The Yokohama Rubber Company recently offered a group of international media the opportunity to test drive its new ADVAN Sport V105 tyre which will be launched in the Spring.

The test drive event was held at the Ascari Race Resort in Ronda, Malaga, Spain and included a number of practical and theoretical sessions that enabled the participants to actually ‘feel’ and learn about the significant improved features of the ADVAN Sport V105 and its comfort and safety features combined with its overall high performance. The event also included the special participation of former F1 driver Ukyo Katayama as well a number of Yokohama representatives from around the world.

The ADVAN Sport V105 tyre, a successor model to the successful ADVAN Sport (V103) for high-powered, premium cars – part of its global flagship “ADVAN” series – will be available in 36 sizes from 205/55R16 91V MO to 255/30ZR20 (92Y), including ten sizes already fitted as original equipment. Yokohama will further expand the range of available sizes over time.

Based on the ADVAN Sport (V103) factory-equipped on many performance cars, including those from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche and Bentley, the ADVAN Sport V105 is an evolution meeting demand in the sporty, premium segment for higher speed, higher comfort. Yokohama positioned its research and development base at the Nürburgring in Germany, known as a gruelling test track, and developed the new model jointly with an automaker in Europe. Thus polished under strict development conditions, the ADVAN Sport V105 delivers driving performance superior to that of its predecessor. Together with its comfort and safety, it realizes a high degree of overall performance balance. The ADVAN Sport V105 has already been fitted as original equipment on a number of premium cars.

Overall features, including structure, tread pattern and compound, have been enhanced over its predecessor. To improve steering stability, a new “Matrix Body Ply Structure*” was developed employing technology fostered through participation in world motorsports, and materials and structures were precisely tuned. Weight was reduced while rigidity was maintained, producing more agile handling and a more comfortable ride. Synergistic effects among the special asymmetrical, non-directional tread pattern – inside for enhanced performance on wet surfaces, outside for dry – a new compound created to provide exceptional grip, and a new “Mound Profile” precisely controlling block ground contact pressure, yield even stronger dry and wet grip. Asymmetrical pitch variations applied to the inside and outside of the tread pattern help make quiet ride. (* Excludes certain sizes)