CYPRESS, Calif. (April 15, 2003) — Toyo Proxes S/T tires outfitted a Mercedes ML55K sport-utility vehicle that smashed speed records with a 175-mph top speed on a track in Italy, Cypress-based Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corp. said.
The vehicle — which gained the title of “The fastest SUV in the world” — was driven by Jason Watt, a 2002 Danish Touring Car Champion. It hit the record speed Feb. 9 on an 8.811-mile course. The previous record was 165 mph, set by a turbocharged Porsche Cayenne. Kleeman A/S of Denmark supercharged the Mercedes.
The Mercedes' Toyo tires were size 295/45R20 with 114V speed rating. Toyo said the tire line is designed for cooler operation while providing grip in both wet and dry conditions.