Well it is 18 sec faster over a 11+ mile course but that was on khumo uhp 50 rated tire verses stock run flats on the r53 gen so I am not so sure of the actual performance gap.

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

I would rather wait for details on that time, we don't know what tires were used, track conditions, etc...for both GP's.

The R56 factory JCW was already faster than the first GP

 

Was it? I know the R56 JCW was faster than the R53 JCW but wasn't sure about the Gen1 GP. Makes sense though. I think I heard over on WRR that the first GP went around the ring on the same tires it shipped with. The new GP wore those Khumo's.

 

So looking at those Kumho tires, they are not too expensive but from all the reviews I am reading they suck pretty bad. So you might be able to get better tires and increase the performance significantly.

 

18 sec faster on the Nordschleife than the R53 GP... I wonder how much of that is due to the Kumho V70A, the R53 ran Dunlop SP Sport 01 DSST as stock tires. Semi's vs Runflat's.

For a comparison, UTQG measurement of both:

Dunlop SP Sport 01 DSST
Treadwear 280
Traction A
Temperature A

Kumho V70A
Treadwear 50
Traction AA

 

You are reading the wrong reviews .


Given 86% (breakdown) while driving a BMW M3 CSL (265-35-18-)
Driving on track for 7,000 spirited miles


These are the best tyres I’ve ever tried on my M3 CSL.

I used the medium compound and the level of grip is just amazing as they warm up pretty quickly unlike the Michelin cup tyres which are good a hot day otherwise no grip as they take much longer to get them warmed up and if the track temperature is below 10degree then you’ll end up spinning!

I’ve never felt safe and confident driving hard as I did with these tires. 5*

I’ve done 4 – 5 full day track days with these tires on the race track and I was all over the big boys! Plus 7000 miles on the road.

Excellent dry (cold or warm) grip and very good on wet (tyre pressure has to be correct).

I recommend these tyres for both track and road use as they are very safe.


Given 81% (breakdown) while driving a Porsche 996 GT3 (295-45-18-W)

Driving on track for 10,000 spirited miles

After replacing some R888s with these I can't say I've noticed much of a difference. Both are extremely good tyres, the V70a works great in dry and damp conditions but has some problems with standing water as they all do. I'm using the hard compound on the GT3 and they don't seem to go off as quickly as the R888s did.


Given 77% (breakdown) while driving a Subaru Impreza (225-45-17-W)

Driving on a combination of roads for 90,000 spirited miles

These tyres come in either a hard or medium compound (also soft or super soft for different tyre sizes)and really are excellent track day tyres with massive reserves of grip. Found them best running at 40psi front and 35psi back on track. Lasted a full day on the track and should be good for another 2 sessions, Tried them in the wet on ordinary roads and was amazed by the grip, they have a tread wear rate of 50 for the hard compound, as compared to about 240 for normal tyres. Have run R888 but the kumho are better tyres, especially when really warmed up.


Given 87% (breakdown) while driving a BMW E36 328i saloon (225-45-17-)

Driving on mostly country roads for 2,000 spirited miles

I run these on my track prepared E36 328iSE saloon, previously I ran Falkens, Michelins and then I invested in TOYO proxy's...all great tires the latter being incredible. BUT, by chance i ended up with a set of KUMHO V700 V70a Hard compound tires.

First experience of driving with them was on the dampest wettest day ever, satnding water rolling across road, so i was a tad apprehensive about what to expect as KUMHO have always been a ''cheap'' tire in the back of my mind.

Once I broke the initial membrane down and they started to heat up, my loaded with me and 2 passengers. I was starting to accelerate and brake at a reasonable pace, till I realised that I was driving quicker across this particular length of country road in ridiculous conditions on the upper side of three digits. These tires are incredible, the way they push the water to allow traction is incredible. High speed stability (combination of tires and suspension set up) is second to none. At the other side of 140 is equal to that at 50. I can't rate this tire enough...! On a RWD BMW this tire feels so at home.

In the dry...NOTHING COMPARES as a road tire...I'll eat my hat if you can prove a tire equal or better!

Wear isn't too bad on the hard compound, Im sure with a dose of spiritedness and easy motorway driving one can achieve 5000miles easily. I would recommend these tires over Proxys, Yoko's (which I had on my MR2) and the brands above, just for price and performance you'd be insane not to give them a go...I will the moment I can afford 650 for a set.

 

Read the ones on tire rack and a few other places. The overall consenses is that thye don't last long(which is not suprising 50 treadwear rating I am suprised reading 10k out of them), the don't heat up well, and that general don't provide enough grip. For that price you can get Nitto NT01s which is a way better tire.

 

As Tire Rack does not sell the V70A I am not sure where you saw the review . And you are correct a 50 rated tire will generally give up tire wear for better traction IE: lap times .

 

They do sell the V700 that are on the GP though.

 

Here is where Tirerack sells them
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....del=Ecsta+V700

 

It even looks faster than a run flat The question is how much faster ?

 

Hmmm I guess it depends on what you want out of the GP. If you DD it I would get some snooze tires on an inexpensive set of wheels and then use the stock stuff for race day or looking cool or whatever.

 

V70A's are a variation of the V700's, but i don't know what's the difference between a regular V700 and a V70A

 

I am "numero uno" to get one of these from my preferred dealer. Got an email from the general manager today saying he just got back from a dealer's meeting in Puerto Rico. He says the GP2 will be a 2013 model, production starting in November, expects delivery in January next year.
I waited 15 months for my TT-RS from asking for it to delivery, 8 months will be a piece of cake.

 

mtbscott - Do you still have your TT-RS, if so, planning to keep it once you get the GP? I haven't driven one, but on paper it looks like a great vehicle. Thoughts?

 

Painted purple would be a good thing, its still my favorite MINI colour.

 

Yes, the TT-RS isn't going anywhere when the GP2 arrives. Two completely different animals. The GP2 will be an upgrade to my JCW I'm sure, extremely flingable, but the RS is near supercar fast, an absolute hoot to push the pedal down at any speed.

 

I hope it isn't January. I sold my '04 Cooper S to buy the GP2. It's going to be my winter car and by January I may be knee-deep in snow with an M Roadster to drive. Yikes.

 

If next winter is anything like last you won't have to put that M Roadster away.

 

I am ok with my 07 S. There is nothing that is making me want to spend upwards of $40k on a GP. There is so many things that I can get that are better for that money. Not for me I am going to pass.

 

Price should be interesting on this car. It appears to be a JCW with Recaro's, Aero Enhancements, Brake Calipers, Suspension, and maybe a sparse interior. Considering the sum of those parts, price could be anywhere between 35K and 40K. Hopefully closer to 35K. Wheels and Tires should not add to the cost over a standard MINI.

 

This quote always comes up on every new car that comes out regardless of pricepoint. I am fully aware of what cars new and used sell in the $35-40K range, and I vote with MY pocketbook for the GP2. If I wanted an STI/used Exige/M3, etc, I'd have one. YMMV

 

Yes but, not all of us are in your situation where we can buy a new car when every we feel like it. Most of can't even mod our cars like we want. I live the gearheads life style where I will eat Ramen if I have to put a new part on my car. Also I think anything of $30k for a car is a waste because you are selling me a daily commodity not a ****ing house.

 

Really wish they did the black under the hood scoop in the flat black like the previous GP. That was one of my favorite parts.

Count me in for one. The first dealer to take a few $k off of sticker will have my order.