Press Release

NITTO TIRE U.S.A. Inc. (President: Tomoshige Mizutani), a subsidiary of Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Kenji Nakakura), is a proud sponsor of Jotech Motorsports (engine tuner: Kenny Tran), the renowned racing team that recently rebuilt the Scion tC sports coupe engine, enhancing its stock 161 hp to an unprecedented 739 hp. NITTO TIRE U.S.A. Inc. supports the Jotech team by providing Nitto NT01 tires for the Scion tC.


In 2005, a tuning team comprised of Tran and NITTO TIRE technicians improved the performance of Scion tC's 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE engine to 500 hp, the highest horsepower output ever achieved at the time for marketed vehicles. In 2007, the team accomplished a new record of 739 hp, a milestone demonstrating the team's superb potential.


At the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show held in November 2007 in Las Vegas, the NITTO TIRE booth displayed the 737 hp Scion tC. The Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel, located adjacent to the show's venue, also hung a huge banner celebrating the record-breaking achievement. The Scion tC became so popular that MSN Autos selected it as one of its Top Ten Tuner Cars at the Show. This paved the way for exhibition of the tC at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 19 to 27, 2008) and at the Scion booth at the Chicago Auto Show (February 8 to 17, 2008). At both shows, the vehicle received enthusiastic response from the public.


Additionally, Tran's tC designed for drag racing won the 2007 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Sport Compact Hot Rod class.


NITTO TIRE's website introduces the tuning team's efforts to enhance the engine performance to 739 hp. Visit www.nittotire.com for more information.


NITTO TIRE, known as a brand of innovative tires, continues to support unique and innovative projects to enhance our brand image.