Dunlop OE on '15 Subaru WRX

CHERY HILL, N.J. (March 25, 2014) — Japanese car maker Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. has selected 17- and 18-inch versions of Dunlop Sport Maxx RT radials as the exclusive OE fitment for the 2015 Subaru WRX and WRX STI performance coupes, which are due in U.S. showrooms this spring.

The refreshed all-wheel-drive WRX is powered by a 268-horsepower 2-liter direct injection turbo 4-cylinder Boxer engine coupled with the car maker's first six-speed manual transmission or an optional performance automatic transmission, according to Subaru of America Inc.

It will run on size 235/45R17 Sport Maxx RTs, according to Goodyear, the North American marketer of the Dunlop brand. Fuji Heavy sources the tires from Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., which controls the Dunlop brand in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The sportier WRX STI, available in Standard, Limited and Launch Edition trim lines, is powered by a 305-horsepower, 2.5-liter version of Subaru's turbocharged Boxer engine coupled with a specially reinforced six-speed manual transmission, Subaru said.

The STI is fitted with 245/40R18 Sport Maxx RTs.

Goodyear said Sport Maxx RT, which stands for “racing technology,” was developed to deliver enhanced performance on the street through the integration of race-inspired design elements.

Some of the tire's race-derived features are an “adaptive” tread compound, massive outer shoulder blocks for increased stability and handling when cornering, “power braking blocks” for enhanced stopping power, and low-weight construction for reduced rolling resistance.

“With the Sport Maxx RT, we've incorporated technologies developed from Dunlop's racing program for both exceptional grip and braking performance,” said Tara Foote, Dunlop brand manager.