Yokohama gains OE spot on '17 Impreza

TOKYO (Nov. 21, 2016) — Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. has selected Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.'s Avid S34 and Advan Sport V105 tires as OE fitments on the 2017 Subaru Impreza.

Fuji Heavy will equip Imprezas sold in North America with the Avid S34 in size P225/40R18 88V, Yokohama said, while vehicles sold in Japan and Australia will be fitted with the Advan Sport V105 in sizes 225/40R18 88W and 225/40R18 92W, respectively.

According to Yokohama, the Avid S34 is designed using elements of Yokohama's BluEarth technology which emphasizes “environmentally, human and socially friendly” components. The Avid S34 as an all-season passenger car tire that can deliver higher fuel efficiency, durability and safety, the tire maker said.

The Advan sport V105 is designed for high-power premium cars, Yokohama said, noting the tire combines improved driving performance with comfort and safety.

This latest Impreza is the car maker's fifth generation of that model, which comes in sedan and five-door hatchback models. It is the first vehicle built using the new Subaru Global Platform architecture that is designed to enhance safety, comfort, agility and driving pleasure.

Certain models are being assenbled at the vehicle maker's Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. plant in Lafayette, Ind.

The car will be offered in four trim levels — 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, 2.0i Sport and 2.0i Limited — the car maker said, and will be equipped either with Subaru's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission or five-speed manual models.Yokohama did not say for which trim level or levels it will be supplying tires.