Yokohama launches AVS ES 100

Well-known for its solid reputation on the track and on the road, Yokohama’s latest AVS ES 100 is a high-performance street tire that uses a newly developed tread compound based on a unique Silica Compound Technology (SCT). Three dimensional simulation was also used to create an innovative tread, shoulder end and sidewall design for improved cornering and braking performance even on a rainy day.

Unidirectional cross grooves, combined with two wide circumferential center channels, work together like a pump to squeeze out water between the tread and the road. High speed durability is also improved by a unique manufacturing method that shaves the area of the tread shoulder not in contact with the road surface, thus reducing the buildup of excess tire heat in prolonged high speed running.

Compared to Yokohama’s own A520 sport tire, the new ES 100 also benefits from enhanced noise suppression, which is often a bane among high-performance tires. The ES 100’s large tread blocks are extended diagonally to reduce the common hammering noise against the road surface; it is quieter by 1.9 dB in the 250 Hz range compared to the A520. In addition, a new low-noise side groove suppresses the resonance of the oscillating frequency of the tire’s sidewall.

During a recent rainy afternoon, Yokohama dealers and members of the media saw for themselves the performance of the tires in a high-speed test run and slalom course using stock Honda Civics and Silverwind alloy rims. The country’s top racers, namely Jody Coseteng, Jojo Silverio, Pepon Marave, and George and Kookie Ramirez, also demonstrated the all-around grip of the tires in both dry and wet conditions at higher speeds.

Yokohama’s own tests show that, on a wet skidpad, a Toyota Altezza equipped with ES 100s has a higher lateral acceleration performance of 5.003 m/s2 and higher average velocity of 44.83 kph. By comparison, the same car equipped with A520s has a lower lateral acceleration of 4.468 m/s2 and average velocity of 42.37 kph.

Yokohama ES 100s are available from a size of 195/55R15 to an ultra-low (and wide) 215/40ZR17. Prices start at P,4700 (each) for the former all the way to P9,210 for the latter.