Yokohama A 008 Review — Yokohama’s Track-Ready Semi-Slick for NZ Motorsport
Overall Rating: 8.8 / 10
Category: Performance / Track-Oriented Road Legal
Price in NZ: From $350 per tyre
Best for: Track days, autocross, spirited road use — Toyota 86, Subaru WRX, Mazda MX-5
Available sizes: 15″ – 18″ rims
Quick Verdict
The Yokohama A 008 is Yokohama’s circuit-oriented semi-slick — a road-legal tyre with motorsport DNA from the Advan racing programme. Positioned as a more accessible track tyre than the Pirelli Trofeo R and Michelin Pilot Sport CUP 2, the A 008 delivers genuine circuit-day performance improvement over road tyres at a price that NZ track day enthusiasts can realistically afford. At $350, it is among the most affordable semi-slick-style road-legal performance tyres available in NZ. NZ autocross competitors, time trial participants, and track day regulars at Manfeild, Taupo Motorsport Park, and Hampton Downs will find the A 008 a meaningful performance upgrade over standard road tyres.
For context on how the A 008 compares to other performance options, our best performance tyres NZ guide ranks all track-capable road-legal tyres available in NZ.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Performance / Track-Oriented Road Legal |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | B |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | D |
| Speed Ratings | V (240), W (270 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 15″, 16″, 17″, 18″ |
| NZ Price Range | $350 – $490 (varies by size) |
| Key Technology | Advan motorsport compound — road-legal formulation |
Performance Profile
Dry performance: The A 008’s semi-slick compound and stiff carcass provide significantly higher lateral G-force capability than road tyres. NZ autocross competitors report meaningful lap time improvements switching from standard tyres to A 008s, with the improved feedback allowing more aggressive cornering and braking.
Wet performance: EU Label B — the A 008 is usable in light rain for road driving but is not calibrated for wet-weather performance. Keep speeds moderate in rain and treat it as a summer-only road tyre.
Tread life: Shorter than road tyres — the performance compound wears faster in daily use. In mixed track/road use, expect 20,000–35,000 km.
NZ motorsport context: The A 008 carries Yokohama’s Advan motorsport pedigree — the same brand family that supplies JGTC and Super GT racing teams. For NZ MSNZ-sanctioned track events where road-legal tyres are required, the A 008 is a competitive, legal choice.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Track use: Excellent — the A 008 provides genuine circuit performance at an accessible price, making it the most affordable meaningful track upgrade for NZ enthusiasts.
Daily driving: Acceptable with awareness of trade-offs — firmer ride, higher noise, shorter wet performance margin. Best used on a dedicated set of wheels for track days while keeping road tyres on daily driver wheels.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Advan motorsport heritage — Yokohama’s genuine circuit DNA
- Most affordable genuine semi-slick performance tyre in NZ at $350
- Available in 15″ for older NZ sports cars
- Road-legal for MSNZ events
Cons
- EU Label B wet grip — not a safety-focused road tyre
- Shorter tread life and higher fuel consumption than road tyres
- Firm ride for daily driving
Sources
- Yokohama A 008 specifications — yokohama.com — accessed 2026-06-04
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/yokohama/ — accessed 2026-06-04
Related Pages
- Yokohama Advan Sport V107 — road performance flagship
- Dunlop Direzza DZ102 — key competitor
- Michelin Pilot Sport CUP 2 — premium track alternative
- Best Performance Tyres NZ — full comparison
- Yokohama Tyres NZ — full brand overview