Yokohama Tire Corporation Signs 3-Year Sponsorship Renewal with IMSA

Tire maker's eco-friendly, orange-oil-infused ADVAN® ENV-R2™ race slicks will continue to be the 'official tire' of the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama through the 2015 season

FULLERTON, CA.

Orange continues to be the new green for Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racers, thanks to a new three-year sponsorship renewal between Yokohama Tire Corporation and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). The agreement retains Yokohama's eco-friendly, orange oil-infused ADVAN® ENV-R2™ race slicks as the official tire of the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama through the 2015 season.

The announcement was made today in Sebring, Florida, at the season opener for the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama series. All Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in the popular 15-race series will be competing on the revolutionary racing slick that combines orange oil and natural rubber to improve performance characteristics in the tire while using renewable materials. Yokohama's ENV-R2 is the first - and only - environmentally-friendly tire used in a racing series.

"The IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama is an excellent platform to showcase our product, especially when it comes to green racing," said Andrew Briggs, Yokohama's director of product planning and motorsports. "IMSA, like Yokohama, has been a champion of eco-friendly initiatives for years and have embraced creative ways to bring that consciousness to motorsports. We've been a partner with GT3 Cup Challenge for four consecutive seasons, and couldn't be happier with this renewal."

"IMSA has recognized Yokohama as an innovative company for many years, and they have a rich history in sports car racing in the United States," said Scot Elkins, COO of IMSA and the American Le Mans Series. "They have fully embraced our initiative to be the global leader in green racing and the ENV-R2 race slick is a testament to Yokohama's commitment to that mission."

"The ENV-R2, which we will also campaign in the GTC Class of the American Le Mans Series in 2012, has been a tremendous success," said Briggs. "It has surpassed all driver expectations from a performance standpoint."

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Goodyear's Air Maintenance Technology

Goodyear provides first glimpse of future technology - potential to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and enhance safe driving

Geneva, Switzerland - The days of checking tire pressure could be a thing of the past thanks to an innovation from Goodyear, which will be publicly demonstrated for the first time at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show. 

Goodyear's Air Maintenance Technology (AMT) has been under development in laboratories over the past two years. Visitors to the Geneva International Motor Show will see how tires can remain inflated at the optimum pressure without the need for any external pumps, electronics or driver intervention leading to a reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

AMT will help ensure the optimum tire pressure is maintained and as a result could mean substantial savings at the fuel pump with underinflated tires resulting in between a 2.5 percent and 3.3 percent decrease in fuel economy, according to government and industry research¹. 

European research conducted by Goodyear Dunlop shows that consumers are unconcerned about their tire pressure, with half of those surveyed not knowing when to check their tire pressure² and one in three motorists admitting they would not be very likely to check their tire pressure even before embarking on a long trip³. 

For a typical new passenger car, properly inflated tires through AMT could save the driver each year around 57 liters of fuel at a cost of €85. The European community would also benefit from a significant reduction of CO₂ emissions⁴. 

Properly inflated tires are also necessary to keep the vehicle's handling performance at optimal levels, especially its cornering abilities. Under-inflation means less evenly distributed pressure on the road. It also reduces the tread area that is in direct contact with the road. 

Jean-Claude Kihn, Goodyear senior vice president and chief technical officer explains: "Consumers often overlook the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure. We believe this technology will enhance safe driving and performance; and have a positive impact on the environment through improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and extended tire life. The progress we have made is very encouraging and we are now ready to demonstrate it in Geneva for the first time."

Last year The United States Department of Energy's Office of Vehicle Technology awarded a US$1.5 million grant for research, development and demonstration of the AMT system for commercial truck tires conducted at Goodyear's Innovation Center in Akron, Ohio.

Goodyear also successfully received a grant from the Luxemburg government for research and development of an AMT system for consumer tires. That work has been conducted at Goodyear's Innovation Center in Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg. 

It is too early in the innovation process to predict when AMT will come to market but the company has confirmed that the grants provided by the US and Luxembourgish governments will certainly speed up development.

Sources

1. Owner Related Fuel Economy Improvements, December 2001 http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/pdfs/OwnerRelatedFuelEconomyImprovements.pdf
2. Goodyear Dunlop Road Safety Survey of 3,500 drivers, 2010. Survey Methodology:

• The study was carried out by APCO Insight on behalf of "Goodyear Dunlop Europe" to better understand licensed drivers' road safety awareness, beliefs and practices.
• A total of 3,500 European drivers were surveyed, 500 each for Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK
• Fieldwork was carried out from 31 August to 9 September 2010, Interviews were conducted online in the local language of each country. Nationally representative quotas were set on gender and age
• Respondents had to: Have a valid driver's license, be older than 18, and be an active driver (drive more than 1km per year)

3. Goodyear Dunlop Road Safety Survey of 5,622 drivers, 2011 Survey Methodology:

• The study was carried out by APCO Insight on behalf of "Goodyear Dunlop Europe" to better understand licensed drivers' summer holiday driving behavior, and their road safety awareness, beliefs, and practices
• A total of 5,622 European drivers were surveyed, in Austria (350), Belgium (378), Bulgaria (378), the Czech Republic (378), France (378), Germany (378), Italy (378), Poland (378), Romania (378), Russia (378), Slovakia (378), Slovenia (378), Spain (378), Switzerland (354), and the UK (377).
• Fieldwork was carried out from May 12 to 31, 2011, Interviews were conducted online in the local language of each country
• Respondents had to: Have a valid driver's license, be older than 18, and be an active driver

4. Figures from a typical passenger car, which has a fuel consumption of 8.6 liters per 100 kilometers, driving 20,000km in one year. Fuel price based on the calculation €1.501 based on www.energy.eu as of 14 February 2012.

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Falken Azenis PT722 - Proven

More go needs more grip

One of the most common questions we get is: What mods will give me the biggest “bang for buck”? 

The answer is easy: tires.
A great tire can turn even a bad car into a solid performer. On the contrary, a bad tire can leave a great car in the dust.

In regards to the 2011 MINI Countryman on the previous pages, a poor choice in tires left this great car wanting. Clad from the factory in Pirelli run-flats, the MINI’s ride was on the harsh side with an excessive amount of road noise. Moreover, the run-flats would squeal at the first sign of impending load and transform themselves into understeering chunks of rubber. We’d driven MINIs with good tires. The experience impressed us enough to call the MINI one of the best FWD cars in the world.

As this MINI would see action in virtually every type of environment, we chose to outfit it with Falken’s latest entry into high-performance all-season rubber: the Azenis PT722.

Falken’s Azenis PT722 A/S premium performance touring tire appeared to have everything we were looking for. The PT722 touring tire is targeted at drivers looking for a smooth, quiet ride without sacrificing either performance or tread life. Primary features include an asymmetric tread pattern designed to provide outstanding ride comfort, along with treadwear indicators placed in the tread blocks to regularly inform drivers of proper tire rotation in order to maximize wear performance for better mileage and a longer operating life. The PT722 also incorporates various features specifically aimed at improving overall performance in wet, slippery driving conditions.

Measuring the same 225/45-18 as the factory run-flats, the Falkens were an easy fit for the 18-inch factory alloys. In less than an hour we were back on the road.

The difference was both immediate and impressive. While the stock tires had a distinctive noise pattern, the Falkens were dead silent. It allowed us to actually hear the exhaust while quieting a few annoying rattles (what a bonus!). During hard cornering, the MINI stays planted at speeds well beyond what the stock tires could handle. As they approach their adhesive limit, the PT722 break away slowly and progressively, leaving us time to catch up with steering duties. Ten years ago this type of performance rivaled the best UHP summer stock. Now we can get it in an all-season package.

While the Falken Azenis PT722s left our MINI with a considerably larger performance envelope, they also made us realize the car had more to offer. During hard acceleration, the stock tires would scramble for purchase. Yeah, it was cool but it was also wasted power. After a trip to Neuspeed, these new Falkens became a “must have” for our MINI.

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Yokohama Tire Corporation to Partner with Alex Job Racing and Lotus in 2012 ALMS GT Class

Car will race on ADVAN® A005 tires

Yokohama Tire Corporation is teaming up with Alex Job Racing (AJR) to campaign a Lotus Evora in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) GT series, which kicks-off the 2012 season in Sebring, Florida, March 17. The Lotus-AJR will run on Yokohama ADVAN® A005 tires and make its series debut at the Long Beach Grand Prix in Long Beach, California, April 14.

“It’s great to be back with a top-level professional team like AJR and have the factory support of a prestigious brand like Lotus,” said Andrew Briggs, Yokohama’s director of product planning and motorsports. “Both organizations have a storied history in motorsports, as does Yokohama, so we’ve got high expectations for this new program.”

In 2005, AJR’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GT2 class on Yokohama tires. “Now we’re back to compete with the Ferraris, Porsches, Corvettes and everyone else in the super competitive GT Class,” said Briggs.

Added AJR team owner Alex Job: “We have a long and successful history with Yokohama and we’re glad to work with them once again to bring this new platform to the American Le Mans Series.”

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Continental Tire to be Featured on the Petty's Garage Performance Tour

Two winning companies join forces to bring top-performing vehicles and tires to fans across the country.

Continental Tire is pleased to announce they will be the featured tire on the Petty's Garage Performance Tour in 2012. The partnership kicked off during the 50th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona at Daytona International Speedway and will stop at various GRAND-AM races, Goodguys events, Fun Ford Weekends, and many major car shows throughout the year.

"The name Petty signifies a winning tradition and performance excellence," said Tony Talbert, tuning key account manager for Continental Tire. "Continental Tire is excited to partner with Richard Petty and Petty's Garage. We believe that our 140-year history of building technology-leading high performance tires is a great match with such a legend in the world of auto racing and performance cars."

"Both Petty's Garage and Continental Tire are in a growth mode within the performance tuning market, which makes this partnership a great fit," said Richard Petty, owner, Petty's Garage. "Petty's Garage was researching and looking for a tire that fits our performance builds and Continental provides a great performance line of dry/wet/all season tires with sizes that fit our builds."

The partnership blends the winning tradition of Richard Petty and Petty's Garage with Continental Tire's award-winning tires to bring a mark of excellence to fans across the United States. The tour will feature unique vehicles produced at Petty's Garage along with Continental Tire's high-performance tires. Visitors will experience a walk through exhibit and be able to purchase Petty's Garage signature parts and merchandise. Greg Steadman, general manager and former NASCAR crew chief for Petty Enterprises from 2000-2006 will also be on hand to answer questions and talk shop.

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New BFGoodrich® g-Force™ Sport COMP-2™ Tire Offers Next-Level Control, Next-Level Fun - Web Exclusive

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Designed to offer drivers the next level in control and the next level in fun, BFGoodrich® Tires introduces the g-Force™ Sport COMP-2™, the newest tire in BFGoodrich Tires' ultra-high performance tire line up. Available for purchase April 1, 2012, the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 tire is designed for enthusiasts looking for a tire that will give them next-level control when driving and allow them the freedom to accelerate faster¹, corner harder² and brake shorter³. 

The BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 tire will replace the BFGoodrich g-Force™ Sport® tire. Offered in 46 sizes, ranging from 15 to 20 inches in diameter, the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 tire includes fitments for classic and modern muscle cars, sports cars, sports sedans, tuner and imports. An additional 12 sizes will be introduced to the market in September 2012 to offer complete coverage in the ultra-high performance category. The addition of the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 tire increases BFGoodrich Tires' coverage in the ultra-high performance market to 82 percent. 

"The current BFGoodrich g-Force Sport tread design was reviewed, analyzed and proven to be the optimal design for BFGoodrich Tires' target consumer, target performances and new advanced 'COMP-2' compound," said Andy Koury, brand category manager for ultra high performance at BFGoodrich Tires. "While the tread design remains the same, we simplified the sidewall for a 'racing' look. It needs to look contemporary and sleek, but not be in the way. The new g-Force Sport COMP-2 provides a sleek look and, of course, upgraded performance." 

The BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 tire is the latest evolution of BFGoodrich Tires' rich racing heritage. The newly designed COMP-2 compound and Performance Racing Core (PRC) - developed using many of BFGoodrich Tires' racing technologies and compounds - resulted in 30 percent better wet grip and eight percent better dry grip offering precise control, without sacrificing treadlife.² When put to the test against the competition*, the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 tire proved to have better dry traction on the track¹ resulting in 100 percent more fun on the street. Tests also resulted in shorter breaking distance -up to 16 feet shorter in wet conditions3 and up to nine feet shorter in dry conditions⁴ - for more control entering corners.

"Advancements in compounding technologies have enabled us to achieve large improvements in traction in both wet and dry performances," added Koury. "We added a high horsepower compound and also upgraded the internal tire suspension to a new level with the Performance Racing Core to make sure all that power could make it to the ground. We strengthened, optimized and evolved the suspension system to increase steering response, rigidity and control to handle the new advanced compound."

Additional performance features for the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 tire:

Tread

• g-Force™ Sport® Tread Pattern has proven stability and maximum cornering power.
• Shallow shoulder blocks have racing-inspired design for better feedback at the grip limit.
• Solid Center Rib remains straight and true at highway speeds.
• g-Hooks proprietary hooked tread design provides biting edges for grip at any cornering angle.
• Off-set shoulder groove maximizes tread contact for enhanced cornering stability.

Internal Structure - Performance Racing Core (PRC)

• Strengthened ETEC System™ optimizes the contact patch and traction at speed.
• Dynamic suspension system features an improved internal structure for increased steering response and control.
• g-Control™ sidewall insert supports precise cornering with up to 40 percent higher sidewall-stiffening structure²
• Best dry traction versus the competition* on the track1 for 100 percent more fun on the street.
• Stopping distance is up to 16 feet shorter in wet conditions3 and up to nine feet shorter in dry conditions⁴, for more control entering corners.

1. Based on subjective dry autocross and max handling test results vs. Yokohama® S.drive™, Kumho® Ecsta SPT KU31, and Dunlop® Direzza® DZ101. Exceeding the safe, legal speed limit is neither recommended nor endorsed.
2. Based on subjective dry/wet autocross and max handling test results vs. BFGoodrich® g-Force™ Sport.
3. Based on wet braking test results vs. the Yokohama® S.drive™.
4. Based on dry braking test results vs. the Kumho® Ecsta SPT KU31.
* The competition refers to the following: Yokohama® S.drive™, Kumho® Ecsta SPT KU31, and Dunlop® Direzza® DZ101.

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'Alive at 25' Expands into Lancaster and York Schools with Help from Continental Tire

Following six deaths in the last year, Lancaster schools to participate in 'Alive at 25'.

Fort Mill, SC - For the second straight year, Continental Tire the Americas has joined forces with the South Carolina National Safety Council (SCNSC) to sponsor the "Alive at 25" safe driving course. This year, the SCNSC has matched Continental Tire's $25,000 scholarship enabling over 1,000 local high school students to participate in the life-saving program free of charge. Following six tragic deaths within the Lancaster school district, the school systems elected to participate in the "Alive at 25" program. York Comprehensive has also opted to participate in the program as a preventative step. These two schools join the Fort Mill school district in making a difference in the lives of local youth. 

"This will help our students in a proactive way," said Dr. Vernon Prosser, superintendent, York County Schools. "The course emphasizes making good decisions and it's one of the best courses I've seen." 

"We're excited about bringing Alive at 25 to our district," said Gene Moore, superintendent, Lancaster County Schools. "We're impressed with the program's track record for helping students realize the dangers of risky behavior. We appreciate how supportive and helpful the Columbia Office of the National Safety Council has been as we've worked to get everything in place to require Alive at 25 for every student who drives to school and parks on our campuses." 

"Our thoughts are with those whose lives were lost in the last year," said Bill Caldwell, vice president marketing and sales, Continental Tire. "Supporting 'Alive at 25' is a great way for Continental Tire to give back to our local community. We're excited to include both the Lancaster and York school systems in this year's efforts and we sincerely hope our efforts will help prevent any more needless and tragic deaths. We believe our partnership with the SCNSC will help reduce fatalities and educate young drivers on the responsibility that comes with getting behind the wheel."

The "Alive at 25" program will be held at Lancaster high school on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. York Comprehensive will hold the "Alive at 25" program on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. These sessions are by invitation only and are not open to the public. 

"Alive at 25" is a young driver intervention program that zeroes in on drivers between the ages of 15 and 24 - the group most likely to be involved in fatal collisions. "Alive at 25" is a survival course developed by the National Safety Council and is designed to prevent the number one killer of teens, automobile crashes. The course is taught by off duty Deputy Sheriffs, and Municipal Police Officers and is delivered in one 4 1/2 hour program which focuses on the behaviors and decision-making paradigms that young drivers and passengers display behind the wheel. 

"I want to commend Continental Tire the Americas for their generosity and dedication to the young people of Fort Mill," said Brooke Russell, executive director/chief operating officer of South Carolina National Safety Council. "The partnership with the South Carolina National Safety Council, Fort Mill Schools, York Comprehensive and Lancaster County Schools is one that will continue for a long time to come, but the impact Continental Tire will make with their donation will have a positive and immediate impact on the community and students for all the aforementioned schools." 

Russell continued, "More than 45,500 young adults, ages 15 - 24, have taken the 'Alive at 25' course through the South Carolina National Safety Council since February 2007. This is due, in part, to the support of Continental Tire the Americas. Continental Tire is a great partner of SCNSC because they are just as passionate about the cause of safe teen driving as we are. It's wonderful to be able to partner with an organization that is working toward the same very important goal - to reduce the number of teen fatalities due to car crashes."

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Yokohama Tire Corporation's New All-Season AVID ENVigor® ZPS® (Zero Pressure System) Runflat Tire on Sale Feb. 1

Yokohama Tire Corporation set a new standard for premium all-season tires with its AVID ENVigor®. Now, the benchmark tire, which has been dubbed the "best Grand Performance Tire", comes with Yokohama's unique runflat technology. The AVID ENVigor® ZPS® (Zero Pressure System) goes on sale February 1 and will come in five sizes.

"The AVID ENVigor ZPS delivers high-performance and security," said Shawn Denlein, Yokohama director of sales, Consumer Products. "Because the ENVigor ZPS can be driven up to 50 miles at 50 miles per hour after the loss of air, consumers don't have to worry about being stranded on the road because of a flat tire. It gives drivers peace of mind without sacrificing handling."
 
Denlein added the new ZPS version delivers, in addition to its runflat advantage, the same benefits as the original ENVigor. "The ENVigor is the most complete performance tire ever created. It is the first and only high-performance tire that successfully blends all-season performance, comfort, enhanced traction and handling, with remarkable fuel efficiency, eco sensibilities and long treadlife."
 
The AVID ENVigor ZPS is available in five sizes - 195/55RF16 87V, 205/45RF17 84V, 225/45RF17 91V, 225/50RF17 94V and 245/40RF18 93V - to fit popular vehicles such as the BMW 3 and 5 Series, Lexus GS and SC, and Mini Cooper.

The ENVigor ZPS offers strength from the inside, where it uses rigid sidewall reinforcement with a low heat-generating compound that is designed to support the weight of the vehicle during loss of air pressure. An exclusive bead-filler delivers a comfortable ride during normal operations and high-rigidity under zero-pressure conditions. Additionally, an extra-thick bead wire placed in a hexagonal arrangement allows for easier fitting to the rim and reduces the risk of bead unseating after loss of air pressure.

Denlein said the ENVigor ZPS features Yokohama's high-tech silica compound, "which provides enhanced low rolling resistance for greater fuel efficiency while maintaining treadlife and exceptional all-weather handling. Also, a significantly quieter ride is assured thanks to our six-pitch tread variation."
 
Other highlights of the ENVigor ZPS include uniblock shoulder and tapered center rib, along with angled groove walls and adaptive 3D sipes, which translate to "peak performance for every season," Denlein said.

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Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 - Product Spotlight

After attending my share of tire launches, I’ve become accustomed to the routine. Wake up early, sit through a presentation highlighting the latest and greatest technology, then get handed the keys to a car for a test drive.

While these presentations are informative, I’m often left wondering if it’s all just a case of a placebo effect. Did I really experience a novel and innovative technology when I drove the car, or did it seem more fantastic since they told me it would be?

With the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, I came to the launch having experienced driving the first-generation Eagle F1 Asymmetric on my Audi A3 for the past year. I was elated when Goodyear handed me the keys to a VW GTI, because now I could make some real-world comparisons. The first leg of the test drive consisted of some freeway miles and driving over picturesque mountain roads, as well as an unfortunate miscommunication with my navigator that lead to some off-roading. This gave me a real feel for the tire since my girlfriend gets me lost all the time. As an added bonus, I also got to drive a TT RS equipped with the F1 Asymmetrics on some of those same curves. After an adventurous and heart-pounding day, I could only come to one conclusion: While the first-gen Eagle F1 Asymmetric was an amazing tire, the second-generation really is that much better.

The second day of the event had us up at the crack of dawn, boarding a bus to take us to a racetrack in the middle of nowhere. At the track, I awoke from my dreamlike state to the seeming mirage of 20 VW GTIs parked next to the track. My anticipation grew, but after orientation we were led to our test car: a 4,000-pound Audi A7 3.0 TDI, the exact opposite of what you would define as a track car.

Maybe it was from going into a situation with no real expectations, or even bad ones, or maybe because the Goodyear tire is actually fantastic, but by the end of the day, I had the time of my life. Having never driven the A7, I was impressed by its agility on the track. It held the corners at high speeds, made its way quickly and precisely through the slalom, and stopped on a dime in both wet and dry conditions. By the end of the long day I was left pondering a new question: Was it Quattro all-wheel drive or the tires?

A few weeks later while driving a short-term 3.0T A7 equipped with tires from a brand that shall remain nameless, everything about the Goodyear test made sense. It had been the Goodyear technology that complemented the Quattro system’s attributes and worked in perfect harmony. If Goodyear could make this massive sedan turn and brake like a precision track car, then they are selling the real deal.

Now, back in my A3, I find myself driving harder than usual so I can replace my gen-one Goodyears with the new-gen F1 Asymmetrics.

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