established the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system to assist consumers in their purchase of tires. This system is a relative comparison system, and is not a safety rating, nor a guarantee that a tire will last for a prescribed number of miles. Under the UTQG, manufacturers use three criteria to grade tires: treadwear, traction and temperature. The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear of a tire when tested carefully under controlled conditions. For example, the useful tread on a tire graded 400 should last twice as long as a tire graded 200. However, another tire manufacturer may grade a comparable design 300, so a grade of 150 would last just half as long under its grading scheme. The key here is to not use one manufacturer's grade versus the other, but instead to compare tire grades within a given brand. Also, keep in mind that actual treadwear performance varies tremendously depending on the tire's real-world use. Driving habits, air pressure maintenance, road conditions, and climate affect tire life as well.
Traction grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on asphalt and concrete test surfaces. As of 1997, the traction grades from highest to lowest are "AA," "A," "B," and "C." A tire graded "AA" may have relatively better traction performance than a tire graded lower, based on straight-ahead braking tests. The grades do not take into consideration the cornering or turning performance of a tire.
Temperature grades represent a tire's resistance to heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled laboratory test conditions. The grades from highest to lowest are "A," "B," and "C." The grade "C" corresponds to the minimum performance required by federal safety standard. Therefore, the "A" tire is the coolest running, and even though the "C" tire runs hotter, it does not mean it is unsafe.