Inside Kumho’s Push to Redefine UHP Performance with its Ecsta Sport UHP Tire Lineup

You learn a lot about a tire when you push it to its edge — and even more when you’re the one doing the pushing. That’s exactly what Kumho Tire had in mind when they invited a group of dealers and journalists to Atlanta Motorsports Park to test the new Kumho Ecsta UHP tires.

Kumho showcased three new products: the Ecsta Sport All-Season, Ecsta Sport, and Ecsta Sport S. But these weren’t just lined up for a walkaround. We drove them in conditions designed to highlight their strengths and determine where each tire fits in the competitive UHP market. Wet skidpad sessions, an autocross circuit, and full-track lead-follow laps gave us a real-world feel for how each tire performs.

Distinct Performance for Different Drivers

Each of the Kumho Ecsta UHP tires showcased performance sweet spots. The Ecsta Sport All-Season gripped confidently in wet conditions. Meanwhile, the Ecsta Sport delivered crisp, fast response in dry turns. The Sport S took high-speed corners with control and ease. Kumho didn’t just check boxes — they dialed in each tire for a specific type of driver.

Kumho Ecsta UHP Tires: Tech That Matches the Drive

The technology inside each tire is what drives each tire's distinct feel. Kumho equipped the Ecsta All-Season with a "High Grip" compound and interlocking sipes for year-round traction. The Ecsta Sport steps up with Kumho’s "Innovative Compound Technology." That includes high-dispersible silica and performance resins for sharper cornering and braking. The Sport S, meanwhile, goes all-in on grip. Kumho gave it an aggressive tread pattern and advanced compound mix for control at track speeds.

Advanced Testing and Development Methods for the Kumho Ecsta UHP Tires

During the day-long event, we had the chance to chat with Andy Wallner, a tire development engineer at Kumho, who explained how the team used virtual modeling and AI tools to fine-tune each tire’s compound and tread design. 

“Virtual modeling helps us improve our development cycles, so we're able to develop tires in a shorter time frame,” Wallner said. “[Kumho was] able to get to the target and improve the performance of these tires better than we would have without these methods. [Virtual modeling and AI-testing] doesn't fully replace traditional tire testing and development. However, doing that virtual work upfront helps Kumho design tires more efficiently.”

Check out the video above to see how Tire Review Senior Editor Christian Hinton channels his inner video-game driver to test each tire's capability -- and have fun doing it.

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Sponsored by Kumho Tire.