Kumho Releases World’s First 15-Series Tyre

Rubber lovers might want to sit down for this because what we've got here is pure tyre pornography. Kumho, responsible for some of the coolest and strangest innovations in tyre technology, has just taken the wraps off its latest creation: the ECSTA SPT KU31 15-series profile tyre, and it brings new meaning to the term 'rubber bands'.

Forget scented and coloured-smoke tyres, these low profile rubbers are no gimmick. The whopping 385/15ZR22 examples shown are billed as a genuine option for exotic supercar owners and hardcore enthusiasts.

While they might look simple enough, extensive effort has gone into bringing the world's first 15-series tyre to market. Computer simulation was used to optimise the sidewall structure to prevent issues with the contact patch that arise from such a slim profile. Throw in some semi run-flat capability and the new shoes are looking quite spiffy.

Many people overlook the importance of tyres but when you remember that they're (hopefully) the only thing connecting your car to the road, the effort that goes into new products starts to make sense. Check out the full-size images in the gallery and remember, you'd best be sitting down.