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The Ventus R-S4 (Z232) is Hankook’s Extreme Performance Summer tire developed for the drivers of sports cars, sports coupes and performance sedans looking for near-motorsports levels of grip for track events, autocross and drifting in a tire that can be driven on the street. Like all summer tires, the Ventus R-S4 is not intended to be serviced, stored nor driven in near- and below-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.
Hankook Ventus R-S4The Ventus R-S4 utilizes a new, carbon black and silica high-grip compound molded into a low-void, directional pattern. The wide, continuous center rib creates uninterrupted contact with the road for solid on-center feel and immediate response to steering inputs. Massive outboard shoulder blocks deliver the lateral grip expected for high-g cornering in motorsports events and performance driving, while the chamfered block edges maximize contact with the pavement under load. Wet traction has been addressed through the addition of highly dispersible silica. A functionalized polymer allows the silica to better bond within the compound matrix, while the two main, circumferential grooves allow water to flow through the contact patch for improved resistance to hydroplaning. Heavy rain and standing water may still present challenges to longitudinal and lateral hydroplaning resistance, so drivers should take care and drive cautiously at reduced speeds in these conditions.
The Ventus R-S4’s performance begins on the inside. High-modulus bead filler and sidewall reinforcement material reduce sidewall flex for more immediate handling response. A two-ply casing sits beneath two wide, steel belts that support the tread. A two-layer (single layer in some sizes), jointless nylon cover is tuned to optimize handling and stabilize the tread for long life, and an extra reinforcement in the shoulder helps withstand the abuse of performance driving, even in high-camber situations.
Note: Tires exposed to temperatures of 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) or lower must be permitted to gradually return to temperatures of at least 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) for at least 24 hours before they are flexed in any manner, such as by adjusting inflation pressures, mounting them on wheels, or using them to support, roll or drive a vehicle.
Flexing of the specialized rubber compounds used in Extreme Performance Summer tires during cold-weather use can result in irreversible compound cracking. While compound cracking is not a warrantable condition because it occurs as the result of improper use or storage, tires exhibiting compound cracking must be replaced.
Founder at Tiresout. Used to be working as an engineer at Bridgestone Tires Akron Technical Center. The responsibilities included but were not limited to technical computing, indoor & outdoor testing of new tires.
I’ve been avid user of Hankook’s Ventus RS line up since the RS3s and when the RS4s came out, I’ve used two sets of them already. My current set is actually a 245 square setup on my S2000 which I use solely for the track and autocross. The RS4s continue the trend of the RS3s which need heat to ‘wake up’ and really come to maximum performance. As such, they are not as competitive for autocross unless your runs are consecutive to keep the heat in the tires (check with your series). On the track however, (I compete in Time Attack), they will see enough heat buildup within a lap or two to really come to optimal temperatures and shine. Grip wise at full temp, they are a shade under the RE71Rs (which I’ve also run) and unlike the RS3s, they actually have sharp steering response and will start screeching with a safe buffer before they break away. The major weakness that continues to run with the RS model lineup is the wet traction. Likely due to the fact the tires can’t get hot, they are NOT good at all in the wet. The minimal siphons and compound behaviour with temperature doesn’t really help the tire and as such, the RE71Rs blow the RS4s out of the water. Pun intended. HOWEVER, offsetting this weakness is the RS4s immortality when it comes to heat and punishment. I can go almost 1.5 seasons of time attack, track days (that aren’t part of time attack), autocross and driving to and from the track. RE71Rs? I couldn’t even make it to 45% of a season. For the price difference and longevity, the RS4s continue to hold the crown for the ultimate lapping and practice tire whereas the RE71Rs are the perfect win-now-at-all-costs tire. As a HPDE instructor, I would highly recommend the RS4s for anyone on a budget that wants to lap/compete and still stand a chance of winning. It is the ultimate teaching tire because it will outlast you on the track. Well done Hankook!
Have a set of 265/295/40-18″ on mine. They have had 3 track days at MSR Cresson and I have just crossed over 14,000 total miles on this set and the rears are reaching the wear bars and I’ve ordered a second set. Overall great all around tire. I use these as my DD 3-4 times a week on the highway and in traffic here in DFW and they’re nice in all conditions. 18″ sidewalls make the ride much better than the factory 20″ MPSS tires, and they have plenty of grip dry, and still more than adequate grip for the wet, and don’t throw rocks like some other street/track tires do. I did not attempt any cold weather driving per the tire recommendations, but they have held up very well. Plenty of grip and durability on track days, with a nice predictable slide, and no real negative tradeoffs on the street, if you can accept changing every 15k max.
Tire is rated second to Bridgestone as to handling by Tire Rack. I find it to be much the same. Have used them in 14 Autocross events thus far and find the wear to be better than Bridgestone. If they continue to last and handle as they have thus far, I expect to be back. Only disappointment is in lack of 275/40×17 which would be better size for the car.
I bought these tires to replace the Hankook RS3 tires that are not made size I needed for my Cayman S (with a 3.8 liter flat 6). I am a Porsche Club instructor and my car has mostly Porsche 911 GT3 RS suspension parts, and Bilstein PSS9 coil-over shocks. -2.5 degrees negative camber front, -1.7 negative camber rear. Pagid Yellow pads with stock drilled rotors. Around 300 rwhp. I drove these tires on the street all 2018 including 1366 street miles and 634 track miles. Of the track miles, 479 were on Road Atlanta where my best lap was a 1:44.30 and 85 laps were at Memphis International Raceway. Both are run clockwise and I touch 140 MPH on both tracks. I push the car and the tires about 9/10 on most laps but during the later part of the sessions I push them 10/10. I’m usually keeping up with spec boxers in the turns and leave them on the straights. The tires don’t have as much grip as a full track compound but they have plenty to reach 1.2g in turns consistently and reaching 1.4g in turn 6 at RA. For all 6 track days in 2018, outside air was over 90 degrees and track temperatures were over 110 degrees. I found running with 36 psi hot was the best pressure. In the wet I found these tires entertaining. They will spin in the rain even with traction control on. I have plenty of tire of 6 more track days in 2019.
This Miata is set up to SCCA T5 levels for mountain driving and a few time trials events each year. The tires are mounted on 949 6UL 15×9 with 35mm offset wheels. The tires and wheels are 35 pounds each, and they clear the stock fenders though the fender liners took a beating at the track.The tire stick well and did not get too hot or greasy during a recent 100+ degree track day. They perform better on cooler track days, but are street tires after all. Based on Track Addict Pro telemetry, the tires consistently provide at least 1.1g grip in corners and braking. The tread is holding up to this season’s three trails events quite well. They are somewhat noisy over the highway sipping, but so is the exhaust, wind and engine. If you want a Cadillac ride, buy a Cadillac. For the price point, these tires would be difficult to beat for a street/track tire.
Proson the track, these tires hold up very well. Great grip through 5 20 minute sessions.tire wear seems to be pretty good so farConsNot a good tire for autocross – they just don’t have the grip needed for autocross. Perhaps it’s because they don’t heat up as quickly as other tires… not sureNo warning before they start slipping. Over steer is awful, i tried different tire pressures… same result. weather conditions where around 70 degrees.On the street, they are ok; when I take a hard corner, the rear tires slipIn the wet – very poor grip. Drive with care.