Extensive simulation has enabled the development of a special pin shape for improved on-ice performance.
Yokohama has launched its latest studded offering for passenger cars in Russia and Northern Europe, the iceGuard iG65.
Development began in late 2013 and took place at a number of key locations: for dry and wet testing, evaluation was conducted in Japan, Thailand and Spain, while snow and ice analysis took place in Sweden, Finland, Russia and Japan.
Focus throughout was to improve on-ice performance compared with premium competitor models. This has been achieved thanks to optimization of the number of pins and their configuration layout on the tire’s tread – the iceGuard iG65 has a greater number of studs and a new stud-hole allocation that places studs at the center of the tire’s tread.
Masakazu Mori, designer of winter PCR tires, noted, “We conducted simulation of aspects such as sound, traction on ice and snow, groove area/contact area, and stud retention. We also spent a lot of time testing, evaluating and simulating the pins and looking for the best pin shape.”
In order to improve wet performance and stud hold performance, a new silica-rich compound was developed. The studs feature a wide polygon tip while the shape of the polygon exerts an edge effect in all directions.
A broad axe body acts in the direction of braking and driving by firmly supporting on a wide surface. A large number of protrusions ensure a good contact area with the compound, improving pin dropout.
The new tire is targeted for use primarily on premium cars, with a total of 29 sizes available, from 245/40 R18 97 T XL to 215/65 R16 102 T XL.
