Consumer Reports has a new tire report
Consumer Reports has a new tire report
Since tires are a big deal to Z owners I'm going to post this in the "general 350z" forum so the most people see it. Any guesses how long it will be before a "every bean in the right box" mod will move it to the tire section? LOL!
Report is from November issue. Since I can't post the whole CF section here, I'd encourage folks to find an issue to read. Afterall these puppies (tires) are all that keep us connected to mother earth and are expensive.
Here is opening write up:
Tires
Big grippers
WATER RIDE To test wet handling of ultra-high-performance tires, we drenched our new 2.5-acre dynamics area, then had drivers run quickly through a coned course.In our test of summer and all-season ultra-high-performance tires, we identified a few excellent tires from Falken, Michelin, Nitto, and Pirelli and found big differences in performance among models in the group.
These tires, also called UHP, are designed to offer tenacious grip and superior handling. Once found only on high-end sports cars, they are now on a wider variety of cars, including sports sedans and more-affordable sports cars, such as the Mazdaspeed3 and Saturn Sky.
UHP tires are Z-rated, meaning that they're capable of sustained speeds of 150 mph or more, and they often come in wheel diameters of 17 inches and up. As a trade-off for grip and handling, these high-end tires might be hard-riding and quick-wearing. The summer tires are useless on snow or ice.
We tested 21 sets of summer UHP tires and 15 sets of all-season UHP tires. Prices for both types ranged from $80 to more than $200 apiece for the 225/40ZR18 size we tested. Most summer UHP tires handled the important challenges on wet and dry roads very well. The all-season UHP gave up a little performance in return for better capabilities in wintry conditions. We found wide variations among the different performance categories, such as handling, braking, and noise, so there's plenty of room for the consumer to choose a tire tailored to individual preferences.
A NEW TEST FOR TIRES
This year we ran a new wet-pavement test geared toward UHP tires. We created a handling course through closely spaced highway cones and wetted the pavement so the surface was slick. Then different drivers took turns pushing our Audi A3 3.2 test vehicle to its limits through the course on each set of tires.
We combined those results with our standard wet-cornering test, in which we drive at ever-increasing speeds around a circle of wet pavement, noting a tire model's peak lateral grip.
We hired a contract laboratory in Texas to conduct tread-wear testing for us on the government's tread-wear course, which is a road circuit designed to mimic both city and highway driving. We measured tread loss up to 12,000 miles of use. That lets us compare relative tread life from one set of tires to another.
Historically, tread life has been a low priority for UHP tires, and many don't carry tread-wear warranties. Most UHP tires still wear more quickly than lower-speed-rated counterparts. We found that wear varied from model to model and is worthy of consideration when considering which of two similar models to buy.
Report is from November issue. Since I can't post the whole CF section here, I'd encourage folks to find an issue to read. Afterall these puppies (tires) are all that keep us connected to mother earth and are expensive.
Here is opening write up:
Tires
Big grippers
WATER RIDE To test wet handling of ultra-high-performance tires, we drenched our new 2.5-acre dynamics area, then had drivers run quickly through a coned course.In our test of summer and all-season ultra-high-performance tires, we identified a few excellent tires from Falken, Michelin, Nitto, and Pirelli and found big differences in performance among models in the group.
These tires, also called UHP, are designed to offer tenacious grip and superior handling. Once found only on high-end sports cars, they are now on a wider variety of cars, including sports sedans and more-affordable sports cars, such as the Mazdaspeed3 and Saturn Sky.
UHP tires are Z-rated, meaning that they're capable of sustained speeds of 150 mph or more, and they often come in wheel diameters of 17 inches and up. As a trade-off for grip and handling, these high-end tires might be hard-riding and quick-wearing. The summer tires are useless on snow or ice.
We tested 21 sets of summer UHP tires and 15 sets of all-season UHP tires. Prices for both types ranged from $80 to more than $200 apiece for the 225/40ZR18 size we tested. Most summer UHP tires handled the important challenges on wet and dry roads very well. The all-season UHP gave up a little performance in return for better capabilities in wintry conditions. We found wide variations among the different performance categories, such as handling, braking, and noise, so there's plenty of room for the consumer to choose a tire tailored to individual preferences.
A NEW TEST FOR TIRES
This year we ran a new wet-pavement test geared toward UHP tires. We created a handling course through closely spaced highway cones and wetted the pavement so the surface was slick. Then different drivers took turns pushing our Audi A3 3.2 test vehicle to its limits through the course on each set of tires.
We combined those results with our standard wet-cornering test, in which we drive at ever-increasing speeds around a circle of wet pavement, noting a tire model's peak lateral grip.
We hired a contract laboratory in Texas to conduct tread-wear testing for us on the government's tread-wear course, which is a road circuit designed to mimic both city and highway driving. We measured tread loss up to 12,000 miles of use. That lets us compare relative tread life from one set of tires to another.
Historically, tread life has been a low priority for UHP tires, and many don't carry tread-wear warranties. Most UHP tires still wear more quickly than lower-speed-rated counterparts. We found that wear varied from model to model and is worthy of consideration when considering which of two similar models to buy.
Quick picks section:
CR Quick Recommendations Ultra-high-performance tires
The all-season ultra-high-performance tires did reasonably well in wet and dry braking and handling, and some were quite respectable in snow and on ice. Higher-scoring tires provided the best balance. Most summer ultra-high-performancetires did well in three-season performance. The top-rated Michelin and Pirelli summer tires set high standards for traction and grip.
The Ratings rank summer UHP and all-season UHP tires by overall score. The Quick Picks below suggest models that offer specific strengths that might be suited to your needs.
Quick Picks
Best all-season UHP tires overall:
Falken Ziex ZE-912, $123
Nitto Neo Gen ZR, $92
These were essentially tied, and both offered impressive wet and dry braking. While only fair in snow, they're far better than any summer tire. The Nitto is a relative bargain.
For more winter traction:
Continental ContiExtremeContact, $106
Sumitomo HTR +, $86
These trade ultimate dry and wet grip for better traction in snow. The Continental and Sumitomo did as well in the snow as a dedicated winter tire used as a control in our test.
Best summer UHP tires overall:
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, $209
Pirelli P-Zero, $234
Nearly tied overall, both provide stellar dry and wet grip and handling. The Michelin excels in hydroplane resistance; the Pirelli had an edge in handling.
Other good choices for summer tires:
Bridgestone Potenza RE 050, $167
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2, $158
Continental ContiSportContact 3,$182 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3, $164
All were very good to excellent at braking and handling. The Bridgestone was excellent in hydroplane resistance. The Michelin scored very well in tread life. Excessive noise for the BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW2 and average dry braking for the Dunlop SPSport Maxx eliminated those tires as Quick Picks.
CR Quick Recommendations Ultra-high-performance tires
The all-season ultra-high-performance tires did reasonably well in wet and dry braking and handling, and some were quite respectable in snow and on ice. Higher-scoring tires provided the best balance. Most summer ultra-high-performancetires did well in three-season performance. The top-rated Michelin and Pirelli summer tires set high standards for traction and grip.
The Ratings rank summer UHP and all-season UHP tires by overall score. The Quick Picks below suggest models that offer specific strengths that might be suited to your needs.
Quick Picks
Best all-season UHP tires overall:
Falken Ziex ZE-912, $123
Nitto Neo Gen ZR, $92
These were essentially tied, and both offered impressive wet and dry braking. While only fair in snow, they're far better than any summer tire. The Nitto is a relative bargain.
For more winter traction:
Continental ContiExtremeContact, $106
Sumitomo HTR +, $86
These trade ultimate dry and wet grip for better traction in snow. The Continental and Sumitomo did as well in the snow as a dedicated winter tire used as a control in our test.
Best summer UHP tires overall:
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, $209
Pirelli P-Zero, $234
Nearly tied overall, both provide stellar dry and wet grip and handling. The Michelin excels in hydroplane resistance; the Pirelli had an edge in handling.
Other good choices for summer tires:
Bridgestone Potenza RE 050, $167
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2, $158
Continental ContiSportContact 3,$182 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3, $164
All were very good to excellent at braking and handling. The Bridgestone was excellent in hydroplane resistance. The Michelin scored very well in tread life. Excessive noise for the BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW2 and average dry braking for the Dunlop SPSport Maxx eliminated those tires as Quick Picks.
Ratings: (I can't get the chart to completly copy.)
(davidv was able to produce entire chart. Go here: )
https://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-tires/271133-what-brand-tires-should-i-get.html
Ratings Summer UHP tires
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
Pirelli P-Zero
Bridgestone Potenza RE 050 A Pole Position
In performance order.
indicates Quick Pick.
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor
Brand & model Price we paid Overall score Dry Wet Comfort
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
$209 85.
Pirelli P-Zero
234 84. NA
BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW2
141 78.
Bridgestone Potenza RE 050 A Pole Position
167 77.
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
158 76.
Continental ContiSportContact 3
182 76.
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
173 76.
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
164 73.
Kumho Ecsta SPT
81 73.
Fuzion Zri
92 68.
Toyo Proxes T1R
135 68.
Falken FK-452
125 66.
Yokohama Advan Sport
195 66.
Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval
126 65.
BFGoodrich g-Force Sport
113 64.
Hankook Ventus S1 evo K107
127 63.
Pirelli P-Zero Nero
170 62.
Avon Tech M500
102 61.
Nitto Invo
136 59.
Nitto NT 555 Extreme ZR
98 55.
Pirelli P-Zero Rosso
202 50.
Available at Tire Rack.
Guide to the Ratings
Overall score emphasizes safety-related tests, including braking, handling, and resistance to hydroplaning. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise overall score. Dry braking was from 60 mph, and wet braking was from 40 mph with the antilock brake system engaged. Dry handling includes how well the tires gripped in an avoidance maneuver involving a swerve into the left lane and back into the right lane; dry cornering grip on our skidpad; and subjective steering feel. Wet handling includes wet cornering on our wetted skidpad and subjective handling ratings from our wet-handling circuit. Hydroplaning reflects how quickly we could drive through standing water before the tires began to skim on the surface. Snow traction reflects the distance our test car needed to accelerate from 5 to 20 mph on moderately packed snow. We tested ice braking on a skating rink from 10 mph with the ABS disengaged. Rolling resistance, measured on a dynamometer, is a factor in fuel economy. Noise and ride reflect our on-road judgments. Tread life is an indicator of wear potential from CR's 12,000-mile mixed driving test and is not part of the overall score. Price is retail we paid for the 225/40ZR18 size we tested. Overall scores and Ratings are relative to tire category.
(davidv was able to produce entire chart. Go here: )
https://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-tires/271133-what-brand-tires-should-i-get.html
Ratings Summer UHP tires
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
Pirelli P-Zero
Bridgestone Potenza RE 050 A Pole Position
In performance order.
indicates Quick Pick.
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor
Brand & model Price we paid Overall score Dry Wet Comfort
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
$209 85.
Pirelli P-Zero
234 84. NA
BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW2
141 78.
Bridgestone Potenza RE 050 A Pole Position
167 77.
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
158 76.
Continental ContiSportContact 3
182 76.
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
173 76.
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
164 73.
Kumho Ecsta SPT
81 73.
Fuzion Zri
92 68.
Toyo Proxes T1R
135 68.
Falken FK-452
125 66.
Yokohama Advan Sport
195 66.
Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval
126 65.
BFGoodrich g-Force Sport
113 64.
Hankook Ventus S1 evo K107
127 63.
Pirelli P-Zero Nero
170 62.
Avon Tech M500
102 61.
Nitto Invo
136 59.
Nitto NT 555 Extreme ZR
98 55.
Pirelli P-Zero Rosso
202 50.
Available at Tire Rack.
Guide to the Ratings
Overall score emphasizes safety-related tests, including braking, handling, and resistance to hydroplaning. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise overall score. Dry braking was from 60 mph, and wet braking was from 40 mph with the antilock brake system engaged. Dry handling includes how well the tires gripped in an avoidance maneuver involving a swerve into the left lane and back into the right lane; dry cornering grip on our skidpad; and subjective steering feel. Wet handling includes wet cornering on our wetted skidpad and subjective handling ratings from our wet-handling circuit. Hydroplaning reflects how quickly we could drive through standing water before the tires began to skim on the surface. Snow traction reflects the distance our test car needed to accelerate from 5 to 20 mph on moderately packed snow. We tested ice braking on a skating rink from 10 mph with the ABS disengaged. Rolling resistance, measured on a dynamometer, is a factor in fuel economy. Noise and ride reflect our on-road judgments. Tread life is an indicator of wear potential from CR's 12,000-mile mixed driving test and is not part of the overall score. Price is retail we paid for the 225/40ZR18 size we tested. Overall scores and Ratings are relative to tire category.
Last edited by The Brickyard Rat; Oct 6, 2007 at 10:13 AM.
Performance evaluations
Overall scores in our all-season UHP tire and summer UHP tire Ratings are a weighted average for summer and all-season UHP tires emphasizing safety-related characteristics such as braking, handling, and hydroplaning. For all-season tires, snow traction and braking on ice are also factors.
Noise, comfort, and rolling resistance account for less in the overall score. Rolling resistance ratings, which relate to fuel economy, span from fair to excellent. To see how much fuel savings can be expected, we ran a highway fuel-economy test on the all-season UHP tires rated best and worst for rolling resistance and measured a 1.1 mpg difference in fuel economy.
We subjectively rate tire noise on smooth and rough asphalt and concrete surfaces. This year, we found two tires to be particularly noisy, the Toyo Proxes 4 and BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW2. The KDW2 was so noisy, it's only suited for hard-core enthusiasts.
We rate tread life but do not provide projected mileage to wear-out since it will greatly vary by how, where, and what you drive. Still, after our 12,000-mile test, the summer and all-season UHP tires were about 40 percent worn out.
Our tread-wear test was already in progress when we purchased the Pirelli P-Zero, so a rating for tread life is not available for that model.
Summer UHP tires focus on dry and wet grip, but the all-season UHPtires compromise some of that for winter grip. Some all-season variants, such as the Falken Ziex ZE-912, lean toward three-season performance; several other tires, such as the Continental ContiExtremeContact and Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, offer more credible winter grip.
Some observations from me:
-Not surprisingly, the Michelin PS2 are top rated. That's consistant with comments here.
-The Goodrich KDW2s and Bridgestone RE 050s did well.
-The Goodyear GS D3s did fine but were rated lower than I expected given what I've read elswhere.
-The Toyo T 1Rs (what I run) were rated much lower than I would have expected.
-Avon tech500s are near bottom. I've seen people on here use them because they did well on the Tirerack survey (at one point) and are cheap.
Overall scores in our all-season UHP tire and summer UHP tire Ratings are a weighted average for summer and all-season UHP tires emphasizing safety-related characteristics such as braking, handling, and hydroplaning. For all-season tires, snow traction and braking on ice are also factors.
Noise, comfort, and rolling resistance account for less in the overall score. Rolling resistance ratings, which relate to fuel economy, span from fair to excellent. To see how much fuel savings can be expected, we ran a highway fuel-economy test on the all-season UHP tires rated best and worst for rolling resistance and measured a 1.1 mpg difference in fuel economy.
We subjectively rate tire noise on smooth and rough asphalt and concrete surfaces. This year, we found two tires to be particularly noisy, the Toyo Proxes 4 and BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW2. The KDW2 was so noisy, it's only suited for hard-core enthusiasts.
We rate tread life but do not provide projected mileage to wear-out since it will greatly vary by how, where, and what you drive. Still, after our 12,000-mile test, the summer and all-season UHP tires were about 40 percent worn out.
Our tread-wear test was already in progress when we purchased the Pirelli P-Zero, so a rating for tread life is not available for that model.
Summer UHP tires focus on dry and wet grip, but the all-season UHPtires compromise some of that for winter grip. Some all-season variants, such as the Falken Ziex ZE-912, lean toward three-season performance; several other tires, such as the Continental ContiExtremeContact and Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, offer more credible winter grip.
Some observations from me:
-Not surprisingly, the Michelin PS2 are top rated. That's consistant with comments here.
-The Goodrich KDW2s and Bridgestone RE 050s did well.
-The Goodyear GS D3s did fine but were rated lower than I expected given what I've read elswhere.
-The Toyo T 1Rs (what I run) were rated much lower than I would have expected.
-Avon tech500s are near bottom. I've seen people on here use them because they did well on the Tirerack survey (at one point) and are cheap.
Last edited by The Brickyard Rat; Oct 6, 2007 at 09:50 AM.
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Originally Posted by 35TH ANY
Were Yokohamas tested?
Thanks Brickyard Rat for the info!
I have Bridgestone RE050A Pole Positions on my car now. I can't squeal them
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