Sport Auto have tested seven 245/40 R18 Max Performance Summer Tyres on an Audi TT RS, but which will dominate in this dry bias test?
To ensure conditions were suitable for a summer tyre test, Sport Auto visited a Bridgestone test track in Italy. Taking part in the test are some of the newest tyres to market, including the new Michelin Pilot Super Sport, Pirelli P Zero, Bridgestone Potenza S001 and Toyo T1 Sport, along with the existing Nokian Z G2, Dunlop Sport Maxx GT and Sava Intensa.
1st: Michelin Pilot Super Sport | |
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| The Michelin Pilot Super Sport left the most sporty impression, characterised by extremely precise steering and agile handling. Over 10 dry handling laps the Pilot Super Sport shows no degradation of lap time unlike the competitors. On a wet track the quick load change required an experience driver. Read Reviews Buy from £156.54 |
2nd: Pirelli P Zero | |
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| The Pirelli P Zero is an excellent all round tyre with very balanced scoring and handling. Read Reviews Buy from £119.62 |
3rd: Nokian Z G2 | |
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| The Nokian Z G2 shines in the wet with the best braking, the second fastest lap time and beautifully balanced handling. Slight understeer in the dry. Read Reviews |
4th: Bridgestone Potenza S001 | |
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| The S001 is a good all round tyre without shining in any particular area. Read Reviews Buy from £121.74 |
5th: Toyo Proxes T1 Sport | |
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| The Toyo T1 Sport is a wet weather specalist, placing second in the wet tests. Unfortunately in the dry the steering provides little feedback and understeer inhibits agility. The tyre seems to overheat on quick laps. Read Reviews |
6th: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT | |
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| The Sport Maxx GT was developed with the Audi TT and offers excellent dry performance and a quick precise steering. When wet, the Dunlop suffers with a relative lack of grip leading to 6th place. Read Reviews |
7th: Sava intensa uhp | |
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| Misc:While the Sava is the cheapest tyre in the test, it cannot keep up with the premium competition. The Sava has very good aquaplaning properties, but a lack of grip in the wet and dry leading to heavy understeer. Worst tyre for braking. Read Reviews |