The summer passenger car tire Yokohama Advan Sport V105 is the result of close cooperation between one of the leading tire manufacturers and Daimler. This tire was developed based on the flagship model of the Advan Sport V103 range. Tires commissioned by the German manufacturer are standard equipment on the Mercedes-Benz SLK and SLS models, as well as on several other German premium sports car manufacturers. This model is available in 8 standard sizes, ranging from 205 / 55R16 to 245 / 40R17.
Tread pattern design
Compared to the V103, the tread design of this tire has undergone significant changes, mainly due to the requirements of Daimler. This model is equipped with an asymmetric directional tread design with a different ratio of positive and negative profiles on the outside and inside of the tread.
Since one of the requirements of the German automaker was to reduce rolling resistance, the tire tread was equipped with five massive longitudinal ribs. At the same time, three longitudinal ribs located in the central part of the tread are distinguished by a continuous structure, which has given these tread elements a high degree of rigidity. Due to this solution, it was possible not only to significantly reduce rolling resistance but also to significantly improve directional stability. In addition, the stiff longitudinal ribs allowed the Yokohama Advan Sport V105 to react quickly and responsively to the steering wheel, bringing the ADVAN-specific sporty feel to the handling. Another feature of the central part of the tread is the diagonal slots made in the longitudinal ribs. This ensures a high acceleration efficiency, especially on wet surfaces, since the contact patch has a large number of sharp clutch edges at any given time.
The design of the shoulders has been designed with the tire in mind at very high speeds and have been reinforced accordingly. At the same time, the profile of the shoulder zones has a small radius, due to which many important advantages have been achieved. Firstly, a large contact patch area is provided, which made it possible to significantly increase the tire's grip on dry road surfaces. Secondly, the high rigidity of the shoulder areas in combination with their low-radius profile made it possible to achieve an almost rectangular shape of the contact patch, which significantly increased the tread resistance to uneven wear due to the optimal distribution of the load over the contact patch.
Also, one cannot fail to note the block structure of the shoulder zones, the blocks of which are rectangular and are located almost at right angles to the direction of movement. Since when the car decelerates, the greatest load falls on the shoulder areas of the tread, the presence in this part of many sharp edges located transversely significantly increases the braking efficiency.
Exceptional confidence in rain conditions
Like all models in the Advan sport range, this tire offers exceptional grip and handling in the rain, ensuring a high level of safety at all speeds. This ability came about by equipping the tread pattern with an extraordinarily efficient drainage system. Its effectiveness is largely due to the four longitudinal drainage grooves, which are quite impressive in size, due to which they hold a fairly large volume of water. Then this water is quickly discharged through the transverse channels of the shoulder zones of the tread. A distinctive feature of the longitudinal grooves of the Yokohama Advan Sport V105 tire is its versatility. Thanks to Groove-in-Groove technology, their walls are equipped with many small grooves designed to reduce tire heat, as well as to provide a more even distribution of the load over the contact patch.
The strong and lightweight frame
The Ultra-High Performance tire features a very lightweight and highly durable carcass. This unusual combination was achieved thanks to the use of the latest generation of synthetic materials in its construction. The basis of the frame is a two-layer steel cord covered with three layers of nylon fibers, wound using seamless technology. There is a special pillow directly under the shoulder areas, which provides softness and comfort. The tire beads are reinforced with a special hard filler, which allows the tire to be more securely fixed to the wheel rim.
Modified rubber compound
And although the V105 is a continuation of the Advan Sport V102 from the previous model, few were taken, but a significant amount of improvements was made. So, to improve accuracy and reduce steering response times, the V105 has a new internal structure called the Matrix Rayon Body Ply.
This technology was borrowed from Yokohama racing tires. This bent at a certain angle carcass is turned to the inner side of the ADVAN Sport V105 tread, which significantly increased the circumferential stiffness of the tire, due to which the speed of reactions to the slightest driver's actions was increased.
Compared to the V103, the tread uses a rubber compound with the significantly higher silicon content. Due to this, it was possible to significantly improve wet grip. In addition, the rubber compound contains natural orange oil, which significantly increases the abrasion resistance of the tread.
Main features of the Yokohama Advan Sport V105 tire
- Optimized asymmetric directional tread pattern provides a unique balance of sporty handling and comfort;
- Phenomenal resistance to aquaplaning allows for exceptional grip on wet surfaces;
- Excellent fuel efficiency due to reduced rolling resistance due to the massive dimensions of the five longitudinal tread ribs;
- An amazing combination of lightweight with excellent strength and elasticity is provided by a multi-layer frame made from the latest materials.
The new tires offer better stability and increased safety. Drivers of cars with these tires will feel more confident and comfortable on the road, as the car is more stable, easier to control, and brakes with ease on dry and slippery roads.
Expert reviews
Pros
handling on wet asphalt. Good aquaplaning resistance. Price.
Cons
braking and handling properties on dry asphalt.