Kia Forte Koup “R” package performance promise delivered on Yokohama tires

LANGLEY, B.C. (March 19, 2010) – The aggressive styling of the sporty new Kia Forte Koup with the “R” package promises scintillating performance, and the sophisticated nanotechnology of Yokohama S.drive tires will help the newest arrival on the sporty compact scene to deliver.

The recently announced 2010 Forte Koup “R” package (available on both EX and SX models) targets the market for performance compacts with a dealer-installed option package built around the acclaimed 2.0–litre 156 hp Koup EX and 2.4-litre 173 hp Koup SX. Exterior accents like front and side skirts and rear spoiler enhance the design’s aggressive styling, while performance is improved with the addition of features like performance air filter and sporting exhaust, a lower stance from new springs and an upper strut brace.

Yokohama S.drive ultra high performance tires mounted on 18-inch Europa R alloy wheels not only contribute to the arresting image of the Koup “R” package, they help translate the performance potential into enhanced braking and handling.

As with the other components of the Forte Koup “R” package, the Yokohama S.drive tires can be purchased as an accessory from participating Kia dealers across Canada.

The Yokohama S.drive was the first mainstream tire to benefit from the technically sophisticated nanotechnology engineered for the Yokohama ADVAN line.

“Yokohama has pioneered the use of nanotechnology in ultra high performance (UHPT) tires, and that engineering is now available in the Yokohama S.drive,” says Jonathon Karelse, marketing manager for Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc.

A silica-based compound that conforms to the surface irregularities of the road, rather than rides up and over them, makes a major contribution to a high level of wet and dry grip. Nanotechnology manipulates the individual elements in the compound so they bond at a molecular level, creating a compound with the seemingly-contradictory virtues of great flexibility, high grip and improved durability.

"In this case, nanotechnology works to combine extremely fine silica with extremely fine, very flexible polymer,” Karelse explains. “At the point of contact, the tread compound is very compliant and deforms to comply with road irregularities. The compound effectively creates a larger contact area versus the same tire using a different compound.”

Four wide circumferential grooves with angled groove walls help evacuate water and reduce hydroplaning. The variable angle of the circumferential groove walls optimize contact with the road and contribute to precise cornering.

A solid centre rib contributes to straight-line stability and helps reduce noise and un-even wear. Grooves within the edges of the circumferential grooves help stabilize the tread blocks, another contributor to better cornering. The Kia Forte Koup “R” package is available from participating Kia dealers this spring.

Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. markets and distributes a full line of tires for high performance, passenger car, light truck, and commercial truck applications, as well as off-the-road tires for mining, forestry and construction applications. It maintains distribution centres across Canada to serve more than 700 independent tire dealers and more than 2,000 retail locations.