Autobild Sportscars: Summer TIre Test R20 2024

Autobild Sportscars: Summer TIre Test R20

In Auto Bild Sportscars' latest summer tire test, the focus is on high-performance tires suitable for sports cars and amateur racing enthusiasts. The test utilized mixed tire sizes—265/35 R19 and 295/30 R20—on an AMG GT to determine which brand offers the sportiest performance. Seven contenders, including industry giants like Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin, and Goodyear, along with rising star Hankook and traditionalist Vredestein with its new supersport tread, were evaluated. This rigorous comparison aimed to crown the "Best Sports Tire Manufacturer of the Year" while also addressing whether these premium tires justify their price, especially when compared to more affordable options like the Winrun R330.

  1. Continental SportContact 7 - Winner Recommended
    Continental SportContact 7
    94 57
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Continental SportContact 7 demonstrated exceptional performance in the Autobild Sportscars summer tire test, excelling in wet conditions with top rankings in wet braking, handling, and wet circle tests. It also showed strong results in dry handling and braking, reinforcing its reputation as a superior choice for super sports cars. Its precise steering and dynamic handling across various conditions highlight its balanced design, although a slight increase in noise was noted.

    Dry Braking   Wet Braking   Dynamic Handling   Steering Response   Wet Circle   Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Noise   Rolling Resistance  
    USA+ USA+ · Mexico Mexico · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East
    Test Score:
    1.2
  2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Recommended
    Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
    86 74
    · Summer · 2017 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S stands out as a well-rounded sports tire, achieving excellent results in dry handling and showcasing commendable performance in dry braking during the Autobild Sportscars summer tire test. While it leads in rolling resistance, indicating efficiency, its performance in wet conditions, particularly in hydroplaning safety, is relatively average. The tire provides a quiet ride, precise steering, and good feedback, contributing to its balanced characteristics.

    Dry Braking   Rolling Resistance   Steering Response   Dry Handling   Noise   Wet Handling   Wet Circle   Wet Braking   Straight Hydroplaning  
    North America North America · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · South Korea South Korea · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Africa Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    1.3
  3. Vredestein Ultrac Pro Recommended
    Vredestein Ultrac Pro
    N/A 28
    · Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Ultrac Pro emerges as a dynamic and balanced sports tire in the Autobild Sportscars summer tire test, with standout performances in straight hydroplaning and noise levels, where it led the pack. It demonstrated very good capabilities in wet handling and hydroplaning safety, though it faced challenges in dry braking and handling. The tire is noted for its short braking distances, rolling comfort, and quiet ride, positioning it as a strong contender in the sports tire category.

    Wet Handling   Noise   Rolling Resistance   Straight Hydroplaning   Dry Handling   Steering Response   Dry Braking  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    1.5
  4. Bridgestone Potenza Sport
    Bridgestone Potenza Sport
    84 66
    · Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Potenza Sport showcased its prowess in the Autobild Sportscars summer tire test, leading in dry braking and delivering strong performances in wet handling and the wet circle test. Despite a lesser showing in straight hydroplaning and a higher noise level, the tire's dynamic handling, grip on wet surfaces, and short braking distances underscore its balanced and performance-oriented design. However, notable wear and tear after extended dry track use slightly mar its otherwise impressive profile.

    Steering Response   Wet Circle   Wet Handling   Dry Braking   Noise   Rolling Resistance   Straight Hydroplaning  
    North America North America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · China China · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    2.5
  5. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
    Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
    N/A 30
    · Summer · 2020 · Passenger - Extreme Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 demonstrated a commendable blend of agility and performance in the Autobild Sportscars summer tire test, with its strengths lying in wet braking and straight hydroplaning where it ranked highly. Its performance in dry conditions was less stellar, particularly in handling, and it showed room for improvement in wet circle tests. The tire is recognized for its agile steering and effective braking in wet conditions, though it faces challenges with lateral stability on the rear axle, affecting its overall handling.

    Steering Response   Wet Braking   Straight Hydroplaning   Dry Braking   Lateral Stability   Wet Circle   Dry Handling   Wet Handling  
    Canada Canada · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Korea South Korea · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East
    Test Score:
    2.6
  6. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    84 68
    · Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport showed its prowess on dry roads with strong dry handling and commendable dry braking in the Autobild Sportscars summer tire test. It offers crisp, direct steering and is noted for good comfort. However, its performance on wet surfaces leaves room for improvement, as evidenced by its lower rankings in wet braking and handling, as well as a notable understeering tendency. Additionally, the tire's high rolling resistance detracts from its overall efficiency.

    Dry Handling   Steering Response   Comfort   Rolling Resistance   Straight Hydroplaning   Wet Braking   Wet Circle   Wet Handling   Noise  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · China China · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · South Africa South Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    3.3
  7. Winrun R330
    Winrun R330
    68 28
    · Summer · 2015 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Winrun R330 faced significant challenges in the Autobild Sportscars summer tire test, particularly in wet conditions, where it showed markedly long braking distances and reduced handling capabilities. Although it fared better in noise and rolling resistance, indicating a quieter ride and efficiency, the tire's overall performance was hampered by poor wet grip and hazardous driving dynamics. Its steering response and balance were found wanting, leading to precarious oversteering in both wet and dry conditions.

    Noise   Rolling Resistance   Dry Braking   Straight Hydroplaning   Wet Braking   Balance   Steering Response   Wet Circle   Dry Handling   Wet Handling  
    North America North America · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East
    Test Score:
    5.8
Year
2024
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
1
Tire Size
295/30R20
Season
Summer
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Mar 21, 2024
Date updated
Apr 13, 2024
Infographic

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