MUDDIES MUFFLED

JIMMY’S HILUX GETS A SET OF MUD-SLINGING, DIRT-DIGGING COOPER EVOLUTION TYRES.

- JAMES SECHER

THE HILUX got a bit of well-overdue track time and I got to put the new Cooper Evolution M/T tyres through their paces. Going from a 265/65R16 to a 285/70R17 the Hilux gained an extra inch-and-a-half of lift, adding to overall clearance and a larger footprint increasing available grip. It was a tight squeeze fitting the 285s under the guards and I had to modify a few inner guard plastic wear points, but so far there have been no issues.

Being a mud-terrain tyre, the Evolution has the typical aggressive tread pattern and wide tread blocks that can be quite noisy on-road. However, considering it’s a fresh design, Cooper has incorporated some new technologies to address noise and wear, while also increasing sidewall strength and using the aptly named Mud Slinger and Earth Digger features for added grip.