The new test performed by the German motoring publication involved sports summer tires with a 19-inch rim diameter.
List of models tested:
- Continental SportContact 6
- Falken Azenis FK510
- Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
- Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 K117
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
- Nankang Sportnex NS-20
- Toyo Proxes Sport
- Vredestein Ultrac Vorti
- Yokohama ADVAN Sport V105
Yet another summer tire test by Germany’s Auto Bild Sportscars magazine was conducted on the testing track in Uvalde, Texas, USA, used for tire testing by motoring publications from all over the world. This time around, the test involved sports tires in two sizes — 245/35 R19 and 265/35 R19 — designed to be installed respectively on the front and rear axes of sports cars, such as Mercedes C63 AMG, which was used as a test car.
The lineup of tires was rather standard, and one could easily see from the list of competitors that the victory would be disputed by three leaders in this segment — Continental SportContact 6, Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S. At the same time, there is always a possibility that there will be a «dark horse» that will challenge the competition leaders, and this time around one could expect this, for example, from Hankook Ventus S1 evo2, Falcon Azenis FK510, or Vredestein Ultrac Vorti. There was also one cheap model involved in the test — Nankang NS-20 — because it will never hurt to remind the audience about the consequence of saving up on tires; there was also a set of semi-slick tires Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 that performed out of competition.
Ultimately, no miracles happened, and the first three places were scored by Continental, Michelin and Goodyear. The first two tires were praised, among other things, for crisp steering response and excellent handling feedback, and the experts said that they were quite safe to make the «elk maneuver» at high speeds. On dry pavement, the only tires that came close to the leaders were the semi-slicks, engineered specifically for these conditions.
On the wet track, the semi-slick Michelin tires predictably ran into problems, while the last place was just as predictably scored by the Nankang tire, the cheapest one on test. This Asian-made tire demonstrated very poor traction and long stopping distances, scoring a «Not recommended» overall verdict.
Summing up the results, AB noted that the best choice for sports cars would be Continental and Michelin, which, at the same time, will probably be the most expensive option. Also, high scores were received by Goodyear, Hankook, and Vredestein, and, if you need a maximum speed at the racing track, you may well go for special semi-slick tires. We can also add that the three Japanese brands — Falken, Yokohama, and Toyo — scored quite modest places, not being able to keep up with their European rivals this time.
| Place | Model | Wet Performance | Dry Performance | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Continental SportContact 6 | 2+ | 1- | Exemplary/Winner of the test |
| 2 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | 2+ | 1- | Exemplary/Winner of the test |
| 3 | Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport | 2+ | 2 | Good |
| 4 | Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 K117 | 2 | 2 | Good |
| 5 | Vredestein Ultrac Vorti | 2 | 2 | Good |
| 6 | Falken Azenis FK510 | 1- | 2- | Satisfactory |
| 7 | Yokohama ADVAN Sport V105 | 2- | 2 | Satisfactory |
| 8 | Toyo Proxes Sport | 2- | 2- | Satisfactory |
| 9 | Nankang Sportnex NS-20 | 4+ | 3- | Not recommended |
| - | Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 | 3- | 1- | Conditionally Recommended |
1st place — Continental SportContact 6
Quick Take
Continental SportContact 6
- This tire has been replaced by Continental / SportContact 7
- This tire replaced Continental / ContiSportContact 5
- Available Sizes in Line: 173
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Audi A4 B9 [2015 .. 2020]
- • Audi A4 B8 Facelift [2011 .. 2016]
- • Audi R8 42 [2007 .. 2016]
- • Audi R8 4S [2015 .. 2018]
- • Honda Civic IX (FB/FG) [2011 .. 2016]
- • Honda Civic X (FC) [2016 .. 2019]
- • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Br212 Facelift [2013 .. 2016]
- • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Br213 [2017 .. 2020]
- • Honda Civic Type R
- • Audi SQ8 4MN [2019 .. 2023]
- • Audi TT 8S Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
- • Audi Q8 4MN [2018 .. 2023]
- • Mazda CX-5 KF [2016 .. 2023]
- • BMW 3 Series VII (G20/G21) [2018 .. 2023]
- • Mercedes-Benz A-Class AMG W177 [2018 .. 2023]
- • Audi RS Q3 F3 [2019 .. 2023]
- • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br205 [2015 .. 2021]
- • Audi RS5 F5 [2017 .. 2019]
- • Volvo S60 III [2019 .. 2023]
- • Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace AD/BW [2017 .. 2021]
- • Opel Insignia B Facelift [2020 .. 2023]
- • BMW M2 F87 Facelift [2017 .. 2021]
- • Skoda Octavia Mk3 A7 (5E) Facelift [2017 .. 2020]
- • Porsche Boxster III (981) [2012 .. 2017]
- • Audi RS3 8V [2015 .. 2016]
- • BMW M4 G82/G83 [2021 .. 2023]
- • Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Br190 [2014 .. 2023]
- Year Released: 2015
- Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Oceania
- Precise steering response
- Good handling response and a short stopping distance on dry pavement
- Excellent lateral stability in the wet
- Excellent hydroplaning resistance
- Average riding comfort
- High price
2nd place — Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Quick Take
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- This tire has been replaced by Michelin / Pilot Sport S 5
- This tire replaced Michelin / Pilot Super Sport
- Available Sizes in Line: 229
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Ferrari GTC4Lusso [2016 .. 2020]
- • Porsche 911
- • Porsche Boxster
- • BMW X3 M F97 [2019 .. 2021]
- • BMW X4 M F98 [2019 .. 2021]
- • Cadillac CT4-V GM Alpha [2020 .. 2023]
- • Cadillac CT5-V GM Alpha [2020 .. 2023]
- • Honda Civic Type R FK8 [2017 .. 2023]
- Year Released: 2017
- Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
.png)
- Great handling in the wet and in the dry
- Precise steering response, efficient braking, and excellent handling feedback
- Good hydroplaning resistance.
- Low noise emission
- The highest price among the tested tires
3rd place — Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
Quick Take
Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
- Available Sizes in Line: 116
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Cupra Formentor [2020 .. 2023]
- • Porsche 911 IX (992) [2019 .. 2023]
- • Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8 (CD1) [2020 .. 2023]
- • Lotus
- • Maserati GranTurismo [2007 .. 2016]
- Year Released: 2018
- Regions for sale: USA+, Canada, Europe, Russia+, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Oceania
- Excellent lateral stability and handling response on wet pavement
- Precise steering response, and excellent braking performance
- Smooth ride
- High noise emission
Increased rolling resistance
4th place — Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 K117
Quick Take
Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 K117
- Many sizes of this line have been discontinued.
- This tire has been replaced by Hankook / Ventus S1 evo3 K127
- This tire replaced 🏁 Hankook / Ventus S1 evo K107
- This tire has run-flat model:
- Available Sizes in Line: 128
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Mercedes-Benz A-Class Br177 [2018 .. 2023]
- • Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247 [2018 .. 2023]
- • Audi A4 B9 [2015 .. 2020]
- • Audi TT 8S [2014 .. 2019]
- • Audi TT 8S Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
- • Audi A3 8V Facelift [2016 .. 2020]
- • Genesis G90 I (HI) [2016 .. 2019]
- • Genesis G90 I (HI) Facelift [2018 .. 2022]
- • Kia K900 II (RJ) [2019 .. 2022]
- • Audi Q2 GA [2016 .. 2020]
- • Audi TT RS FV [2016 .. 2018]
- • Audi TT RS FV Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
- • Audi RS4 B9 [2017 .. 2019]
- • Audi RS4 B9 Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
- • Audi RS5 F5 [2017 .. 2019]
- • BMW 5 Series VII (G30/G31) [2016 .. 2020]
- • BMW 5 Series VII (G30/G31) Facelift [2020 .. 2023]
- • BMW 7 Series VI (G11/G12) [2015 .. 2019]
- • BMW 7 Series VI (G11/G12) Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
- • BMW X2 F39 [2017 .. 2020]
- • BMW X2 F39 Facelift [2020 .. 2023]
- • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br204 [2008 .. 2015]
- • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br205 [2015 .. 2021]
- • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Br212 Facelift [2013 .. 2016]
- • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Br213 [2017 .. 2020]
- • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Br213 Facelift [2020 .. 2023]
- • MINI Cooper F55/F56 [2014 .. 2021]
- Year Released: 2011
- Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Oceania
- Well-balanced performance
- Great handling in the wet and in the dry
- Low noise emission
- Low rolling resistance
- Compelling price/quality ratio.
- Slightly delayed steering response
5th place — Vredestein Ultrac Vorti
Quick Take
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti
- This tire has been replaced by Vredestein / Ultrac Pro , Vredestein / Ultrac Vorti+
- This tire replaced 🏁 Vredestein / Ultrac Sessanta
- Available Sizes in Line: 203
- Year Released: 2012
- Regions for sale: USA+, Canada, Europe, Russia+, Southeast Asia
- Excellent lateral stability, precise steering response, and generally adequate handling response on wet pavement
- Good handling response and a short stopping distance on dry pavement
- Excellent hydroplaning resistance
- Compelling price/quality ratio
- Increased rolling resistance
6th place Falken Azenis FK510
Quick Take
Falken Azenis FK510
- This tire has been replaced by Falken / Azenis FK520
- This tire has run-flat model:
- Available Sizes in Line: 205
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Audi A1 GB [2018 .. 2023]
- • Toyota Mirai II [2020 .. 2023]
- Year Released: 2016
- Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, Japan, South Korea, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
- Precise steering response, and generally adequate handling response on wet pavement
- Excellent braking efficiency
- Great riding comfort
- Low price
- Prone to understeer on dry pavement
- Increased rolling resistance
7th place Yokohama ADVAN Sport V105
Quick Take
Yokohama ADVAN Sport V105
- Many sizes of this line have been discontinued.
- This tire has been replaced by Yokohama / ADVAN Sport V107
- This tire has run-flat model:
- Available Sizes in Line: 155
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG Br213/238 [2017 .. 2020]
- • BMW X3 III (G01) [2017 .. 2021]
- • Lotus Elise II Facelift [2010 .. 2023]
- • BMW X4 G02 [2018 .. 2021]
- • Subaru WRX STI VA Facelift [2018 .. 2023]
- • Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
- • Porsche Cayenne III (9Y) [2017 .. 2023]
- • Audi TT S
- • Audi TT RS
- • BMW M5 VI (F90) [2017 .. 2020]
- • Fiat 124 Spider 348 [2015 .. 2020]
- • Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176 [2013 .. 2017]
- • Mercedes-Benz B-Class W246 [2012 .. 2018]
- • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br205 [2015 .. 2021]
- • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br204 [2008 .. 2015]
- • Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Br117 [2013 .. 2019]
- • Mercedes-Benz S-Class R231 [2012 .. 2020]
- • Mercedes-Benz SL-Class R231 [2012 .. 2020]
- • Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class R172 [2016 .. 2020]
- • Porsche Boxster
- • Mazda MX-5 Miata ND [2016 .. 2023]
- • Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class R172 [2011 .. 2016]
- • Porsche 911 VIII (991) Facelift [2016 .. 2019]
- • Porsche Cayman
- • Porsche Panamera I (970) Facelift [2013 .. 2016]
- • Subaru Impreza GU [2023 .. 2025]
- Year Released: 2012
- Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
- Great handling in the wet and in the dry
- Short braking distance on dry pavement
- Long braking distance on wet pavement
- Increased rolling resistance
- Average ride
- High price
8th place Toyo Proxes Sport
Quick Take
Toyo Proxes Sport
- This tire has been replaced by Toyo / Proxes Sport 2 , Toyo / Proxes Sport A
- This tire replaced Toyo / Proxes T1 Sport
- Available Sizes in Line: 183
- Year Released: 2016
- Regions for sale: USA+, Canada, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Oceania
- Good hydroplaning resistance.
- Short braking distance on dry pavement
- Acceptable price
- Average traction and prone to understeer in the wet and in the dry
- Delayed steering response
- Average riding comfort
9th place Nankang Sportnex NS-20
Quick Take
Nankang NS-20
- This tire replaced 🏁 Nankang / NS-ll
- Available Sizes in Line: 225
- Year Released: 2009
- Regions for sale: USA+, Canada, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Middle East, Oceania
- Good hydroplaning resistance.
- Low price
- Dangerously long braking distance on wet and dry pavements
- Poor handling and delayed steering response
- High rolling resistance
- Not recommended
10th place Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
Quick Take
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
- This tire has been replaced by Michelin / Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
- Available Sizes in Line: 44
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Ferrari 488 Pista [2018 .. 2020]
- • Porsche 911 VIII (991) [2011 .. 2015]
- • Porsche 918 I [2013 .. 2016]
- • Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class AMG
- • Ferrari 458 Speciale [2013 .. 2016]
- • BMW M2 F87 Facelift [2017 .. 2021]
- • Audi R8
- • BMW M3
- • BMW M4
- • Ferrari California [2008 .. 2014]
- • Ford Focus
- • Ford GT
- • Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Br190 [2014 .. 2023]
- • Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG
- • Porsche Cayman
- • Renault Megane
- • Volkswagen Golf
- • Porsche 911 IX (992) [2019 .. 2023]
- Year Released: 2013
- Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
- Great handling response, precise steering response on dry pavement
- Poor results on wet pavement
- Poor hydroplaning resistance
- Conditionally Recommended
