Firestone gains OE spot on '17 Impreza

NASHVILLE (Dec. 21, 2017) — Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. has specified the Firestone FT140 grand touring all-season radial as an OE fitment on the 2017 Subaru Impreza four- and five-door sedan, according to Bridgestone Americas Inc.

Subaru will use the FT140 in size 206/50R17 on the 2.0i Limited Sedan and 2.0i Limited 5-Door versions of the new Impreza, certain models of which are being assembled at the vehicle maker's Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. plant in Lafayette, Ind.

The FT140 is an OE-only tire that Bridgestone Americas tunes for each vehicle to meet the vehicle design engineers' requirements.

In Subaru's case, the FT140 tire features a tread pattern unique to the Impreza that's designed to provide all-season performance and low rolling resistance.

"We have a long history of collaboration with Subaru as the sole tire supplier for the Outback models in North America," said Mike Martini, president, OE tire sales, U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, "and we appreciate the opportunity to build on our relationship and develop the right tire for the all-new Subaru Impreza."

The car will be offered in four trim levels — 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, 2.0i Sport and 2.0i Limited — Subaru said, and will be equipped either with the car maker's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission or five-speed manual models.

Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. also has gained OE fitments on the Impreza in North America, Japan and Australia with its Avid S34 and Advan Sport V105 tires. Imprezas sold in North America will be fitted with the Avid S34 in size P225/40R18 88V, Yokohama said.