This is the first thread I've started ... apologies if it's in the wrong section.

I know PS2s are generally regarded as the best street tire (all things considered).

Truth be told, I've been trying to find a tire with slightly reduced performance to the PS2 but at a substantially reduced price (in light of the current state of the economy and my wife's increased monitoring of my expenditures).

My instincts say it's not possible to find a tire that fits the bill (i.e., you get what you pay for), but I just stumbled across some propaganda from Hankook that shows the Ventus V12 outperformed the PS2 (and all other tires) in a German auto test.

I know the tires were not tested on a Porsche, but is it possible they would even approach the performance characteristics of the PS2s? Or am I just delusional?

I have a 997s that I only track infrequently, but I drive in the mountains and really appreciate the PS2s feeling that they are "on rails". I would not want to lose that sensation by cheaping out on tires.

Here's the link:

http://www.hankooktireusa.com/press/...lSort=&txtKeyw

I would appreciate any thoughts.

 

I'd take a look at Bridgestone's new Potenza RE-11, an extreme performance summer tire. This tire replaces the RE-01, and should be comparable (or perhaps even better) to the Michelin PS2's. The RE-11's are a bit heavier than the PS2's, but I'm hoping for improved sidewall stiffness. The RE-11's should have more grip. Treadwear rating is 180.

I purchased a set of 19's (for my '07 Carrera) from Tire Rack, and are having them mounted tomorrow. Total price including freight was about $1,250 (for 245/35/19 and 305/30/19). The rears alone would have been over $1,000 if I'd purchased the PS2's. Bridgestone has a $100 mail in rebate until May 2. Net cost $1,150.

My first DE of the year is in 2 weeks. Can't wait to see how these tires handle...

 

Frankly, I was looking at the RE-11, but was concerned about potential hydroplaning because it is rated an "extreme" performance tire vs. an "ultra high" performance tire and I live in Vancouver, Canada.

I can't seem to find any direct comparison between "extreme" and "ultra high" performance tires in terms of hydroplaning and wet weather driving.

Is it more marketing that drives the classification? Should I really be that much more worried about hydroplaning? Obviously, I try not to be too stupid in heavy rain, but I drive it in quite a lot.

This is from TireRack's website:

"Extreme Performance Summer Tires -- You want extreme dry street performance and are willing to trade some comfort and hydroplaning resistance to get it.

Not intended to be driven ... at high speeds in deep standing water, these specially tuned tires combine big-block tread designs with aggressive tread compounds and reinforced internal constructions to emphasize dry road response, traction, handling and high speed capabilities for serious driving enthusiasts."

"Ultra High Performance Summer Tires -- You want a good blend of dry and wet street performance when "re-tiring" your sports coupe or sedan...these low profile tires are designed to provide responsive handling and crisp steering response in both wet and dry conditions."

Thoughts?

 

Given the grooves that run the circumference of the tire, I can't imagine that hydroplaning would be an issue, except perhaps when the tires are really worn. Here's a nice first hand review of the RE-11:

http://www.planetporsche.net/cayman-...ock-sizes.html

 

Interesting. I went back and checked this. And, thanks to Tirerack's testing, I was able to compare the two tires (at least the predecessor to the RE-11, the RE-01R). There is data for slalom/lap times, stopping distance and average cornering g-forces (both wet and dry).

The differences between the two tires seems immaterial; the dry differences generally favour the RE-01R and the wet differences the PS2 (which makes sense), but neither by much.

So I'm still scratching my head about why have two categories for "max" and "extreme" performance? Again, I am leaning towards marketing as being the driving factor (pun intended). Even looking at treadwear, the RE050A has a UTQG rating of 140, with the RE-11 having one of 180. So more longevity from the RE-11??

 

My friend runs RE050's as his street/track tires. Very grippy, but they do wear quickly. I had a set on my daily driver (Mazdaspeed 3), and they lasted about 15,000 miles. I would expect the RE-11's to last a bit longer (180 versus 140).

I should have mentioned that Yokohama is just about to launch their new ADVAN AD08, which replaces the AD07. You might want to take a look at this tire too. Also, Kuhmo's new Ecsta XS is getting good reviews. The tread pattern looks a lot like the RE-11's.

Michelin is will probably see their PS2 sales decline with these equivalent performance, lower priced tires entering the market.

 

Thanks.Looks like only the RE-11 comes in the sizes I need.

In conclusion, from what I can gather, the "give up" in rain performance won't significantly affect the tire as a daily commuter, while the treadwire "give up" would seem to be offset by price.

 

So has anyone used the Hankooks?

 

I live in south korea..
So i know hankooks(made in korea) quality. I think s1-evo better than s12-evo.

 

S1evo doesn't have 997 19" sizes.

Dave

 

RE-11 don't have the same load and speed ratings.

Dave

 

Really? s1-evo has correct size for 997s 19"..in korea..
s1-evo is really good tire... except side-wall..^^! and cheap~!
But i like ps2

 

Yup, after considering everything, I've decided the best tire for primarily street driving (and considering cost) is the new Porsche spec'd Pirelli P-Zero: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=98, which just edged out the PS2 in TireRack testing and is cheaper than the PS2. Treadwear, I suppose, remains to be seen.

 

Keep us posted with how you like the Pirelli's. I'll be needing a set soon

 

Yea I saw those on TireRack. My rear OEM Pirelli's (N1) are about gone. I also wanted to try the new N2's.

Dave