For 2013, there's a great selection of new technology in the Extreme Performance Summer and Ultra High Performance Summer category. While we will be testing each newcomer this summer, we have already accumulated quite a bit of initial feedback and data indicates that this latest batch of tire offerings may turn out to be the best in some time!
BFGoodrich g-Force Rival and g-Force Sport COMP-2
With the g-Force Rival, BFGoodrich is setting a new performance standard for drivers that want ultimate grip at the track and a good blend of wet and dry traction on the street. Our introductory test provided an exciting taste of what we should see as summer progresses.
The g-Force Sport COMP 2 was released late last year and is positioned just one performance step below the Rival. It's aimed at drivers that'll take their car to the track and want that "racecar" feel. We have already tested this tire and it proved to be the class of the field. A combination of the g-Force Rival and g-Force Sport COMP-2 gives BFGoodrich a solid shot at being the hottest brand of the summer!
Bridgestone Potenza RE-11A
Building on the success of the Potenza RE-11, Bridgestone has added an exclusive tread compound to increase road contact and wear to the new Potenza RE-11A. While we have yet to test the Potenza RE-11A, its predecessor beat all contenders in our last test and we're expecting similar results from the new test.
Dunlop Direzza ZII
Like Bridgestone, Dunlop's had a real winner on their hands with the Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec and we're looking to make a great tire even better. Introduced late last year, the Direzza ZII builds on the great reputation of the previous model by improving steering response and lateral grip. Read "Dunlop Direzza ZII Introductory Track Drive" to view our initial thoughts of the tire compared to the Z1 Star Spec.
The Extreme Performance Summer category is targeted specifically for driving enthusiasts who demand the ultimate in grip and handling. These drivers may take their cars to autocross races, lapping days and other amateur motorsports events. For any racing class that requires true street tires, this is the class of tire to use.
Bridgestone's Potenza RE-11 has been very successful in this category, posting fast lap times and gaining high marks for its everyday usability. While it is currently the highest rated tire in our customer survey data, Bridgestone is aware they can't be complacent in this competitive class of tires. With competitors like BFGoodrich and Dunlop launching new tires, customers will have a wide variety of excellent options.
For 2013, Bridgestone is introducing the Potenza RE-11A in select sizes. This tire is an evolution of the Potenza RE-11, with revisions to enhance its performance and keep it at the forefront of this hotly contested market segment. The tire features a slightly revised tread pattern and a compound that combines silica content with a new long-link carbon black.
RE-11 sizes that are not being replaced by the RE-11A will continue to be available. View the RE-11A sizes that will be available this year and see if one is a match for your vehicle.
Earlier this year, Bridgestone announced they would be releasing a revision to their popular Potenza RE-11 tire to make it more competitive in the dry among a stout group of competitors. The Potenza RE-11A will continue forward with the same exact tread pattern as the original Potenza RE-11 and will retain the same speed ratings as well. The main change in the design is a compound difference that allows for slightly higher grip limits. RE-11A tires will be released in ten sizes this summer and are branded with a UTQG rating of 200 - making them legal for most, if not all, street tire competition classes.
Like its predecessor, the Potenza RE-11A seems to be one of the most balanced Extreme Performance Summer tires, as well as one of the few that puts a high emphasis on good wet performance and hydroplaning resistance. Designed for serious sports car, sports coupe and performance sedan driving enthusiasts, the Potenza RE-11A enhances traction, handling and control while maintaining good noise and ride comfort. Bridgestone Potenza RE-11A tires are performance tuned for dry and wet conditions, but like all summer tires it is not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.
The Potenza RE-11A's biggest competitors in 2013 look to be the BFGoodrich g-Force Rival and Dunlop Direzza ZII. Stay tuned for results as we will be testing these tires later this summer!
Run-flat tires have become standard equipment on many vehicles. Some cars of the same general model will have certain versions that come with run-flats while others do not. It can certainly get confusing for people who aren't familiar with different vehicle and tire models.
All run-flat tires have a designation on the sidewall that indicates they are not standard tires. For example, the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position has a run-flat and non-run-flat model in certain sizes. The run-flat model has the letters "RFT" following the name. You can see this by clicking on the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT photo below.
Different tire companies use different designations for run-flat tires. Continental uses "SSR", Goodyear uses "RunOnFlat" or "EMT", while Michelin designates their run-flat tires with "ZP."
Many customers are convinced they have run-flat tires because their vehicle didn't come with a spare. This isn't always the case, so be sure to check your tires' sidewall to confirm. Now that you've determined if you have run-flat tires or not, you can determine which option you would prefer. To help you make a decision, read "Deciding Between Run-Flat and Non-Run-Flat Tires."
With spring h
ere, many drivers are getting ready to purchase tires for roadrace or autocross use.
For those who want tires they'll use mostly on the street, but want to do some racing, the Extreme Performance Summer category offers some good options. Tires in this performance category won't give you the fastest lap times compared to competition tires, however they are a good choice for the less serious racer. If this sounds like what you're looking for, consider the following options:
For the more serious race enthusiast, take a look at our selection of Track & Competition DOT tires. These are options that shouldn't be driven on the street and are for the track only. If you are looking for a tire for your roadrace event, consider the Hoosier R6. If autocross is your event, take a look at the A6 from Hoosier.
Hoosier's set-up process to maximize treadwear and handling is more involved than other tires, however their tires are hard to beat! For those that want a good competition tire at a lower price point, the Hankook Ventus Z214 is available in both a roadrace and autocross compound.
Will your new set of tires need to be saved? If so, how far should they be shaved? Read "Shaving Tires for Autocross / Track Use / Competition" to see how this service can help you maximize your tire's performance capabilities early in their life.
Many vehicles come equipped with run-flat tires from the manufacturer. Our sales specialists receive many calls from drivers asking if they can replace th
eir run-flat tires with non-run-flat options. There are a few pros and cons when it comes to changing to a non-run-flat tire.
Pros:
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Conventional tires are typically less expensive
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Better ride quality
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Longer lasting
Cons:
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Many vehicles don't have a spare, therefore you won't be able to drive when you get a flat
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When leasing a vehicle, many companies often require vehicles sold with run-flats be returned with them
Switching to conventional tires will not negatively affect the vehicle and will fit on Original Equipment wheels. Also, for those that don't have a spare, take a look at the Continental ContiComfortKit that seals and inflates tire punctures. It's capable of comfortably sealing typical tire punctures that make it possible for you to complete your drive home, to work, an important appointment or a tire repair facility. The ContiComfortKit combines a powerful, high-volume, 12-volt air compressor, integral pressure gauge and a latex liquid sealant packaged in a compact, lightweight unit that's easy to store in your vehicle.
I have experienced first-hand the differences between non-run-flat tires and run-flats. The BMW I owned came with 18" wheels and Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT tires and I switched to 19" wheels and the Sumitomo HTR Z III. Normally, increasing the wheel diameter has a negative impact on ride quality, however I thought the conventional tires on larger sized wheels actually rode a little better than the 18" run-flats.
To find the tire that works best for your car, shop by vehicle.
Porsche vehicles are known throughout the auto industry as one of the most highly engineered driving machines. Their engineers meticulously analyze every aspect of the vehicle's execution from weight savings and balance, all the way down to how the tires perform.
Porsche vehicles from 911 Carreras to Cayennes have tires that are specifically engineered for the vehicle through collaboration between tire manufacturers and Porsche themselves. Original Equipment Porsche tires are commonly referred to as N-Spec tires because the sidewall of the tire will be branded N0, N1, N2 or N3 and so on. The "N" is the designation for Porsche approved tires and the corresponding number identifies the version, with the higher number assigned to newer generations of the tire.
For instance, if you shop by vehicle and look at the 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, when you choose "View Original Equipment Tires" the website will display all of the tires that may have come on the vehicle as Original Equipment from Porsche. You will find on the list the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 N2, Pirelli P Zero N2, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A N0, and Bridgestone Potenza RE050A N1.
For more information, read "Porsche N-Specification Tire Approvals."
2006 Volvo S60 2.5T FWD
