This year Hankook Tire has unveiled a new set of futuristic concept tyres at the 2014 Essen Motors Show. In conjunction with the renowned University of Design, Engineering and Business in Pforzheim, Germany, three concept tyres were developed under Hankook Tire’s ‘Design Innovation 2014 ’initiative.

The ‘Design Innovation Project’ is part of Hankook Tire’s research and development initiatives with a key focus to present pioneering visions and ideas to provide a glimpse into the future. Held every two years, Hankook Tire partners with world-renowned transportation design talents from universities.



This year, the theme was ‘A Great Challenge for a Great Change’: to develop concept tyres that address alterations in the terrain as a result of climate change. As such, the Boostrac, Alpike and HyBlade were born tackle desertification, heavy snow and heavy rain.



Boostrac boasts hexagonal tread blocks that can transform into an expanded mode for intensified traction – especially on steep and rough conditions such as desert and mountain roads.



Alpike, along with the studs and gaps, is designed with a tyre circumferential expansion mode, which increases vehicle ground clearance, making it optimal for heavy snow.



HyBlade is designed to provide the ideal solution for heavy rain. It’s equipped with ‘waterwheel’ tread and side spokes that create driving and steering force in heavy rain.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3bSKku18aA