Autobild Sportcars: Summer Tire Test R20 2025

Autobild Sportcars: Summer Tire Test R20

German engineering rigor met cutting-edge tire technology in Auto Bild Sportscars’ latest evaluation, targeting asymmetric fitments (front: 245/35 R20; rear: 295/30 R20) engineered for elite sports cars like BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. The undisputed star was the Lotus Emira—selected for its razor-sharp dynamics that amplify even minor traction imbalances—where tire synchronization dictates whether "soulful driving" becomes reality or marketing hyperbole.

The 2025 test pitted established premium manufacturers against ambitious challengers, including a notably cost-disruptive Chinese entrant priced 40-50% below rivals. Under punishing conditions—from Autobahn-speed wet braking to lateral load transfer during extreme cornering—the tires’ ability to maintain axle harmony proved critical. Early data hinted at surprises: one contender’s wet-braking neared slick-tier performance, while a legacy brand struggled with heat management on track.

  1. Continental SportContact 7 - Winner Recommended
    Continental SportContact 7
    95 62
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The undisputed leader for high-performance sports cars, setting new safety benchmarks with exceptionally balanced dry dynamics. While its wet handling reveals mild oversteer tendencies, it remains the reference tire for demanding drivers seeking precision and control.

    Cornering Stability   Subj. Dry Handling   Steering Response   Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Driving Safety   Wet Handling   Subj. Wet Handling  
    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
    87 72
    · Summer · 2017 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    Ranked 2nd, this premium tire delivers exceptional dry agility and precise steering with class-leading braking, but compromised straight aquaplaning resistance prevents it from claiming the top spot.

    Cornering Stability   Subj. Dry Handling   Steering Response   Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Straight Aquaplaning   Price  
    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:
    1.4
  3. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    83 64
    · Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    Ranked 3rd, this tire excels with brilliant dry grip and short braking distances, offering superb high-speed stability and cornering prowess, but suffers from 3% higher rolling resistance than rivals.

    Straight Aquaplaning   Cornering Stability   Steering Response   Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Lateral Aquaplaning   Rolling Resistance  
    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:
    1.9
  4. Nexen N Fera Sport
    Nexen N Fera Sport
    74 39
    · Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    Ranked 4th, this budget-friendly tire delivers exceptional wet handling and best-in-class straight aquaplaning resistance, though its wet braking stability trails premium rivals.

    Lateral Aquaplaning   Straight Aquaplaning   Wet Handling   Steering Response   Driving Safety   Wet Braking  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2
  5. Falken Azenis RS820
    Falken Azenis RS820
    N/A 29
    · Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    Ranked 5th, this tire excels in balanced dry dynamics and confident cornering with strong braking, but suffers from early aquaplaning and high noise levels, limiting its all-round appeal.

    Driving Safety   Dry Braking   Cornering Stability   Dry Handling   Outside Noise   Lateral Aquaplaning   Straight Aquaplaning   Noise  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    2.7
  6. Vredestein Ultrac Pro
    Vredestein Ultrac Pro
    N/A 29
    · Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    Ranked 6th, this tire delivers class-leading rolling resistance and quiet comfort with strong dry braking, but its pronounced wet oversteer compromises safety and track performance in rainy conditions.

    Rolling Resistance   Noise   Subj. Comfort   Comfort   Dry Braking   Wet Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Lateral Stability  
    USA+ USA+ · Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    2.8
  7. Gripmax SureGrip Pro Sport
    Gripmax SureGrip Pro Sport
    N/A 23
    · Summer · 2021 · Passenger - High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    Ranked 7th, this budget tire delivers surprisingly low noise and good aquaplaning resistance but suffers from dangerously long wet braking distances, pronounced oversteer, and poor wet grip, undermining core safety.

    Lateral Aquaplaning   Rolling Resistance   Straight Aquaplaning   Noise   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Lateral Stability   Wet Handling   Wet Traction   Wet Braking  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    3.5
Year
2025
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Tire Size
295/30R20
Season
Summer
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
May 09, 2025
Date updated
May 29, 2025
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