I'm about to buy a set of 205/45X17 summer tires for my '08 MY/B MCS with stock sport suspension and both the JCW body and Stage I engine kits. My driving style is spirited, but I live in Center City Philly, which has very poor streets. I'll probably put the tires on a new set of 7X17 OZ Ultraleggeras.

I've narrowed my choices to the RE-01R (extreme perf) @ $162, the RE050A Pole Position (max perf )@ $159 and the Pilot Exalto PE2 (UH perf) @ $124.
The latter two are XL load rated, and all three are highly rated in Tirerack's surveys.

Your views on the pros and cons of any or all of those tires would be greatly appreiated. I'd like a tire with great handling in both dry and wet conditions, along with at least above average ride and noise comfort. With all that in mind, which of those tires would you buy (exclusive of cost) and why?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

you probably know, but the RE-01R is widely accepted as the most competitive tire in the ST* autocross classes

for '08 the Direzza Z1 and the Proxes R1R are tempting some folks to experiment

 

Been very happy with the PE-2's, lots of grip, quiet, good ride on the road. 215/45/17 here.

 

i thought this sounded familiar to me https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=134301

i am going with the dunlop direzza star specs. sounds like we drive in a similar fashion. i'm just glad i don't live in center city anymore....there are some killer potholes there. cheers! and hope to see you at a phillymini.org event.