I did drive another person's MINI at the dragon to try out the KDW's. I liked them a lot and did think they were the better tire, but did not like that they did not have the same feedback before the broke loose. The Yokos seem to scream a bit before breaking loose and I kind of like that.

 

Searching for High Performance Summer tires in 215/45-17 gives
No matches at tirerack.com

The minimum tire class you want to start with would be
Ultra High Performance Summer tires.

This class does give you options but you have to decide what is your priority-
Budget
Tire wear
Handling
Comfort
Noise
Any track or autocross use?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compar...&startIndex=10
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 good blend of handling and comfort $167 240 treadwear
General Exclaim UHP good value and comfort $73 380 treadwear
BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW2 good handling, less comfort $137 300 treadwear
Avon Tech M500 moderate handling and comfort, good value $82 280 treadwear

There will be different answers depending on your needs.

The tires previously suggested by other owners come from many classes including Extreme and Max Performance Summer tires.

If you are looking for more comfort and longer tire wear then consider
Ultra High Performance All Season tires-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compar...S&RunFlat=None

 

Right... and I realize in considering the RE-01R along with the KDW2s and other "Ultra High Perf" tires, I'm crossing categories. But much of the feedback on tire rack seems to indicate the RE-01Rs have a comfort level making them more than suitable as daily driver tires... though not directly compared, it leaves me with the impression they may even be quieter than the KDW2s.

They will be daily driver tires, and probably will see a couple of autox events a year (for fun rather than serious competition). I'm keeping the standard 16" wheels with 195 a/s rfts as my winter tires, so I definitely want a summer tire.

My priorities are, in this order:

- Dry grip
- Wet grip
- Crisp turn-in (I really prefer stiff sidewalls... was an S-03 fan with my E46)
- Noise
- Tread wear
- Comfort
- Budget

At this point, I think the main contenders are the RE-01R, KDW2, PE2, and taking a risk on the F1 GSD3s.

Thanks again to everyone... I've enjoyed reading everyone's feedback, and welcome any more insights.

 

I agree with COR BLMY about the KDW's. They have great wet/dry handling. Only I think they are a bit noisy. As for the Goodyear F1's, had them on my 325 and they were also great.

 

My experience has been with my GTI and Volvo S60R, but....BFGs were so noisy that my kids refused to ride in the car, although grip was quite good in the dry and adequate in the wet (Volvo S60R).
RE01Rs are on my current GTI, noisy, noisy noisy, but good grip in the dry although breakaway is less than ideal when it is reached. Wet traction is not quite up to BFG levels.
When I order up my MCS this spring, I won't be ordering up either of those tires...probably settle for Pirelli Neros.

 

they list them under 'Performance Tires', meaning DOT street legal, but no, I wouldn't run them for long on the street. That leaves six models to choose from

 

perhaps it's your suspension then. On Bilstein PSS9's, I could intuitively control the back end of the car when it broke loose on RE01R's at auto-x. It was uncanny how smooth the transition was from grip to slide....never shocking and easily corrected.

 

if its going to be daily drivin, then re01r's has a very low thread wear rating. go for something that gives a good blend of performance, road manners, and most importantly thread life.

 

So you are looking for grip and handling with comfort and cost less important.

Given that consider-
Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R in stock 205/45-17 or 215/45-17
or
BF Goodrich KDW2
or
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2

RE-01R is fairly comfortable and not really noisy but gives ample grip.
Crisp turn in you get with a tire size with stiffer sidewalls. You'll probably need to replace them in about one year or about 15,000 miles.

215/40-17 is another possible size to consider that is responsive but a little more expensive depending on the tire. It's smaller than stock for tire diameter and increases wheel gap with stock suspension. This size usually weighs less while 215/45-17 can weigh more than stock.

 

I love the Falken RT 615's, they stick like glue,(200 treadwear) predictable when pushed to limit,not noisey and decent ride.Some say not very good in the wet,i haven't noticed that at all.Good tire for $92ea with discount.

Bill