The summer passenger tire Yokohama S.Drive AS01, despite its belonging to the category of ultra-high-performance tires, is perfectly suitable for installation on both compact class cars and sports coupes. This feature is mainly due to the unique range of sizes, starting from 155/55R14 and ending with 255/30R21. The highest technical characteristics of this model are evidenced by the assigned speed indices H, V, W, and Y.
Tread design
The aggressive V-shaped design of the symmetrical directional tread pattern is one of the practical results of the widespread use of computer modeling technology M.D.T. in the development process. Thanks to this design, Japanese tire makers were able to achieve not only the maximum contact patch area but also maintain high stability of its size, regardless of changes in road surface characteristics. The tread of the Yokohama S.Drive AS01 tire features five wide longitudinal ribs, the central one of which has very high structural stiffness. The combination of massive sizes and very stiff construction of the central longitudinal rib allowed for exceptionally high lateral stability and lightning-fast response to steering wheel turns, which will surely be appreciated by car enthusiasts who value refined sports handling.
Another characteristic feature of the tread design is the rounded edges of the tread blocks. This original technical solution was intended to provide a more dense contact between the tread and the road surface during sharp maneuvering, for example, when cornering at high speed.
Another design "highlight" of this model is the special structure of the walls of the longitudinal drainage grooves. The surface of these walls features numerous grooves, the main functional purpose of which is to reduce the stress loads experienced by the tire when moving at very high speeds. Additionally, the ribbed surface of the drainage groove walls contributes to more effective heat dissipation, which has a beneficial effect on the tire's durability.
It is also worth noting the phenomenal resistance of the Yokohama AS01 tire to aquaplaning when moving at very high speeds. To a large extent, the tire owes this ability to the effective operation of the drainage system. Its four longitudinal grooves are characterized by great depth and width, allowing them to accommodate a sufficient amount of water, which is then directed outward through numerous transverse grooves. At the same time, the transverse grooves have a curved shape, which significantly reduces the likelihood of turbulent water flows, which, in turn, significantly increases the speed of its circulation and, therefore, the efficiency of the entire drainage system.
Improved rubber compound composition
Since the road surface characteristics change continuously during movement, Japanese specialists have developed a new rubber compound composition that can instantly change its elasticity at the molecular level, depending on the change in surface structure. This allowed the tread to adhere more closely to the road surface, regardless of changes in its characteristics. In addition, the rubber compound composition includes silicon-containing components and special polymers of the new generation. The silicon-containing components provide more reliable grip on wet surfaces, and the special polymers have significantly improved handling when driving on dry roads.
Main features of the high-speed Yokohama S.Drive AS01
- Low level of resonant noises and vibrations due to the equipping of the tire sidewalls with special grooves;
- Phenomenal resistance to aquaplaning, ensured by the excellent efficiency of the tire's drainage system, consisting of four longitudinal and numerous transverse grooves of a curved shape;
- Excellent lateral stability and good handling due to the massive sizes and high structural stiffness of the central longitudinal rib;
- The aggressive V-shaped design of the symmetrical directional tread pattern, obtained using M.D.T. technology, allowed for a larger contact patch area and ensured stability of its size, regardless of road surface characteristics;
- The "groove-in-groove" technology reduces the magnitude of stress loads experienced by the tread blocks when moving at high speeds and also increases the heat dissipation of the tread.
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