We are near completion with becoming a the distributor for new "hybrid" tire for the race/street crowd.

Here is where we are: We sell lots of RA1's to members here and are happy to continue. With prices going up on all tires we've found some who don't want/need a true R compound tire. In fact I get many calls looking for tires that will do at least as good a job as stock but cost less that can be driven to the track and back. RA1's can do this to a point and depending on where you live makes this a sketchy proposition at best.

That said, we have found a tire that is not as fast as the RA1 in track conditions but can be shaved to perform well enough for most drive to the track guys, but at significantly lower price. These tire will also do double duty in AutoX and we just did a test with them agains the Falken 615 and found that they are real close. (+1/10) In fact if we shave the down to say 3/32 they should be spot on in times.

Ok here is what I'd like to get answerd.


Which is most important to those of you who track or compete

1. Ultimate grip?
2. Price?
3. Compromise between price and grip?
4. Something that I can drive to the track but still works well?


We are looking at these tires to be in the $115-$130 range for the sizes that fit the stock 17" sizes depending on size.

I'm can't reveal the tire just yet. I just want to keep it general and not skew any data.

Thanks for the answers

 

Grip is important, but hard to judge because the grip needed by somebody in a stock car vs a 400whp heavily modded evo are going to be drastically different. I think what the bulk of us are looking for is a R compound or close that will last 4-5 trackdays, provide as close to RA-1 type grip on the track, and doesnt need to be streetable. To me everybody that can afford/has a set of track/street tires doesnt mind the hassle of swapping at the track, so I wouldnt assume that would be a priority for the majority. If you need somebody to give a review, I'll offer

Scorke

 

*Grip & Price* I use a dedicated set of track tires and that's why I choose the RA1's, price and grip. But if another solution rears its head, I could be game. If I wanted ultimate grip I'd be buying up some Hoosiers, but I can't afford that every weekend.

 

+1 for price + grip

 

you forgot handling response, which is tough to match compared to the stock yokohamas.

 

If you have a tire that approaches the grip of the RA-1's, yet can serve as a dry weather street tire, too, and for a reasonable price, count me in. Sounds like a magical tire.

 

depends if price is a factor for you

 

Grip, durability, consistency, & price....

When are these mystery tires available?????

 

What advantage would they have over Falken 615's? The Falkens are already in that 115-130 price range and you mentioned that this "hybrid" tire would perform "real close" to them. Does the tire perform slightly better or slightly worse than the Falken? How about something with the same grip/compound as an RA1 or NT01 but with the price of 115-130 for a 255/40/17? We need a true budget r-comp in the grip range of the RA1, NT01, Victoracer, Pilot Sport Cups That is what would be the biggest seller. A budget r-comp that has good grip and good wear. If someone needs a "street" tire that performs good there is always the Falken.

 

Nothing funnier than Al taking 5k off a customers clutch an filming it and laughing at the same time....total class......

 

^ Agreed. I was approached by a mod telling me to take it off becuase it appeared as if I was intentionally trying to make Al look bad, I responded saying, how am I guilty of anything, he posted this up on evom, and even took video while performing the burnout, and then let the whole of evom see!!!! Oh well...

Scorke

 

Not true. HP has nothing to do with cornering grip. More HP is not going to make you need more grip. Tires, weight, suspension, aerodynamic downforce - those will affect cornering potential.


As for the OP's question - what is the benefit of this "hybrid" tire if it only grips as well as an RT-615?? Why would someone buy it over the Falken. Those are questions you need to ask yourself and the manufacturer before you start selling them.

As already mentioned, what would sell like hotcakes is an inexpensive R-compound tire. Something that grips as well as the RA1, Advan AO48, Hoosier A6, Kumho V710 . . . for under $160 each.

You can tell from my street setup that I like as much grip as possible - 285/30/18 Advan Neova on 18x9.5 rims.

EVOlutionary

 

How, I'd like to help, but with oil being forever high, the requests for an inexpensive R compoud are just fantasy. The only reason the falken and Mystery Tire are so cheap is because they are not R compound tires. By next year all the R's will be up around $200 for the EVO. Fact, gonna have to live with it.

I just wanted to get some opions, and thanks to those who participated. It looks like I won't be the supplier of the Federal RS595 that will go to someone else. The boss said it was too much street and not enough race.

Oh well, keep your eyes peeled in the next month as we are working a closeout deal with a major race company and prices could be pretty GOOD!

Thanks again,

 

Uh dude, how does more power not require more grip? You must be really confused
Your tires can only supply X amount of G's the G's can be distrubed any way you like, (braking,accellerating,cornering), when you add power you add accellerational G forces and you decrease the amount of cornering forces the grip between your tire and the track sucrface can provide.

When you add power, if you were driving the car to its limits prior you will not be able to go any faster if you were already at the limit, there fore I need to add grip to corner the way I used too when I had 80whp less.

Id more power doesnt necessitate more grip what does???? Everything you mentioned add's cornering grip, so what adds this?

Scorke

Scorke