Toyo Steps Out With New Luxury Line

(Akron/Tire Review) Turning to the upscale luxury market, Toyo Tire (USA) Corp. has launched its new Versado line of luxury high performance tyres. The first in the new line – the Versado LX – was formally rolled out to select trade and consumer media during a special program last week in San Diego.

Toyo said the new Versado LX “provides a smooth, comfortable and quiet ride, while delivering the performance, quality and all-season capabilities expected from Toyo.” The Versado LX was developed as a direct OE replacement, said Toyo, and will initially be available in 43 sizes covering 15- to 18-inch sizes and 70- to 45-series aspect ratios.

The new line will target fit cars like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Cadillac DTS and STS, Chrysler 300, Infiniti Q45, Lexus LS430, Lincoln Towncar, Mercedes Benz, Volvo and “other refined vehicles,” Toyo said.

The Versado LX features four circumferential grooves incorporating Toyo’s new Silent Wall design, a series of serrations along the inside wall of the grooves designed to reduce road noise producing “pipe resonance,” the company claims.

In addition, the Versado LX features variable pitch tread blocks, multi-wave siping, a computer-optimized non-directional, asymmetric tread pattern, a silica-based tread compound for traction, handling, long wear, braking and reduced road noise.

T-rated sizes will carry an 80,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, H-rated sizes will have a 60,000-mile warranty, and V-rated sizes will offer a 40,000-mile warranty, Toyo said.

Toyo officials said the company plans an extensive marketing campaign to support the new line, including trade and consumer media advertising and all-new POP kits.