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2011 AMS Ultra High Performance Tyre Test

Jonathan Benson
Data analyzed and reviewed by Jonathan Benson
5 min read Updated
Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Nokian V
  3. Continental Sport Contact 3
  4. Bridgestone Potenza S001
  5. Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3
  6. Vredestein Ultrac Cento
  7. Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT
  8. Fulda SportControl
  9. Pirelli P Zero
  10. Toyo Proxes T1 Sport
  11. GT Radial Champiro HGY
  12. Kumho Ecsta KU39
In 2011, Auto Motor Und Sport tested 11 tyres on a VW Golf GTD in the popular size of 225/45 R17. As with previous years, AMS subjected the tyres to the usual mix of wet, dry and rolling resistance tests.

Interestingly, it wasn't one of the premium brands that won this test but the Nokian V. The Nokian secured the win due to its excellent wet braking and good rolling resistance, yet still managing to post an overall 3rd on the dry tests. A true no compromise tyre.

Second to eighth position were covered by the usual "big 5" premium brands, with only Goodyear missing from this test. Amongst the traditional big scorers was the now consistently scoring Vredestein Ultrac Cento and the Fulda Sport Control, two tyres certainly worth considering if you're on a budget.

The last 3 places were taken by the Toyo T1 Sport, GT Radial Champiro HGY and Kumho KU39, with common criticisms of these 3 tyres being high rolling resistance, poor wet performance and a risk of aquaplaning.

1st

Nokian V

225/45 R17
Nokian V
Total: 175
Dry 83
Wet 92
Continental Sport Contact 3
Total: 162
Dry 81
Wet 81
Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3
Total: 156
Dry 81
Wet 75
5th

Vredestein Ultrac Cento

225/45 R17
Vredestein Ultrac Cento
Total: 156
Dry 72
Wet 84
6th

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT

225/45 R17
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT
Total: 155
Dry 75
Wet 80
7th

Fulda SportControl

225/45 R17
Fulda SportControl
Total: 155
Dry 81
Wet 74
8th

Pirelli P Zero

225/45 R17
Pirelli P Zero
Total: 152
Dry 70
Wet 82
10th

GT Radial Champiro HGY

225/45 R17
GT Radial Champiro HGY
Total: 135
Dry 79
Wet 56
11th

Kumho Ecsta KU39

225/45 R17
Kumho Ecsta KU39
Total: 135
Dry 71
Wet 64
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