Yokohama has unveiled the latest evolution to the ADVAN Neova AD08 tyre, its most aggressive road-going product. The new version, designated the AD08R, builds on the success of its predecessor and while externally appears similar, developments to the compound have resulted in significant improvements.

When it was introduced, the ADVAN Neova AD08 drew critical acclaim, as Yokohama’s most aggressive road-going tyre. It generated exceptional levels of grip and response, earning it a reputation as a tyre of choice for ultra-high performance road and track day use.

The new version has taken everything that made the original so successful and added to it, 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 excellent stability and consistency while the round grooves dispel water to ensure high levels of grip in the wet, as well as the dry.

However, it is in the compound 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.

The results of the development work are tangible; tests at the Tsukuba circuit in Japan in February displayed improvements of more than 0.5seconds per lap around the famous circuit, 3% gains in dry braking and an impressive 5% 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.”