By the Numbers
Net result: Non-petroleum products account for 80 percent of new E-spec.
And when it comes to efficiency, the Yokohama E-spec has 11 percent less rolling resistance than the Michelin HydroEdge, and about 22 percent less than the Goodyear Integrity.
Cressman notes that there is about a five-to-one relationship between rolling resistance and fuel economy, so a 22 percent reduction would net about four percent better fuel economy.
Other technical innovations include a new, light-weight and less air permeable inner liner to help retain air pressure and ensure continued low rolling resistance, and a design which minimizes tire noise (particularly crucial when hybrids hush along in electric-only mode).
Conclusion
The tire launches in four sizes: 185/65R15, 195/65R15, 195/55R16 and 215/60R16.
These sizes will make it ideal for the Toyota Prius, and other non-hybrid but fuel-conscious models, like VW Jetta TDI and Nissan Versa.
Note, however, that E-spec is definitely a premium product; it’s priced about 8-12 percent higher than Yokohama models with similar high-end specs, like the Advan H4.
But this is only the beginning. Yokohama expects the eco-technology to broaden to many other sizes and prices categories in the near future.
Net result: Non-petroleum products account for 80 percent of new E-spec.
And when it comes to efficiency, the Yokohama E-spec has 11 percent less rolling resistance than the Michelin HydroEdge, and about 22 percent less than the Goodyear Integrity.
Cressman notes that there is about a five-to-one relationship between rolling resistance and fuel economy, so a 22 percent reduction would net about four percent better fuel economy.
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| Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com |
Other technical innovations include a new, light-weight and less air permeable inner liner to help retain air pressure and ensure continued low rolling resistance, and a design which minimizes tire noise (particularly crucial when hybrids hush along in electric-only mode).
Conclusion
The tire launches in four sizes: 185/65R15, 195/65R15, 195/55R16 and 215/60R16.
These sizes will make it ideal for the Toyota Prius, and other non-hybrid but fuel-conscious models, like VW Jetta TDI and Nissan Versa.
Note, however, that E-spec is definitely a premium product; it’s priced about 8-12 percent higher than Yokohama models with similar high-end specs, like the Advan H4.
But this is only the beginning. Yokohama expects the eco-technology to broaden to many other sizes and prices categories in the near future.