Tire Review Hankook Ventus R-S3 - Modified Magazine

Test Mule: '00 Acura Integra Type-R
Test Driver: Andrew Wojteczko, Touring Car Racing driver and regular contributor to Modified
Test Track: Shannonville Motorsports Park and country roads
Test condition: Dry

Size: 225/45/15
Type: Extreme performance tire
UTQG: 140

Features
• Racing Carbon Black Silica Compound developed in Super GT and ALMS
• R-S3 tested by Hankook to be 3.9 seconds faster than R-S2 tire at Willow Spring's Raceway
• High-stiffness shoulder block for precise steering response
• Four-channel main groove to prevent aquaplaning
• Fire flame tattoos in tread surface = hawtness!
• Two-layer jointless Nylon full cover provides good sidewall stiffness, helping minimize camber wear and allowing lower pressures to be run to maximize grip

The Hankook R-S3 brings technology that Hankook has developed through competition in the Japan Super GT and American Le Mans Series. By competing in high-level motorsports, Hankook has been able to develop high-grip, long-lasting compounds that the company has now applied to its DOT Ventus R-S3. Versatility is achieved by combining the Racing Carbon Black compound (dry handling) with Silica (wet handling). The tire features stiff sidewalls and large tread blocks for responsive dry handling while maintaining four main grooves to evacuate water and maintain predictable wet handling.

Andrew Says
"On track the R-S3s provided comparable grip levels to what one would expect from a conventional R-compound tire, which is very good. The tire broke grip predictably, making controlling the tire at its handling limit an enjoyable experience. I tested the tire in full tread depth form, which gives the tire wet weather capabilities but also made it possible to feel the tread blocks moving as a result of cornering and braking forces. I didn't feel this compromised peak grip substantially, but it did add to the time it took for the vehicle to transition. While the R-S3 provides good stability for a full tread depth tire, if you're looking to get the most from this tire on a dry surface I would recommend having it shaved to approximately 4/32nds of tread depth.

"On the road the R-S3s are well mannered and offer good control in wet weather conditions. Tire noise is minimal and ride quality is very civilized for an extreme performance tire. On the whole, the R-S3 is an excellent all-around performance tire. If you've only got one set of wheels but want solid performance on and off the track, this tire is for you. Or if you're looking for the edge in Street Class autocross or time attack competition, a shaved set of R-S3s should be a very competitive setup."