There are lots of different ways to measure performance. For enthusiasts, ultra high performance tires have to provide the maximum grip and control in the most demanding circumstances. At the other end of the scale, consumers seeking improved fuel economy and enhanced environmental performance are concerned with lower rolling resistance, longer tire life and, increasingly, an environmentally responsible approach to tire manufacture. Yokohama Tire Canada Inc. expands the definition of performance on both ends of the scale with two new products. Our PAS Magazine editorial team previewed the new ultra high performance ADVAN Neova A008 and a revolutionary new tire designed for the burgeoning hybrid car market, the Yokohama Super E Spec -- perhaps the most environmentally sensitive new tire ever to reach Canada. We had a chance to experience both tires meet with Yokohama to discuss the technical engineering behind these products. The revolutionary innovations in design and manufacture in the new Yokohama dB Super E-spec tire – advances like the use of orange oil and other natural ingredients, a design that helps cancel road noise and the nano-level engineering of the tread compound – have made the newest addition to the Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. line the most environmentally sensitive tire to ever reach this country. Targeted at the growing legion of hybrid automobile owners, the new dB super E-spec breaks ground in several areas including quiet operation, rolling resistance, super nano power rubber compound, non-petroleum materials, air transmission control film and modern design. The early part of the day was devoted to the Yokohama Super E Spec which we evaluated in a real-world drive through the Niagara wine region, which would be followed by the highly awaited high performance driving for the ADVAN Neova A008. We simply couldn't wait to hit the airport tarmac, as our friends at Yokohama transformed the runways into a test course for us to experience the new ADVAN Neova A008 at the Niagara Drive Centre. This new ultra high performance was outfitted on a an arsenal of high performance machines including an Audi RS4, Mitsubishi EVO X and a Porsche 911 Targa which we promptly put through their paces and the pylons. The original ADVAN Neova (AD07) established the benchmark for tires that could excel in the dual role of weekend racer and weekday driver. The creators of the new ADVAN Neova AD08 built on that successful design to improve the new version in almost every way. The original ADVAN Neova was the beneficiary of Yokohama’s 25+ years of race and rally tire development combined with sophisticated computer simulations and extensive testing. While many factors contributed to its extraordinary high levels of grip, it was the construction of the ADVAN Neova that was the foundation of its success. A unique casing shape improved feel and drivability by optimizing the contact patch shape under load. The new Neova AD08 goes a step further with specially placed steel inserts in the sidewall to help resist lateral deflection while providing superior handling control and enhanced cornering. Two wide steel belts reinforced by spirally wound nylon provide strength and help the tire retain its contact patch under load. Yokohama’s advanced tread compound delivers unprecedented street-tire grip 
in wet or dry conditions, while improving treadwear. As in the original, the compound is the product of the company’s leadership in nanotechnology engineering. Nanotechnology refers to components engineered at one nanometre or less, which is one billionth of a metre. This process involves a chemical reaction that combines super fine high grade silica with super fine high grade polymers in a highly controlled manner. This method allows the silica and polymers to bond at a molecular level, and yields a tread compound of extreme flexibility, high grip and great durability. The tight, chemical bonding of the elements results in a dense tread compound that enhances contact area five to 10 per cent without increasing tread size. In the case of the new Neova AD08, the addition of Hyper Density Carbon (HDC) to the mixture further enhances both wet and dry grip while improving treadwear characteristics. The tread design of the new generation Neova is a slight departure from the highly effective original. The design still utilizing the two centre grooves, a key element in both evacuating water in wet conditions and in good on-centre feel and steering response. The wavy centre ribs add stability and lightning-fast steering response during high-speed driving. Tiny slits in the groove walls help effectively distribute stress loads to minimize uneven wear. Outer rib walls are rounded which also reduces uneven treadwear. Extra-wide shoulder blocks provide constant rubber-to-road contact for improved lateral stability during high-speed cornering. The uniquely shaped HydroARC Channels effectively cut through water to deliver superior grip in wet conditions. A low void to tread ratio keeps more rubber-to-road contact for maximum performance. Back-to-back comparison of the original Neova and the new Neova AD08 illustrated the engineers’ success in improving on their original benchmark, with shorter wet and dry braking distances, improved grip in wet conditions, and reduced pattern and road noise. The original ADVAN Neova earned high praise from respected enthusiast magazines and scored highly in impartial tests by industry experts who have cited its performance attributes as among the very best available. The new ADVAN Neova AD08 has already garnered similar praise, cited for its steering response, ride quality, noise and tenacious grip in both wet and dry driving. The new Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08 will be available in 32 popular sizes from 15” to 19” when it goes on sale through Yokohama dealers across Canada this fall. For more visit www.yokohama.ca