I need some new street tires for my JCW for autocross and track driving. I have my eye on some highly rated Bridgestone Potenza RE-11's, but they are expensive at about $800 for four.

The Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 caught my eye because they are max performance summer tires and retail for about $400 plus an $80 rebate, so these are tempting.

Any thoughts on these two tires (or others)?

Also, any thoughts on 205 vs 215's with these performance tires?

Thanks,

Deven

 

There's some discussion on this topic. Check this one: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ook-tires.html

If you plan to use the tires for AutoX and track, i suggest you go with the Potenzas vs the V12's. The V12's tend to be a bit soft and wear out pretty quick.

 

I haven't used the V12 but have had 3 set or RE-11 on my Civic that is street and track driven. The RE-11 are very close to an R-Comp tire works great in the rain and can take a 30 min. track with no problems. I got over 20 hours out of a set that was used only on track. The Dunlop Star Spec is also one to consider.

 

Was looking at the V-12's.
Consensus the sidewalls are a bit too soft for track use, but they are FAIRLY GOOD (GOOD FOR THE PRICE...EQUALLING TIRES THAT COST A GOOD % MORE) daily driver tire.

 

I had Toyo T1R then switched to Hankook V12 when Toyo was no longer available. The Hankook sidewall is very soft. For Auto-X they roll way over even though I run -2.0 camber. I have tried increasing the tire pressure all the way to 44 without much change. So since you plan to Auto-X, I would select something different than the V12. However, the V12 is a great for the price. The V12 is pretty sticky and lasts OK for the type of tire.

Along with the Potenza's, I would take a look at:
Michelin Pilot Super Sport or Toyo T1 Sport

I like the 215/40 size.

 

I track with RE-11 on my R53. and run PSS on my R55. But I also have V12 on my E55.

If you are going to track. I would recommend getting RE-11. even though I may try the Hankook RS3. I heard they are really good and cheaper than RE11.

 

Why isn't the Hankook RS3 in the running?

I had RS2s on my Ford Focus track toy and they were AMAZING. I heard the RS3 is even better.

 

I hadn't initially considered the Hankook R-S3 because Tirerack.com did not have any tests on the tire and there is not a 205/45R17 size (although I'll probably go with 215's, so this is not a show stopper).

But, the R-S3 is a 140 UTQC rated tire, and I believe for autocross the limit is 180 else you are bumped to a different class in our region.

Deven

 

Interesting about the 140 bumping you. Is this SCCA sanctioned?? I've never seen that rule. I know TONS of people that run that tire in stock class. If course, region to region people are more lax than others...

I'm yet to see anyone say anything negative about the RS3.

Way back I had a Mazda3 with all season tires and we got hit with snow. My car barely made it down the street (car was bone stock). I got back to the house and said "I'll just use my focus and burn my way to work.." I ended up getting to work with ease on RS2s. Obviously not a snow tire and not sure why I'm telling this story, but I can say they don't get oily when hot like Azenis tires, they wear nicely even with the soft compound, and they are better than Goodyear RS-A in snow!

 

When I suggested Toyo T1 Sport (UTQG 240) and Michelin Pilot Super Sport (UTQG 300) I was thinking of higher tread wear tires more comparable to the Hankook V12 (UTQG 280).

 

I have the michelins...hate em. So noisy when barely pushed, sidewall is too soft as I'm wearing the out edge from driving semi-aggressive. I like a tire that's quiet until its breaking loose. I won't really push the car as the tire limit is far below my driving ability. Toyo T1, people swear by em, never been a fan. It's hard for me to look past the rs2/3; especially given the cost.

Back 10 years ago I was a huge fan of the Yokohama AVS-Intermediate, and later the falken FK-512. All my favorites have been discontinued and only the RS3, is a suitable replacement.

 

--

 

Actually, for this year the 140 was a stock class tire in SCCA. I have heard that for next year they (SCCA) are going to 180 as the min tire wear for stock class. I have asked, but have not been able to confirmed that, though.

There are 3 basically really great tires for track and autoX...The Yokohoma AD08s, Bridgestone RE 11s and the Dunlop Spec Start Z1. The Kumo AXs are also popular. The AD08s and RE 11s are expensive. The Kumos and Z1s are a great price for the performance; if you have a chance for being in the wet, the Z1s are the better deal. As I am not be in contention for a medal, I would go with the Kumos or Dunlops.

I have not seen much of the Hankook RS 3s but have heard they, too, have soft sidewalls, but the grip is fantastic.

 

SCCA does not have a minimum treadwear rating for stock classes.

From the November FastTrack at SCCA.COM:

ROAD TIRE
The SEB has decided, after considering member input, to retract the change which increased the Road Tire minimum required treadwear rating from 140. This will be reflected in the Supplemental Regulations for future National Tour events.

The SEB has also decided that for the Road Tire classes the following tire will be on the Exclusion List, effective 1/1/2013:

Toyo Proxes R1R 195/50-15 size only

 

Sounds like someone is tired of getting their butt kicked by Miatas hahaha.

 

True for the stock class. But, STX does have a limit. I stated the wrong class.

 

I run the Hankooks. Just purchased them and they are very sticky but very soft. Great tires for the price, but they will wear down with alot of track use. The 80$ rebate is a plus as well :P.

 

The best way to pick an autocross tire, assuming you want to be competitive, is to go out and see what the fastest cars in the class are running. It would be a shame to buy a new set of tires and find out that you are giving away a few seconds just because you don't have the right tires. Just my experience speaking.

 

I've not run them on the track, but for street use, the V12's are great. I don't notice any particular softness in the sidewall. They do wear fairly fast, though. But given their cost, that's not such a big deal. I run 215/40-18's on my 06 JCW convertible. In that size, they're about the best tire available. If I was running 17" wheels, I might choose something else, but the Hankooks came out a solid 2nd place to the Dunlop Direzza a while back in a Car and Driver summer performance tire test. The V12's are sticky, very predictable, will let you know when they've reached their limit without suddenly letting go, they're quiet, and they work very well in the wet.