2013 is a great year for enthusiasts of high performance cars looking for street tires that are trackable. This year we are excited to offer three new Extreme Performance Summer tires. These tires primary focus is going to be on extreme dry grip for spirited or competitive driving such as autocrossing. We can't wait to get a chance to test them at our facility this spring!
While we haven't had a chance to test the BFGoodrich g-Force Rival on our track, we did have the chance to drive on it at NOLA Motorsports Park near New Orleans and the feedback was very positive. The tire was very easy to drive on, had excellent responsiveness and is designed to wear very well over the course of a competitive event. It has the 200 UTQG treadwear rating that is required by many sanctioning bodies.
The next new tire for 2013 is the Dunlop Direzza ZII. This tire is replacing the Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec. Compared to its predecessor, it's designed to have better responsiveness, as well as an improvement in wet and dry grip. Also offered with the 200 UTQG treadwear rating, the Direzza ZII is available in a variety of hard-to-find smaller sizes. Last fall, we tested a production-spec set of Direzza ZII tires against the Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec and found that Dunlop hit the mark with this new offering as it was faster and more predictable in the dry and wet. For a complete recap of our test, read "Dunlop Direzza ZII Introductory Track Drive."
Bridgestone's Potenza RE-11A is replacing the previous model, the Potenza RE-11 in 10 sizes. This newer tire has an updated rubber compound designed to improve wet and dry traction. While sharing the same tread design, the Potenza RE-11A adds an exclusive tread compound that combines silica with a new long-link carbon black that increases road contact and abrasion resistance while promoting tread rubber flexibility across a range of cool to hot temperatures. The internal construction includes a custom asymmetric shape that helps distribute footprint pressure more evenly.
Are you a serious driving enthusiast looking for dry road response, traction, handling and high speed capabilities? If so, take a look at our Extreme Performance Summer tires and find the one that's right for your vehicle.
Hankook has started to release their latest entry into the Ultra High Performance All-Season category, the Ventus S1 noble2. Developed for the drivers of sports cars, sporty coupes and performance sedans, the tire is being released in a myriad of sizes and wheel diameters. This includes sizes between 16" and 20" diameters and widths ranging from 205mm up to 275mm. At the time of this post, many of the 16", 17" and 18" sizes are available, while the 19" and 20" options are expected to arrive at a later time.
Ventus S1 noble2 tires feature an asymmetric tread design pattern. The inside of the pattern is optimized for wet traction and wet traction channels were developed with 3D computer simulations for hydroplaning resistance. Asymmetric patterns can cause some questions for some customers due to the shape of their water channels, however this pattern allows for full tire rotation. For additional information, read "Are my Asymmetric Tires Running Backwards?"
The Hankook's outer edge focuses on cornering and noise reduction, while larger tread blocks and a solid rib provide stability under load. 3D vibration analysis technology was used to produce an advanced mold profile that delivers uniform contact pressure across the footprint to promote even wear and secure braking performance.
We plan on testing this tire during the summer months, so be on the look for those results.
BFGoodrich's g-Force Rival was developed to fill the void between the Ultra High Performance Summer g-Force Sport COMP-2 and the Dry Racetrack & Autocross Only g-Force R1. Many autocross and road race drivers, as well as performance enthusiasts needed a tire with higher grip and better trackability than the g-Force Sport COMP-2. Alternatively, the same drivers couldn't use the g-Force R1 because they needed a tire with very high levels of dry traction, yet could be driven to and from the track. The g-Force Rival also boosts a higher UTQG rating of 200 as compared to the 40 UTQG rating of the g-Force R1, thus allowing the g-Force Rival to be used in a wider array of autocross and road race events which restrict tire use by UTQG rating.
g-Force Rival tires are developed for sports car, muscle machine and pro-touring car driving enthusiasts who want their tires to turn heads on the street and lower lap times at the track. Created with razor-sharp reflexes, the g-Force Rival is designed to raise the limits by delivering extreme grip that’s extremely predictable.
This Extreme Performance Summer tire features a Silica-infused compound molded into asymmetric tread designs that are performance-tuned to match tire width (255mm and narrower sizes feature a 3-rib design, while 265mm and wider sizes use a 4-rib pattern). To achieve predictable feedback and maximum cornering grip from start to finish, the g-Force Rival has large, solid outboard tread blocks and BFGoodrich’s Extreme Tread Edge (ETE) shoulder design that wraps the tread compound farther down the sidewalls. Lateral groove draft angles promote consistent performance and wear, while chamfered block edges resist feathering under extreme cornering and braking.
The tire’s internal structure features BFGoodrich’s Performance Racing Core reinforced internal structure that reduces flex to increase steering response. g-Control sidewall inserts tune the sidewall stiffening to promote steering response.
To see if the BFGoodrich g-Force Rival can transform your ride, shop by size.
The Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec has become a staple among autocross and performance enthusiasts. Many were disappointed to hear it had been discontinued. Dunlop has launched the newest version of their highly successful Extreme Performance Summer tire, the Direzza ZII. It's designed for enthusiasts who demand race tire-like traction for street use, autocross, drifting and track events.
Direzza ZII’s high-grip tread compound is molded into a directional design with a continuous center rib flanked by massive shoulders to form a highly rigid tread that delivers high levels of dry grip and handling while promoting uniform tire temperatures and even wear across the tread. Two wide circumferential center grooves channel water through the center of the tread design. Angled independent grooves help direct water to the sides of the footprint to enhance wet traction.
The Direzza ZII features Dunlop’s True Circle Profile to distribute tire deflection forces along the sidewall to provide more control by better communicating tire performance limits to the driver. Its internal structure includes JointLess Band (JLB) Technology that spirally winds polyamide cord over two wide steel belts to promote strength, uniform ride quality and high-speed capability.
During our time testing the tire, it proved to be a worthy replacement for the Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec with significant lap time improvements in both the dry and wet when compared head-to-head. To read the full report, take a look at "Dunlop Direzza ZII Introductory Track Drive."
Since its introduction in the United States in 2001, the Toyota Highlander has been a popular luxury SUV/CUV. The second generation of the vehicle was introduced in 2008 and has continued to be a great choice for many drivers. Given the popularity of the Toyota Highlander, I'm often asked about what replacement tires are best for the vehicle. Below are my top picks that work well for each generation:
2001-2007 Toyota Highlander
The Michelin LTX M/S2 and Firestone Destination LE2 are the top two tires in our Highway All-Season category, and for good reason. Both tires offer a smooth and quiet ride, with excellent traction in all conditions. Firestone's Destination LE 2 is also designed to combine a long wear with a comfortable ride. Its internal structure features twin steel belts reinforced with spirally wrapped nylon to provide strength, uniformity and durability on top of a polyester cord body to help cushion the ride. Destination LE 2 tires come with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty.
Compared to the original LTX M/S, the Michelin LTX M/S2 is an evolution in looks...and a leap forward in performance. It molds a long wearing, silica-enhanced, all-season compound into a tread profile that features Michelin's MaxTouch Construction to produce a contact patch that promotes reliable traction with long wear by evenly distributing acceleration, braking and cornering forces. The tire is offered with a 70,000-mile treadlife warranty.
2008-2013 Toyota Highlander
Both the Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology and the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza rank near the top of the Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season category. The CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology is a relatively new tire, but initial customer feedback and testing data show it to be a top contending tire. This ecologically friendly tire performs on the highway, as well as in mild off-road conditions. Designed to enhance driving pleasure, the tire saves fuel and maintains grip when braking on wet surfaces while providing long wear and all-season traction, even in light snow.
Bridgestone's Dueler H/L Alenza has been a reliable favorite for many years and is consistently praised for its smooth and quiet ride, as well as great wet traction and wear. The tire provides elegance with an edge, along with year-round traction, even in light snow. Featuring Bridgestone's UNI-T technology takes the tire's behavior to a higher level by increasing comfort and control, in order to further enhance wet traction over the life of the tire.
Shop by vehicle to view all tire options available for your Toyota Highlander.
New for
2013, Dunlop has released their latest Extreme Performance Summer tire, the Direzza ZII. This tire is replacing the ever popular Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec. Testing of this tire is scheduled for spring, but from our time with the tire during our introductory track drive, we saw the tire offer better dry traction than its predecessor. From the initial look of the tire, it has fewer circumferential grooves and directional sweeping treads, along with larger shoulder blocks - thus promoting better dry traction and improved stability in cornering.
The Direzza ZII features Dunlop’s True Circle Profile that distributes tire deflection forces along the sidewall to provide more control by better communicating tire performance limits to the driver. Its internal structure includes JointLess Band (JLB) Technology that spirally winds polyamide cord over the two wide steel belts to promote strength, uniform ride quality and high-speed capability. Two-ply polyester sidewalls help resist lateral deflection to provide responsive handling and cornering stability.
With 27 sizes expected to arrive for race season, get the Dunlop Direzza ZII and beat your competition.
The Toyota Camry has been one of America's best-selling sedans for many years. It's very practical, fuel efficient and dependable. Many owners keep them for a long period of time, thus requiring them to likely have to replace the tires at some point.
If you're looking for the best all-season tires, two that'll last long and provide a smooth and comfortable ride are the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring and Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus. These options are two of the best in class and will provide fantastic all-season traction. Customers like the ComforTred Touring for its hydroplaning resistance, dry traction, ride comfort and noise comfort. With over 3,000,000 miles reported, the tire is currently ranked second in our Tire Survey Results.
Drivers looking for a low rolling resistance tire that will continue to promote great fuel economy, I would recommend the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422. On top of designing a tire that offers good fuel economy, Bridgestone has done an excellent job developing a tire that maintains good overall all-season traction. On top of enhancing fuel economy by reducing tire rolling resistance along with the vehicle's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the tire offers good handling and comfort. To learn more about how the tire reduces environmental impact, read "Bridgestone Ecopia Low Rolling Resistance Technology."
Shop by vehicle to find the tire that's right for your Toyota Camry.
General Motors' best-selling full-size SUVs are all based from the same platform. These vehicles include the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and the Cadillac Escalade. There are many basic similarities between these three vehicles, including tires. The current generation of these three SUVs either came with a 17", 18" or 20" tire. Given the popularity of these vehicles, many owners are looking for the best tire selection for their vehicle. Take a look at the following options when considering tire replacements for your Tahoe, Yukon or Escalade:
Bridgestone's Dueler H/L Alenza is the Original Equipment tire on most of these SUVs. This Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire is a very good option and I would continue to recommend it as a replacement option. It rides very nicely, offers good all-season traction and provides good treadlife. Designed to provide elegance with an edge, the tire has been ride and noise tuned to enhance comfort.
Another good option for these trucks is the new Michelin LTX M/S2. If you consider yourself a "Michelin Man", than this is your tire. This latest Highway All-Season radial from the French tire maker offers a very smooth ride and has the best all-season traction according to our most recent survey results. The LTX M/S2 molds a long wearing, silica-enhanced, all-season compound into a tread profile featuring Michelin's MaxTouch Construction to produce a contact patch that promotes reliable traction and long wear by evenly distributing acceleration, braking and cornering forces. Compared to the original LTX M/S, the LTX M/S2 is an evolution in looks and a leap forward in performance.
If you're looking for a tire with good value, then consider the Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology. The tire is a favorite among our customers as it is currently ranked number one in our Tire Survey Results for Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tires. It's also engineered to help you improve your fuel efficiency and maintain grip when braking on wet surfaces while providing long wear and all-season traction, even in light snow. For more information about EcoPlus Technology, read "Continental Tire EcoPlus+ Technology, EcoPlus or 'E' Symbol."
When your Tahoe, Yukon or Escalade is in need of new tires, consider these options or shop by vehicle to find the tire that's best for your driving style.
Given today's record-setting gas prices, the Toyota Prius has become the standard in hybrid vehicles. They're dependable, sporty and most drivers hold on to them for many years. Choosing the right tire will help keep your Prius rolling for miles to come. What's the best tire for you? Well that all depends on what you're looking for. The following options are a few top recommendations that'll suit most drivers.
If you're looking for the best all-season tires, two that will last long and provide a smooth and comfortable ride are the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring and Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus. These options are two of the best in class and will provide fantastic all-season traction.
If you're looking for a low rolling resistance tire that will continue to promote great fuel economy, I would recommend the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422. On top of designing a tire that offers good fuel economy, Bridgestone has done an excellent job developing a tire that maintains good overall all-season traction. To see how Bridgestone created a tire that matched Prius' drivers' needs and driving style while addressing a broad range of today's environmental topics, read "Bridgestone Ecopia.'
During our recent test of the Michelin Defender, I came away impressed with how the tire performed. Driving in wet conditions on our test track, I found the steering and cornering response to be very crisp. The IntelliSipe Technology helps provide a connected feel to the road and also the additional biting edges enhance all-season traction in rain and light snow.
Michelin Green X technology allows drivers to gain additional fuel efficiency while maintaining all-weather traction. This tire features an asymmetric tread design, allowing cross rotation (C) to help promote even wear.
MaxTouch Construction optimizes the stresses experienced when the tire's footprint comes in contact with the road to promote predictable handling, even wear and long treadlife. Its internal structure combines twin steel belts with a polyester cord body.
Take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their experience with the Michelin Defender:
"The Michelin Defender is the best tire I have ever purchased for my Odyssey minivan. Ever! Tires are very quiet and responsive. You will never regret purchasing the Michelin Defender tire." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L
"These Michelins are like driving on glass -- incredibly smooth and ultra quiet. They are responsive and brake well on dry and wet pavement." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2010 Honda CR-V EX 2wd
"I could not be more pleased with this set of tires. No problems in wet conditions. Also, very quiet at highway speeds." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2003 Honda CR-V
Tire manufacturers often use rebates to help attract buyers to their brand. Tire Rack participates in these special offers when possible. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive regarding rebates and promotions:
Q: Does the tire I want have a rebate available? Products that have a rebate or special offer will generally be noted right on the screen when you're viewing the product's price. If you want to see an overview of current promotions, see our special offers page.
Q: Is the dollar amount of the rebate for a set? Or for each tire? The rebates generally apply to a set of four tires. In most cases, if you qualify for a $50 rebate, this would mean you'd receive a Reward Card valued at $50 by mail-in rebate.
Q: I have different sizes on the front and rear of my car, does that still count as a set of four? Yes, it does. As long as the four tires are the same model and for the same vehicle, they count as a set of four.
Q: I reside outside the United States, do rebates still apply to me? Most rebates apply to U.S. residents only, as determined by your billing (not shipping) address. APO addresses are generally considered part of the U.S. Check the official terms and conditions page of the offer for specific details.
Q: I bought two tires last year and want to buy two more now. Does that count as a set of four? The four tires must be purchased during the current rebate period to qualify.
Q: There is a rebate on my tires, but the price in the cart is the regular price. What is going on? Most of the tire makers have mail-in rebates. After you order, watch your mailbox. You should receive the rebate form in about 1-2 weeks. Fill it out and submit it to receive the advertised offer.
Q: If I buy more than one set, do I get more than one rebate? It depends on the terms and conditions set by the manufacturer. Make sure to read them carefully if considering multiple sets to determine your eligibility. We make all of the terms and conditions available online.
For more information on special offers and promotions, visit our FAQ section.
Often, I receive calls about a tire's life and the tire's relationship to its assigned UTQG treadwear indicator. UTQG numbers are assigned to indicate a tires overall level of performance and tread hardness. These numbers beginning at 0 for race products and traveling north of 800 for some of the longest lasting all-season tires, are nothing more than a general guideline to assist customers in making their correct tire purchase.
While certain performance standards are held standard, such as Traction Grades and Temperature Resistance, UTQG treadwear numbers are published by the manufacturer based upon their test findings of a tire's life expectancy. It's important to note that not all manufacturer's standards are equal and similar ratings may lead to different real world results between similar product types.
On a large basis, however, most manufacturer's figures are surprisingly accurate. To gain a better understanding of the process, take a look at a few of our popular performance categories beginning with soft compounds and working our way up.
Track & Competition DOT
These tires offer maximum grip in race environments where performance is key and treadlife is sacrificed. In order to be competitive, these tires feature a soft tread compound that tends to be very adhesive. These soft tires wear much faster than a standard street tire and aren't recommend for street use. Take a look at the Hoosier A6, a popular autocross tire to see an example. Note this tire's low UTQG figure of 40.
Max Performance Summer
This category features high-performance tires designed for street use. Although not nearly as soft as the race products outlined above, they're at home in a performance environment. This is an optimal choice for a driver looking for acceptable levels of treadwear combined with a high-performing grip level. Even though these tires offer much more flexibility, I'm reminded of an economics lesson: There is no free lunch. The longest wearing Max Performance Summer tires will not outlast a good performing all-season option. Sometimes a driver must choose between smiles and miles. Take a look at our current top-rated summer tire, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport and its 300 indicated UTQG treadwear.
Ultra High Performance All-Season
Perhaps our most popular and best-selling category, the Ultra High Performance All-Season, promotes higher treadwear in exchange for some loss in ultimate dry grip. Although not as soft, and therefore not as sticky as the Max Performance Summer tires, these tires still place a good amount of focus on performance. This new breed of all-season tires typically lasts between 30,000-50,000 miles and allows the driver to experience practicality while also including good performance features such as a responsive sidewalls and higher speed ratings. The Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position is currently the number one tire in this category and carries a UTQG number of 400.
Standard Touring All-Season
Tires in this category sacrifice performance in terms of ultimate dry grip to focus on maximum life and mileage. These tires are designed for conservative drivers that are looking for the best in ride, treadlife and practicality. These tires aren't meant for track use or for aggressive street driving, but often work well as purposeful all-season tires. The popular Hankook Optimo H727 is a great example of such a tire. Notice that its 700 treadwear fits this category to a tee.
Are you happy with your set of Michelin Harmony or Michelin HydroEdge with Green X tires? Ready for another set but having trouble finding your size? Don't worry, the Michelin Man has got your back. He's been hard at work making some good tires even better. After many hours of engineering and testing, it's time to say hello to the new Michelin Defender.
The Defender combines the strengths of the Harmony and HydroEdge with Green X into a single tire. The Harmony's greatest strength was above-average snow traction for its category. The HydroEdge with Green X excelled in low rolling resistance, wet grip, hydroplaning resistance and dry handling. Both of the Defender's predecessors wore well, especially the HydroEdge with Green X. The Defender maintains the HydroEdge's 6 years /90,000 miles warranty and carries an 820 treadwear rating compared to the HydroEdge's 800.*
Michelin has taken these strengths and improved on the rolling resistance and lowered the tread noise. Michelin's testing shows lower rolling resistance (17% compared to the HydroEdge with Green X) for better fuel economy. The new non-directional tread design yields 10% less tread noise relative to the HydroEdge and allows you to rotate them in an "X" pattern, promoting the even wear that's critical to maintaining low tread noise.
To gain a better understanding of Michelin's environmentally friendly tire options, read "Michelin Green X."
*H- and T-speed rated sizes have a 90,000 mileage wear warranty, while V-speed rated tires have an 80,000 mile warranty.
With winter in full swing and temperatures dropping across the nation, it's never been more important than now to carefully monitor your tire pressure.
Underinflated tires cause vehicle imbalance, promote irregular wear and can cause load-carrying capacity issues. When the temperature drops, the air inside your tires naturally contracts at a rate of about 1 psi per 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, it is natural for air pressure to permeate through the tire's rubber sidewall at an additional rate of approximately 1 psi per month regardless of temperature.
This means that if you had set your tire pressure at 36 psi on a 70 degree summer day (six months ago) and the pressure has since dropped to 30 degrees, your tires at this moment could have as little as 26 psi in them.
Checking your tire pressure on a monthly basis takes only a few moments and keeps you and your family protected during these cold winter months.
A wide array of tire pressure gauges are available at several price points including the cost-effective
Accutire Digital Pencil Air Gauge and the extremely accurate
Accutire Racing Air Gauge that measures to 1/10th a pound of psi pressure.
As a discerning driver of a high-end, performance-oriented vehicle, you want more than just the status that comes with the ownership. You also want the excitement generated by the high horsepower combined with top-level handling on the most demanding roads.
The flagship
Continental ContiSportContact 5P delivers all the driving pleasures a performance driver could want. When pushing the limit, you need to know that the tire will be there for you to keep you glued to the road while cornering and hard braking in both wet and dry conditions.
Throughout the year Continental reviews feedback from performance drivers. They took the data that they gathered to design the ContiSportContact 5P, which targets the following key areas:
- Short braking distances on dry and wet roads
- Exceptional steering and handling
- Maximum grip and stability when cornering
When you're looking for Continental tires for sale, each ContiSportContact 5P tire is tuned for specific axle applications and each size is identified as "Front/Both Axles" or "Rear Axle Only." The tire's 3rd generation design combines rigid center tread ribs with flexible tread blocks that promote great steering response, cornering and braking adhesion. Cornering precision and steering are also improved by the ContiSportContact 5P's Zero Degree Hybrid Belt Technology. Finally, Black Chilli Technology features an innovative type of racing-ground carbon black that ensures speedy warm-up and provides a stickier and larger contact patch, which results in shorter stopping distances.
Looking for Mercedes Benz tires? The ContiSportContact 5P was used as Original Equipment on the C63 AMG. What about Audi tires? This Max Performance Summer selection was installed as the O.E. tire on the TT RS. And the Continental ContiSportContact 5P is an appropriate fit for drivers of the world's most prestigious high performance sports cars, coupes and sedans.
2008 Ford Escape 4wd
2003 Honda Odyssey
