Auto Bild Sportscars 2023: Summer Tire Test R18 2023

The new test of UHP tires conducted by experts from the popular German magazine Auto Bild Sportscars involved a large number of new models, which for the first time faced each other on a test and race track. In addition, for the first time in this test, the incredible hot hatch Toyota GR Yaris with a 261-horsepower engine, all-wheel drive, and a differential lock was used as the test car, which inherited genes from the WRC rally car. After just a few turns on the race track at the Wachauring circuit of the Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club ÖAMTC in Melk (Lower Austria), the «sporty» strengths and weaknesses of the tested tires became obvious.

Continental SportContact 7 - Winner Recommended

94 63

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
Positive: The new SportContact 7 performed well in the first test: dynamic cornering, stability and precise steering with very good feedback, short braking distances on wet and dry road.
Negative: Poor lateral hydroplaning performance.
Lateral Stability Comfort Dry Handling Rolling Resistance Wet Braking Noise Dry Braking Lateral Hydroplaning

USA+ · Mexico · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle East

Test Score:

1.2
Bridgestone Potenza Sport Recommended

84 66

· Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Positive: New high performance tire with excellent wet and dry handling, good balance, precise steering with good feedback, short braking distances in wet and dry, hydroplaning resistance.
Negative: Increased rolling resistance, average comfort.
Straight Hydroplaning Lateral Stability Dry Handling Wet Braking Dry Braking Wet Handling Rolling Resistance

North America · Europe · Russia+ · China · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Oceania

Test Score:

1.3
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 Recommended

94 60

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
Positive: Premium tires with safe wet and dry handling, sporty and steering response with good feedback, good balance, hydroplaning resistance, short wet and dry braking distances, low noise and rolling resistance.
Straight Hydroplaning Lateral Stability Rolling Resistance Wet Braking Dry Braking Noise Wet Handling

USA+ · Europe · Russia+ · Middle East · South Africa

Test Score:

1.4
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Recommended

92 56

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Extreme Performance Summer

Verdict:
Positive: Sports tires with high dynamic performance on both wet and dry roads, good handling with excellent balance, precise steering, hydroplaning resistance, short wet braking distances, high comfort and low noise level.
Negative: High price.
Lateral Stability Dry Handling Lateral Hydroplaning Straight Hydroplaning Rolling Resistance Wet Braking

Canada · Mexico · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · Japan · China · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Oceania

Test Score:

1.4
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Recommended

81 63

· Summer · 2016 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
Positive: tires with good handling, high resistance to hydroplaning, instant steering response, high level of grip and short braking distances on wet and dry roads.
Negative: increased rolling resistance, average ride comfort.
Straight Hydroplaning Lateral Stability Dry Handling Wet Braking Dry Braking Noise Rolling Resistance

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

Test Score:

1.4
Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K127

81 54

· Summer · 2019 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Positive: Balanced model with high dynamic performance on wet and dry pavement, short braking distances on wet roads, fast steering response, good value for money.
Negative: Poor lateral hydroplaning performance.
Price/Quality Wet Braking Rolling Resistance Lateral Hydroplaning

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

Test Score:

2.3
Falken Azenis FK520

76 44

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Positive: Tires with stable cornering behavior and sporty, well-balanced handling especially on dry roads, hydroplaning resistance, low noise level, high driving comfort, good value for money.
Negative: Slow steering response and braking on wet roads.
Noise Lateral Hydroplaning Straight Hydroplaning

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

2.4
Toyo Proxes Sport 2

68 30

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Positive: Tire with balanced and handling on wet and dry roads, good grip and short braking distances on dry roads, good driving comfort, low rolling resistance, good value for money.
Negative: Braking on wet roads, average hydroplaning.
Dry Braking Noise Lateral Stability

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

2.4
Firestone Firehawk Sport

N/A 30

· Summer · 2023 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Positive: New model with good dry handling, short braking distances on wet and dry roads, exceptionally low rolling resistance and low price.
Negative: Average hydroplaning resistance, slow steering response.
Rolling Resistance Noise Wet Handling

Europe

Test Score:

3
Giti GitiSport S2

66 36

· Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Positive: Hydroplaning resistance, stable handling on dry roads, low noise level.
Negative: Limited wet grip, slow steering response, understeer and extended wet braking distances, high price compared to competitors.
Noise Lateral Hydroplaning Straight Hydroplaning Wet Handling Wet Braking Lateral Stability

Europe · China · Southeast Asia · Oceania

Test Score:

3.3
Maxxis Victra Sport 5 VS5

74 47

· Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Positive: Good hydroplaning resistance, short braking distance on wet roads, low noise level, low price.
Negative: Poor traction and handling on wet and dry roads, slow steering response, poor ride comfort.
Lateral Stability Dry Handling Comfort Wet Handling

Canada · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · Japan · China · South Africa · Oceania

Test Score:

3.3
Linglong Sport Master SA220

67 33

· Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Positive: Good hydroplaning resistance, short braking distance on wet roads, low noise level, low price.
Negative: Poor traction and handling on wet and dry roads, slow steering response, poor ride comfort.
Rolling Resistance Noise Dry Braking Lateral Stability Dry Handling Lateral Hydroplaning Straight Hydroplaning Wet Handling Wet Braking

Europe

Test Score:

3.9