Yokohama’s new dB Super E-spec tire, which uses an eco-friendly citrus oil composition instead of petroleum, has earned a Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice Award.
The award, one of 14 given out at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, went to companies “in recognition of outstanding achievement in new product and design.” Popular Mechanics editors combed the thousand of new products on display at both the SEMA and AAPEX shows to find the winners.
Jim Meigs, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, pointed to the tire’s low rolling resistance and use of natural materials as reasons why it was chosen.
“Popular Mechanics has a long history of recognizing companies for their technology and product innovations,” says Yokohama spokesman Fred Koplin. “It’s great that Yokohama, which has a heritage for high-performance, is now being recognized for our environmental and technical achievements as well.”
The dB Super E-spec combines citrus oil with natural rubber to form a new compound called “Super Nano-Power Rubber (SNPR).” It reduces the proportion of petroleum products in tires and is part of the company’s environmental initiative. The winning tire is the debut SNPR product release; it will be available in the U.S. in 2009.
“The dB Super E-spec is also much lighter and conserves gasoline by reducing rolling resistance by up to 20 percent,” says Jim MacMaster, executive vice president of the business division. “Low rolling resistance tires improve fuel efficiency by minimizing the energy wasted (as heat) as the tire rolls down the road.”
The tire will be available in four sizes: 195/55R16 86V and 185/65R15 88H for the Toyota Prius; 195/65R15 91H for Honda Civic Hybrid/Civic GX NGV; and 215/60R16 95V for both the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid.
For more information, visit www.yokohamatire.com.
