I see from the Tire Rack website that they have created a new performance category, "Extreme Performance" summer tires, and have moved the BFG KD, Kumho MX, and Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD07 into this category from their "Max Performance" summer tire category. Sorry, folks, but this seems like a very bad idea to me - although I can guess why they're doing it.

The reason I think it's a bad idea is that I don't consider these tires to be any different from the tires in the Max Performance category, which includes tires like the Goodyear F1 GS-D3, Bridgestone S-03, and others. Now, if the Tire Rack actually sold tires that really are a whole lot stickier, like the Falken Azenis RT-615, putting them in a separate category would make a lot of sense. But they don't. (Although I'm betting they created that category just so that they could claim that they have tires that compete with the Falken, which they don't sell.)

Heck, all you have to do is look at the test results for autocross times in the December Car and Driver test, and you'll see what I mean. Out of 11 tires tested, the Kumho MX came in ninth in the dry and tenth in the wet, with lap times worse than tires in the Tire Rack's max performance category like the Goodyear F1 GS-D3, Dunlop SP Sport Maxx, Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, and others. There is NO reason for the MX to be in a higher performance category.

If the Tire Rack really wants to offer something to folks looking for something stickier than many other street tires, they ought to do what they need to do to start selling Falkens (and, to a lesser extent, Hankooks). THEN they can go create a higher performance category that really means something.

The Tire Rack does a lot of things right, and they're the first place I go for tire advice and most prices, but right now it seems like the marketers are taking over from the car guys over there.

 

Well said! Agreed!

-BWoody99

 

I do think that will mislead alot of people who havent done research and want the best tires for the ///M3 they lease. But it is just marketing, their tests and comparisons are still there for people who really do want good tires and are willing to read a bit before they buy. If nothing else I think it wil hurt Tirerack because undoubtedly people will be disappointed when their "Extreme Performance" tires dont live up to expectations and are bested by "lesser" tires.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Voyage34 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">their tests and comparisons are still there for people who really do want good tires and are willing to read a bit before they buy.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes, but unfortunately, the Tire Rack doesn't compare tires between categories (except when they want to prove a point, like including a reference all-season tire as a comparison when testing higher performance summer tires). So what that means is that you'll probably never see a test on their site that compares any of the tires in the new "extreme performance" category with any of the tires in the old "max performance" category. And that's too bad for everyone, IMHO.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Voyage34 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If nothing else I think it wil hurt Tirerack because undoubtedly people will be disappointed when their "Extreme Performance" tires dont live up to expectations and are bested by "lesser" tires.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I agree.

It's unfortunate, too, because the way they define the category:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tire Rack &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Extreme Performance Summer Tires

You want extreme dry street performance and are willing to trade some comfort and hydroplaning resistance to get it.

Not intended to be driven in snow or on ice, or at high speeds in deep standing water, these specially tuned tires combine big-block tread designs with aggressive tread compounds and reinforced internal constructions to emphasize dry road response, traction, handling and high speed capabilities for serious driving enthusiasts.</TD></TR></TABLE>

makes it sound exactly like they're describing the Falken Azenis RT-615. But the tires in that category don't offer the same performance as the Azenis. (As Grassroots Motorsports proved last year.)

 

I Agree its all a marketing strategy.

 

it is a bit misleading

Dave

 

I don't know - the category description (that of very good dry traction with not as good wet traction) fits C&D's review perfectly, at least on the Yokos.

I don't see the "Extreme" tires being shown as a "better" tire on Tirerack's site, just a different tire, with different capabilities. And to me, a little differentiation between tires is a good thing. I'm not seeing any need to get anyone's panties in a bunch.

 

Modified by CardDealer at 2:54 PM 11/16/2006

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by schlit &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">NSXtacy ripping on Tire Rack? I thought that wasnt allowed? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Straight up ripping is not allowed, but having opinions is I doubt anyone is not going to buy from Tire Rack because they employ marketers