Auto Bild Sportscars: Summer Tire Test R18 2022

For the summer season 2022, the motoring magazine Auto Bild Sportscars tested tires in size 225/45 R18, but then the experts decided to go one step further and tested tires in a staggered setup of 225/45 R18 front and 255/4 R18 rear sizes.
The test involved four tire sets — Falken Azenis FK510, Michelin Pilot Sport 4, Nexen N’Fera Sport, and Vredestein Ultrac Vorti+. The best tire was pronounced to be the Michelin model, which, as the AB experts noted, ensured excellent handling performance and short braking distances on dry pavement, its only downside being the expensive price.

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 - Winner

77 65

· Summer · 2015 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
Great handling on dry pavement. Precise steering response. High level of safety and good handling response on wet pavement. Short braking distance on wet and dry pavement. Low rolling resistance. High price. Exemplary.
Wet Handling Dry Braking Dry Handling Steering Response Rolling Resistance Safety Wet Braking Price

North America · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Oceania
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti+

77 36

· Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
Good handling response in the dry. Very high aquaplaning resistance. Precise steering response. Short braking distance on wet and dry pavement. High rolling resistance. Good.
Aquaplaning Dry Braking Dry Handling Steering Response Wet Braking Rolling Resistance

Europe
Falken Azenis FK510

80 63

· Summer · 2016 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Very high hydroplaning resistance. Short braking distance on wet and dry pavement. Good riding comfort. Extremely prone to oversteer on wet pavement. Reduced lateral stability on the rear axle on dry pavement. Satisfactory.
Comfort Aquaplaning Dry Braking Wet Braking Wet Handling Lateral Stability

North America · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · Japan · South Korea · Middle East · Africa · Oceania
Nexen N Fera Sport

75 41

· Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Good hydroplaning resistance. Short braking distance on wet and dry pavement. Attractive price. Great handling response on wet and dry pavement. Poor lateral stability; prone to oversteer. Delayed steering response. Increased rolling resistance. Satisfactory.
Price Aquaplaning Dry Braking Wet Braking Wet Handling Lateral Stability Steering Response Rolling Resistance Dry Handling

Europe · Russia+