Yokohama
Japanese performance tires with enthusiast focus
History & Overview
Yokohama Rubber Company was founded in 1917 in Yokohama, Japan as a joint venture between Yokohama Cable Manufacturing and B.F. Goodrich. The company began producing automobile tires in 1921 and has since grown to become one of Japan's leading tire manufacturers with a strong reputation for performance products.
Yokohama established its performance credentials through decades of motorsport involvement. The company has been a fixture in Japanese touring car racing, drift competitions, and time attack events. Their ADVAN brand, introduced in 1978, became synonymous with high-performance driving in Asia and eventually worldwide. The red and black ADVAN livery became iconic in Japanese motorsport. Yokohama also manufactures high-performance wheels under the Advan Racing brand.
The brand gained significant North American recognition through partnerships with drift stars and involvement in grassroots motorsport. Yokohama has particularly strong ties to the drifting community, with their ADVAN Neova being a favorite among competitive drifters. Beyond performance, Yokohama is committed to sustainability, developing BluEarth technology for eco-friendly tires and working toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
For official specifications, visit Yokohama's official website.
Popular Tire Lines
ADVAN Apex V601
Max Performance SummerFlagship street performance tire combining ADVAN race technology with road manners. Features Matrix Body Ply for enhanced high-speed stability and responsive handling. Available in 17"-20".
ADVAN A052
Extreme Performance SummerStreet-legal track tire developed from motorsport experience. Features asymmetric tread pattern with high grip compound. 200 treadwear rating indicates performance focus. Popular in time attack. Available in 15"-19".
ADVAN Neova AD09
Extreme Performance SummerLatest evolution of the iconic Neova line. Balanced for both spirited street driving and track days. Micro-silica compound provides excellent grip with reasonable street longevity. Available in 15"-19".
ADVAN Sport A/S+
Ultra High Performance All-SeasonAll-season performance tire with ADVAN DNA. End-lock silica compound maintains grip across temperatures. Three-season versatility with summer tire handling. Available in 17"-21".
BluEarth-GT AE51
Grand Touring All-SeasonEco-focused touring tire with low rolling resistance. Orange Oil compound improves wet grip while reducing environmental impact. Quiet and comfortable ride. Available in 15"-20".
Geolandar X-AT
Extreme All-TerrainAggressive all-terrain tire for serious off-road capability. Three-ply sidewall construction resists punctures. Geo-Shield technology protects against rock damage. Available in 15"-22".
Price Range
Brand Highlights
- ADVAN brand is synonymous with Japanese motorsport excellence since 1978
- Orange Oil compound technology uses natural citrus oil for improved wet grip
- Matrix Body Ply construction provides superior high-speed stability
- BluEarth technology reduces rolling resistance for improved fuel economy
- Strong heritage in drifting and time attack motorsport communities
- Commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 through sustainable manufacturing
Motorsport Heritage
The ADVAN brand is legendary in Japanese motorsport. Since 1978, the distinctive red and black ADVAN livery has been a fixture in Super GT, touring car racing, drifting, and time attack. Yokohama's racing programs directly influence their consumer tire development.
Who Should Buy Yokohama?
Ideal For
- JDM enthusiasts who appreciate authentic Japanese motorsport heritage
- Time attack and autocross competitors seeking proven performance
- Drifters wanting predictable, progressive grip characteristics
- Eco-conscious buyers interested in BluEarth technology
- Off-road enthusiasts seeking Geolandar's underrated capability
Consider Alternatives If
- Those seeking maximum wet performance (Continental excels here)
- Budget-focused buyers (ADVAN line is premium-priced)
- Drivers wanting extensive OEM-matching options
- American muscle car owners (limited large-size fitments)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ADVAN mean?
ADVAN is Yokohama's high-performance tire brand, launched in 1978. The name suggests 'advanced' technology. In Japan, ADVAN is synonymous with motorsport performance—the red and black ADVAN livery is as iconic in Japanese racing as Gulf colors are in Western motorsport.
What's the difference between ADVAN A052 and ADVAN Neova AD09?
The A052 is the more aggressive, track-focused tire with higher grip but faster wear. The Neova AD09 is balanced for spirited street driving with occasional track use—it's more livable day-to-day. Choose A052 for dedicated track days; Neova for a fun daily driver with track capability.
Are Yokohama tires underrated?
In North America, arguably yes. Yokohama has massive credibility in Japan and Asia but lower brand awareness than Michelin or Continental in the US. The ADVAN line competes with the best performance tires but is often overlooked. For JDM enthusiasts, that authenticity is actually a draw.
What is Yokohama's Orange Oil technology?
Yokohama uses orange oil (citrus oil) in their rubber compounds as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based oils. The natural oil improves wet grip while reducing environmental impact. It's featured prominently in their BluEarth eco-focused tire line.
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