They do not have a good size for the MINI, so this is mostly irrelevant to most of us, but its important enough to share.

Too bad they did not have them in a good MINI size when I ordered race tires, as I would have been able to race on a set, get a free replacement set of V700's and then get another free set of the new 710's when they release them again!


http://www.kumhousa.com/V710.asp

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ECSTA V710 TIRES

KUMHO Tire's priority is safety, and we are committed to supplying our customers with the highest quality and best performing tires that are available anywhere in the world. It is with this philosophy in mind that KUMHO is taking immediate action in discontinuing the sale of the ECSTA V710 Competition Tire.

The V710 has won several races and set numerous track records since it was introduced into the market on January 1, 2004. Although we have not experienced any air loss failures with the ECSTA V710 Competition Tire, we have discovered some inconsistent test results relating to tread splice and tread area durability.

The sale of the ECSTA V710 Competition Tire will, therefore, be discontinued immediately, and tires in use in the market will be collected from consumers. KUMHO will replace them with either the KUMHO ECSTA V700 or Victoracer tire free of charge.

An investigation into the cause of the inconsistencies has been carried out and modifications to the product and production methods have been made to ensure these inconsistencies do not re-occur.

Consumers who have purchased the ECSTA V710 Competition Tire must call the dealer where the tires were purchased or the following toll free number to arrange for tire return and replacement :

1-800-445-8646 Extension 342

Consumers will be given the choice of a free replacement of the ECSTA V710 with either the ECSTA V700 or Victoracer. They will also be provided a free set of the modified ECSTA V710 upon its arrival.

KUMHO is sincerely committed to the quality of our products and the total satisfaction of our customers. We regret any inconvenience to our customers.


_________________

SE Regional, BAMA Club Moderator: PM me

 

From Tirerack.com-
As of July 7, 2004, the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has reinstated the ECSTA V710 for use in all forms of SCCA-sanctioned competition, both road racing and Solo (autocross).

KUMHO has reviewed, revised and retested the ESCTA V710 competition tires to confirm they meet U.S. Department of Transportation requirements, as well as the needs of autocrossers and racers alike. While retaining the original tires’ features, KUMHO has refined its materials and manufacturing methods to eliminate the variability experienced on the track and in laboratory with the original production ESCTA V710 tires.

The tread compound has been tuned to reduce operating temperatures.

Tread splice integrity has been enhanced by revising the assembly method.

Belt stresses have been reduced by increasing the thickness of belt edge inserts.

Resistance to air loss during laboratory testing has been improved by increasing the thickness of the innerliner.

All ECSTA V710 tires will now use a polyester cord carcass to replace the earlier tires’ nylon cord carcass. The use of polyester is branded on the tire’s inner and outer sidewalls near the wheel, and can be used to positively identify the revised tire by car club tech inspectors.

For the MINI only the 205/50-15 30 C A ($143) is a size that would work- can be mounted on a stock 15x5.5" rim which could be used for H-stock, STS, SP, or SM. Outside diameter 22.9"
For that size tire the best fit would be a 15x7" rim (not legal for stock classes).

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....del=Ecsta+V710

 

Has anybody heard when they plan to introduce a good 16" size? Hopefully it won't be a 50 series size.