The friction winter tire Yokohama iceGUARD of the eighth generation is presented
While the Russian market is introducing the winter non-studded tire Yokohama iceGUARD iG70 (iceGUARD 7), in Japan, its successor has been presented - the eighth generation model called iceGUARD iG80 (iceGUARD 8).
The "eight" became the first Yokohama tire made using Winter Tech technology, which increases traction in winter conditions by simultaneously increasing the number of contact points with the road (micro level) and increasing the total area of the tread in contact with the icy surface (macro level). According to the company, this achieves a "previously hard-to-reach" level of grip on icy roads, which is the most dangerous surface in the cold season. Compared to the previous generation tires, the braking efficiency on ice has increased by 14%, and the stability when cornering has increased by 13%.
A newly developed hydrophilic rubber was added to the rubber compound. According to the company, the main raw material was updated, and the content of the new Water Film Buster material increased its ability to absorb the water film on ice, while the number of contact points was increased by 63%, which significantly increased the traction on icy roads. In addition, due to the increased proportion of silica and the addition of the new Orange Oil S+ material based on orange oil, the traction on dry and wet surfaces at low temperatures has increased, and, according to the manufacturer's claims, the decrease in tire traction on ice is prevented for about four years. In terms of sizes, the number of longitudinal grooves has been increased for more efficient water drainage.
The tread pattern was developed using simulation technologies and artificial intelligence, which, according to the company, helped increase the efficiency on ice, while the stiffness of the blocks was increased by 7%, improving handling. In addition to this, Yokohama engineers worked to achieve conflicting goals of expanding the contact area with the road and maximizing the number of biting edges, which increased traction on snow.
Compared to the iG70, the braking and traction properties, as well as the lateral stability on snowy surfaces, have been improved by 4, 4, and 2%, respectively. In addition, similar indicators on wet roads have increased by 14, 13, and 13%, and noise has also been reduced, while fuel efficiency and wear resistance have remained at the level of previous generation tires.
Yokohama iceGUARD iG70 will be available in Japan starting from September 1 in 71 sizes from 155/65 R14 to 235/45 R21. In sizes with a profile width of 235 mm or more, the name iceGUARD iG80A is used, and, in addition to everything else, the tires are equipped with the "e+" marking, which indicates that they are adapted to the characteristics of electric, hybrid, and hydrogen cars.
Photo: smt.docomo.ne.jp