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 American connection gave the young company early access to tire technology and manufacturing knowledge that helped Yokohama move from industrial rubber products into automobile tires by 1921. The B.F. Goodrich relationship eventually wound down as Yokohama built its own engineering capabilities, but that early foundation accelerated the company's development considerably.
The ADVAN brand launched in 1978 and became the most recognized name in Japanese performance tires. The distinctive red and black ADVAN livery appeared at circuits across Japan, on cars competing in Super GT, Japanese touring car championships, and later D1 Grand Prix drifting events. ADVAN's motorsport program drove real compound and construction development that fed directly into the consumer tire lineup. By the 1990s, the ADVAN Neova had become a benchmark tire for time attack and track driving, with a following in Japan that spread to enthusiasts in other markets as the JDM scene grew internationally.
In Super GT, Yokohama has competed as a tire supplier against Bridgestone and Michelin at the highest level of Japanese motorsport. Having tire engineers trackside at every race weekend, responding to real conditions and competing for performance against well-funded rivals, generates compound and construction insights that matter in the consumer market. The ADVAN Sport V105 gained OEM fitment on Lexus performance models and several European cars through that credibility, bringing the brand into dealerships beyond the purely enthusiast audience. Yokohama also manufactures high-performance wheels under the Advan Racing brand.
Today Yokohama sells tires across more than 100 countries. The ADVAN Neova AD09 is the current tire of choice for many time attack and autocross competitors who want a street-capable track tire. OEM relationships with Lexus, Subaru, and several European manufacturers give the brand visibility in both sport and touring segments, and the Geolandar lineup has expanded Yokohama's presence in the growing truck and SUV market.
For official specifications, visit Yokohama's official website.
Popular Tire Lines
ADVAN Apex V601
Max Performance SummerYokohama's flagship street performance tire for sport cars, performance sedans, and enthusiast daily drivers who want ADVAN motorsport DNA in a road-friendly package. Matrix Body Ply construction enhances high-speed stability, and the compound is tuned for a good balance of dry grip and wet performance. The right choice for OEM replacement on Lexus and Subaru performance models or for anyone upgrading from standard all-season rubber. Street use, warm to mild climates. Available in 17"-20".
ADVAN A052
Extreme Performance SummerYokohama's most aggressive street-legal performance tire, developed directly from motorsport compound experience. High grip compound with a 200 treadwear rating prioritizes outright grip over longevity. Popular in time attack and autocross where every tenth matters. Expect short tread life if used regularly on public roads. Best suited to track day regulars and serious autocross competitors who accept the trade-off. Available in 15"-19".
ADVAN Neova AD09
Extreme Performance SummerThe latest generation of Yokohama's iconic Neova line, one of the most respected names in Japanese performance tires. Better balanced between spirited street driving and track use than the A052, with a micro-silica compound that delivers excellent grip while maintaining more reasonable street longevity. The choice for enthusiast drivers who want a high-performance tire they can actually live with day to day. Available in 15"-19".
ADVAN Sport A/S+
Ultra High Performance All-SeasonAll-season performance tire for sport car and performance sedan owners who want ADVAN-grade handling year-round. End-lock silica compound holds grip as temperatures drop, making it suitable for three seasons of driving. A good option for performance car owners in climates with real winters who don't want to run two sets of tires. Available in 17"-21".
BluEarth-GT AE51
Grand Touring All-SeasonYokohama's eco-focused touring tire for everyday passenger cars, commuters, and drivers who value fuel economy and a smooth ride. Orange Oil compound technology uses natural citrus oil to improve wet grip while reducing the environmental footprint of the tire. Quiet and comfortable on the highway. A practical daily driver choice for buyers who want Yokohama quality in a sensible touring package. Available in 15"-20".
Geolandar X-AT
Extreme All-TerrainYokohama's most aggressive all-terrain option for truck and SUV owners who spend real time off-road. Three-ply sidewall construction resists punctures from rocks and trail debris, and Geo-Shield technology adds protection against damage in harsh terrain. More capable off-road than the standard Geolandar A/T, with the corresponding trade-off in highway noise. For serious overlanders and off-road enthusiasts who need more than a mild all-terrain can offer. 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
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.
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.
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.
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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