I've been doing research for the last couple months but feel that I am still in the same place I started. I'm looking for any and all advice on tire options. Firstly a little about me.

Driving Habits- Mostly normal daily driving conditions. My commute to work is less than five miles so if I want to have some fun I plan it on my weekends. I prefer the thrill of the twistys not the straights. I need something with exceptional handling.

The MINI- lowered on Bilstien struts with H-Sport springs. There are a few other suspension goodies and a 15% SC Pulley.

I am looking for tires in 215/40R17. I've looked in depth at the Yokohama S.Drive, Dunlop Direzza ZII, and the Pirelli P Zero Nero. Please provide any opinion on any of your experiences. Anyone with experience running extreme summer performance tires as dailies?

 

I have the PZero Nero's and so far I really like them a lot. Don't have a lot of miles on them, couple K at most. 205/45/17 on 17x7 Motegei wheels. Very good tire and got them on a fire sale plus an extra $80 rebate, so the price was right. There are certainly better tires out there, but for daily driver use they work great for me. I have the summer version btw.

 

Extreme summer tires are fine for street use.

Dunlop Direzza ZII $167 each
Yokohama ADVAN AD08 $187 each
Bridgetsone RE-11 in 205/45-17

See tirerack test results-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=118

Yokohama S.Drive is an Ultra High Perf Summer tire, it doesn't have the grip of the other tires.

What is your budget?

If you can use 205/45-17 I'd suggest
Michelin Pilot Super Sport $186 each, 20 lbs, 300 treadwear
Tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=162
The Super Sport is a great choice for street tire that does everything well, if you can afford it, it's a good tire for your needs. I will perform just as well for your trips, last longer, weigh less than a 215/40-17, and be more comfortable.

 

I would recommend autocrossing. You can have far more fun, learn the actual limits of the car and driver, and do it safely.

http://www.oregonscca.com/content/section/3/287/

 

for a minute at a time..............

 

minihune, did you notice where the OP is from? portland or.

extreme summers sacrifice wet traction for more dry traction ... maybe not the best idea for a daily driver in portland

OTOH, i second your recommendation of the michelin pilot super sport, better in the wet yet still excellent in the dry, 30,000 mile tread wear warranty

scott

 

My budget doesn't really matter. I'm open to anything any everything. I will take a look at the Michelin pilot SS but my concern is fitment. The diameter of 215/40R17 is 23.8" and the 205/45R17 is 24.3". That is an increase of 1/2". I know it doesn't sound like much but it is a slight concern. My car is not slammed low I just do t want to risk rubbing.

I am very interested in Autocross but it is something I have never done before. Would the Michelin pilot SS be a good tire to use or should I consider one of the others? I would buy a dedicated Autocross set but I don't have the funds for that.

 

Yes but its only a .25" sidewall difference. If you can fit 215/40 without rubbing 205/45 shouldn't be a problem.

 

Hankook Ventus V12, only $95.00 at Tire Rack. Best bang IMO.

That's what came on mine. Used as a DD and in AutoX, loved them.