Yokohama launches AD08 ‘evolution’

Yokohama has added another high performance PCR to its ranks following the introduction earlier in the year of its leading UHP product, the Advan Sport V105. The Japanese manufacturer has added the latest evolution of its Advan Neova AD08 tyre, a product it describes as its “most aggressive road-going product.” The new version, the Advan Neova AD08R, appears similar externally; however, Yokohama assures its customers that alterations made to the tyre’s compound have resulted in significant improvements to the high levels of grip and response that made its predecessor a tyre of choice for ultra-high performance road and track day use.

Yokohama says the new version has added to the features of the original AD08 through an intensive development and test cycle using some of Japan’s most reputed racers and developers. The familiar tread design retains the uni-block tread shoulders for increased stability and consistency while the round grooves dispel water to ensure high levels of grip in the wet, as well as the dry.

The manufacturer is, then, pinning the advantages of the AD08R on the aforementioned compound changes, and it says this is where the greatest gains have been made. Additional carbon content improves dry grip while extra silica serves the same purpose for the wet. Superior stiffness and durability is the result of the addition of a macromolecule polymer while Orange Oil, developed initially for Yokohama’s motorsport tyres and adopted on its road products, enhances traction.

Yokohama exemplifies the improvements achieved with tangible test results conducted by the company at the Tsukuba circuit in Japan in February. Here test drivers were able to improve lap times by more than half a second around the famous circuit, with three per cent gains in dry braking and five per cent improvement in wet braking. Drivers Manabu Orida and Nobuteru Taniguchi both reported better feeling and response from the new tyres while tuner Yakusa Shibata reported greater control and stability. 

Commenting, managing director of Yokohama HPT Ltd, David Seward, said: “The original ADVAN Neova AD08 was a very good tyre but it is clear that the new AD08R is an even better product. The tyre designers have used experience gained from motorsport activities to create an improved tyre for drivers looking for the ultimate in road performance or for track day use.” 

The new tyre is available from August 2013 in a range of sizes between 15” and 19”. The company revealed that the smallest size – 190/50R15 – would cost £83.16 (excluding VAT).

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