Dembo

I don't believe any thought has gone into it. They've just recommended the RE050s on the basis that the numbers on the tyres are the same, and that the RE050 is their new performance tyre.

Don't come in the right size. Very few tyres do.

Nick Graves

The other alternative is to switch to the facelift wheels & tyres. Wider by 1/2" at both ends and a size up.

Without the AP2 suspension changes though, it's only really complicating matters.

stowc

No worries Nick. They were put there to be used/commented on.

Regarding Dracoro's comment, perhaps the front/rear balance is maintained by the fact that the fronts also have ferking great rain channels.

Dembo

Look at your pictures of the fronts: the RE050's tread appear wider, or at least the same. The rear RE050s are definitely narrower than the S02s.

stowc

That was my point. Same width but large channels cut out. As a percentage of the tread there is probably about as much missing as the rear.

Dembo

Which would give you less rubber on the road at the rear. To keep it the same, you'd need to have a greater proportion of rain channels at the front.

Si2k

Tyre contact area will be the same, the shape of it is what changes.

With the wider tyres you get a wider/shorter area.

trinis2001

Nick,

I can safely say the 17" / wider OEM wheels of the newer cars work extremely well with the older cars. By well I mean less twitchy and generally more inspired confidence. I don't think the suspension changes are a prereq for one to enjoy the benefits of the larger OEM wheels.

Nick Graves

Thanks for that Trinis! If anything, the exaggerated earlier RWS with the shorter sidewall should make the car more entertaining.

I am beginning to think that the RE050 option may be preferable to the RE050As.