Just found a list of sizes and specs for the Hankook R-s2 Z212 but can't seem to post a link. It was on Hankook's overseas site.

Looks like apx. 8 sizes that might be MINI appropriate. Here are some top choices.

...................dia.... s.w... t.w.

205/50/15 ....23.1... 8.4 ...7.2
205/50/16 ....24.1... 8.3 ...7.2
205/45/16.... 23.2 ...8.1....7.2
215/45/16 ....23.6 ...8.4 ...7.6
225/45/16 ....23.9 ...8.9 ...8.0
215/40/17 ....23.8 ...8.6 ...7.6

Tread depth is 8.5/32 so shaving will probably improve times. Looks a lot like the Neova to me and is said to have a High grip Silica compound.

Load rating on all these except the 205/45/16 (83) was 86 or higher.

I hope to be testing at least one of these sizes in the spring, see my T&T thread.

Even with all these sizes I'd rather have seen a 215/45/15 or a 215/40/16 be available.

 

I just did a Cendiv Solo at Peru this past weekend where Andy Basham was using 4/32nd shaved Hankooks on his STX BMW 330i. He was working the tires pretty hard without spraying them with water to see at what temp they begin to go away. I'll tell you it was REALLY HOT last weekend, upper 80's to mid 90's and the Grissom concrete took its toll on most tires. The Hankooks seemed to hold up well. At least as good as the Falkens as far as temperatures are concerned. They did start to loose it on the 4th run. He thinks water cooling will help a lot. He told me he is bringing a sprayer with him to the Toledo Tour event next.

I'm thinking this will be a viable alternative for my MCS. The Kooks seem to run a little narrow compared to my RT-215s. I'm thinkng of trying the 225/45/16. They should be the closest in size to my 215/45/16 Falkens.

To shave or not to shave is the question.

 

From everything I read about these tires, you will want to shave them. Also heat buildup will be worse if you don't get them shaved.

 

I see a lot of smaller sizes for the Mini listed but nothing in the OE diameter. I know there are performance benefits to less rotational mass, but wondering if a 235/40/17 street tire fits under a Mini in STX trim? Seems like it would offer a ton of grip. Opinions?

 

I just ordered a set of the R-s2s in the 225/45-16 size on a 16x7 wheel with a 38mm offset, and should have them this weekend. I'll post pics for clearance reference.

 

Can you post the pics? I'm more than curious.

 

Put on a set of the 205/50/15 for the conedodgers event. There doing good by me. Then again never had a Good set of tires on the car yet. Also finally got the car to rotate with the current tire set up. David M was surprized and pls on how well the car reacted. so i'll see you down at VMP on the 11th. oh and ill try not to work the Cone Snaggers to much but with the current setup Cone hitting is an expected option. Until i get more use to it.

 

You will need to do a little trimming on the plastic fender trim all the way around. And in the rear you will need to take a cutting wheel to the metal under the plastic.