AutoView: Extreme Sport Tire Test R19 2025

A 2025 tire test by Korean automotive media compared three high-performance track-focused models: Nexen N’Fera SUR4G, Bridgestone Potenza RE71RS, and Yokohama Advan A052. Michelin’s Pilot Sport CUP2, a usual contender, withdrew from the test, citing concerns over competitive performance.

The evaluation focused on critical factors for circuit and spirited driving:

Weight: Yokohama’s A052 was the lightest, aiding acceleration, while Bridgestone showed minimal weight variance, indicating manufacturing consistency.
Dry Performance: Bridgestone’s RE71RS led in dry braking, with Nexen and Yokohama trailing slightly.
Wet Braking: Bridgestone again topped the charts, though all tires struggled compared to dry conditions. Yokohama faced the longest wet stops.
Noise: Nexen emerged as the quietest, a rare feat for track tires, while Bridgestone prioritized performance over noise reduction.

The test highlighted trade-offs: Bridgestone excelled in precision, Yokohama in agility, and Nexen in balanced durability. Michelin’s absence left questions unanswered, but the results underscored that tire choice hinges on priorities—raw speed, comfort, or reliability. No single tire dominated all categories, proving that "best" depends on the driver’s needs.

Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS - Winner Recommended

N/A 42

· Summer · 2020 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Bridgestone Potenza RE71RS dominates as the dry performance king, boasting the shortest dry braking distance (30.8m) and stable, predictable handling. Its stiff sidewalls and optimized tread compound deliver pinpoint cornering stability, making it a top choice for time attacks (1:25.15 lap time). However, its Achilles’ heel is rapid heat degradation — performance drops sharply after the first lap, limiting its suitability for endurance races. While its steering weight is balanced, subtle slip-angle penalties (e.g., speed loss during oversteer) demand precision. Ideal for drivers valuing consistency and control over outright aggression.
Ride Quality Dry Braking Predictability Dry Handling Cornering Stability Wet Handling Heat Resistance Steering Feedback

USA+ · Canada · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Oceania

Test Score:

104.5
Yokohama Advan A052 Recommended

N/A 31

· Summer · 2016 · Passenger - Extreme Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Yokohama Advan A052 delivers exceptional steering precision and lightning-fast turn-in response, making it a perfect choice for driving enthusiasts. Its rigid construction and ultra-thin tread (lightest weight in the test) maximize lateral grip, enabling near-Bridgestone lap times (1:25.16). However, this comes at a cost: pronounced understeer during corner exits and extreme sensitivity to heat — performance plummets by ~1.4 seconds after the first lap. The A052’s wet braking (30.7m) is its weakest link, trailing even Nexen. While its steering weight is linear and confidence-inspiring, the tire’s harsh ride over curbs and limited tolerance for driver errors make it best suited for experienced drivers seeking short-burst aggression, not endurance.
Lateral Grip Feedback Precision Steering Response Dry Handling Subj. Comfort Understeer Tendency Ride Quality Wet Braking Heat Resistance

USA+ · Canada · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Africa · Oceania

Test Score:

102.5
Nexen N Fera SUR4G

N/A 24

· Summer · 2017 · Passenger - Extreme Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Nexen Nfera SUR4G, a staple in domestic circuit racing, prioritizes affordability and durability for repetitive track use. While it delivers consistent lap times (1:26.41 at Yeongam Circuit) and decent heat resistance, its dry braking (32.7m vs. Bridgestone’s 30.8m) and wet braking (28.9m vs. 27.6m) lag behind rivals. The tire’s soft structure leads to delayed steering feedback, requiring more aggressive inputs to maintain cornering lines. Under high lateral loads, it transitions from neutral to oversteer unpredictably, demanding driver skill to manage rear-end instability. Though lacking in precision, its forgiving nature and lower price make it ideal for casual track enthusiasts or drivers prioritizing practice over peak performance.
Dry Handling Heat Resistance Price Consistency Lateral Stability Dry Braking Steering Response Wet Braking

USA+ · Canada · East Asia · Middle East

Test Score:

95