Goodyear Partners with Lexus to Shape the Future of Electric Mobility

BRUSSELS, March 5^th, 2020 – Representing Lexus’ bold new vision of vehicle electrification, the Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept celebrates the brand’s 30^th anniversary and is designed to promise a dynamic driving experience like no other. This unique concept vehicle was originally presented sitting on four bespoke Goodyear concept tires at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. It was presented again on Tuesday, March 3^rd at Lexus’ live press conference during the Virtual Press Day of the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show.
Goodyear’s concept tires are tailor-made to benefit the modern, sleek and sporty design of the Lexus. They support EV motors and are designed to improve the overall comfort and performance of the car.

“We are proud to have worked on this project with Lexus, a company that has been pioneering innovations in mobility for 30 years”, explains Mike Rytokoski, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Goodyear Europe, “This collaboration demonstrates once again the critical role tires can play in shaping the future of electric mobility.”

The LF-30 Electrified concept tire includes several innovative features:

• EV motor cooling: Drawing on Goodyear’s expertise in aerodynamics, the concept tires are designed to improve the cooling of the EV motors. Cool air enters through the front bumper intake and fins on the tires drive the flow towards the electric motor positioned behind each wheel. The hot air produced by the EV motor is then expelled towards the outer edge of the rim of the LF-30 Electrified.
• Reduced aerodynamic drag: The tire design along with the outer tire shape would improve the Lexus’ aerodynamics by reducing drag, resulting in higher efficiency and battery range.
• Noise reduction through biomimicry: Goodyear found inspiration in nature when designing the concept tires. The leading edges of the cooling fins are covered with fine velvet like on the wings of an owl, which enables the predator to silently catch their prey at night. Through this biomimetic solution, the rolling noise of the tire would be reduced to a minimum.

Goodyear’s concept tire for the Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept comes in a 285/35R24 size.