As the second owner of my NFR AP1, I have had a few issues to deal with on my new car. The first thing I checked was the tires, which looked pretty new—lots of tread left. I assumed they were OEM Bridgestones. Apparently, I can't read. In my defense, though, the branding/design of the sidewall needs some help (I'm an expert on these matters, as it happens). LOL. Bottom line: They were Dunlop Direzzas—and no, not the Star Specs. So, I took my first high-performance driver education course about 11 days ago, and the tires just didn't seem on par with other top-tier street tires I've driven on (Michelin Pilots, Goodyear Eagles, Yokohama S.Drives—all on non-sports cars). After a 30-MPH 360º on a wet track, I came to believe the tires might be an issue. I didn't articulate this fear to anyone, but my instructor and another instructor (who was unaware of my spin) both independently advised me to get new tires.

After exhaustive research on Tire Rack and a few other car rags' websites, I settled on the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11s. They'll be installed later this week, and I plan provide my impressions of these every so often. If I forget to update and you're curious how they're doing, PM me, and I'll reply. I have a feeling that though there's definitely MUCH room for improvement in the "loose nut behind the wheel" area, my current tires don't come close to matching the capabilities of its power and handling.

 

Yes, please give an update as I'm considering the same tires. Michelin PSS sound good as well. Duuno which to get.

 

why doesn't anyone buy the AD08s over the RE-11s?

 

I also like the RE-11 especially in the wet. I also think they give a lot of feedback so they are easier to drive faster. The Yokohama is a very good choice and they are very sticky as well.
If I can help let me know.

 

Because ranking first in test result is better than ranking second.

http://www.tirerack....AN+Neova+AD08_1

 

Update: Had the tires installed on Friday. Of course, they're not even broken in yet, but now a lane change from stopped to ~10–15 mph doesn't cause the rear to fishtail like on the [censored] Direzzas (and yes, there was lots of tread left on them). The back used to slip out on me with the slightest steering input + throttle, and with these RE-11s, I have to try really, really hard to get it to slip. So far, I am very very happy.

 

On a road course (not autox):
My understanding is that the AD08 is *slightly* faster when going for a single fast lap. However, I keep hearing for different people that they overheat much faster so your window to turn your fast lap is much shorter. The RE-11 will also wear at a slower rate compared to the AD08. For a daily driven street car that will see a lot of wet weather Its hard to beat star specs but if money is of no concern then the RE-11 will offer a slightly quieter, more comfortable ride with slightly better hydroplaning resistance.

The only person Ive talked to thats tried and logged data on AD08, RE-11, Star Specs, and R-S3 said the star specs were faster than the AD08 which really surprised me. R-S3 are hands down the fastest.

 

The tires have been broken in and have not disappointed. Even when I stomp on the gas from a dead stop and steer left or right, the tail of the car barely moves, and when it does it's in an extremely controllable way. I am exceedingly pleased with these tires. Hopefully, they'll get to see some track time next month. I'll report back on how they fared then.

 

Overall, yes and only by .01 points. For handling and grip, not so much Not saying that the RE11 is a bad tire, but for the money AD08 is the best tire in terms of grip and handling, and also has the best steering response due to it's extremely stiff sidewall. RE-11s are best in the wet though.


Check out the first two charts: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=118

Glad you like them