Yokohama Releases All-New S.drive in US

(Akron/Tire Review) Yokohama Tire Corp. has introduced the all-new S.drive high performance tyre, featuring nanotechnology. Yokohama said the new line is available now through its U.S. distribution centres. Designed for sports sedans and coupes, the S.drive comes in a range of sizes covering 15- through 20-inch rim diameters. By the end of 2007, Yokohama said, the line will include 70 different sizes. According to the company, the S.drive features a silica-based compound that uses nanotechnology, which allows the tyre to better conform to the road surface for wet and dry grip. The tire also features scoring in the groove walls that Yokohama said helps distribute stress loads to reduce uneven wear.

“Extensive testing shows the S.drive performs better in both wet and dry conditions than the AVS ES100˙ it replaces,” said Dan King, Yokohama vice president of sales. “The S.drive is quieter, features more even wear and is available in a much greater range of sizes than the ES100 and others in its class.” The S.drive also features four wide circumferential grooves and angled groove walls for optimum road surface contact, water evacuation and cornering traction, as well as a continuous center rib for lateral stability.

Yokohama said the S.drive carries the company’s 30-day Performance Promise.