Dunlop dropped Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec ?

[coolmac]

Looking for a new set of Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec.
Both Tire Rack and Discount Tire no longer list them.
Tire Rack does have a new Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT.
I guess a phone call is needed.

[jragan]

Don't have them in specific sizes or don't have them at all? We're mid-way into track season accross the country, I could see there being a nationwide back order as people try to replace their worn out rubber. I hadn't heard anything about Dunlop dropping them (they're a very popular tire). I just picked up a new set a few weeks ago.

[coolmac]

Spoke with Tire Rack this morning, they are in stock.
$225 and $165 for the stagger Z4 18" size.
He couldn't tell me why not on the web site.

[Z3SpdDmn]

The Kumho XS is also a good alternative option. I've driven on them both on the track. The Hankook RS-2 is 98% of the above tires. I haven't tried the RS-3, though.

[nlink720]

I love mine. Had them since March. Done like a million autocrosses on them, They are getting better and better as they wear down (not that they weren't awesome at full tread though) and the hotter it gets the grippier they are. Freaking 95 degree weather on hot pavement is just ridiculous!! Tread is now at about 4/32 to 5/32.

They were listed on the Tire Rack when I checked five minutes ago.

Have fun!!

[coolmac]

I think the new Dunlop, SP Sport Maxx TT, was added and Star Spec removed.
All good now, they are on their way.

[jpz4m]

I also have a 06 z4m and am interested in the Kumho XS. Sounds like this is a good choice but ? regarding size. Tirerack does not have the rear 255/40R18 that is stock on the Z4M but they do have a 265/35R18. What does those out there who have used these tire suggest??
thx,
jp

[Z3SpdDmn]

I also have a 06 z4m and am interested in the Kumho XS. Sounds like this is a good choice but ? regarding size. Tirerack does not have the rear 255/40R18 that is stock on the Z4M but they do have a 265/35R18. What does those out there who have used these tire suggest??
thx,
jp

That'll work. See if they've got a 235/40/18 or 245/40/18 for the front to compliment the additional grip in the rear.

[jragan]

My vote is for the StarSpecs (I use them on my OEM wheels and now my track wheels in place of Nitto NT01s and didn't notice any real decrease in performance going from the r-comp nittos to the almost-r-comp dunlops). If I had to get a different tire, I'd do the new Nitto NT05s

[nlink720]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC83IbX__Gg

[jragan]

Great post NLink, I was wondering when TireRack would re-test the latest tires.

Glad the Dunlops are still near the top (guess they really were ahead of their time last year).

Sounded like they really didn't like the Kumhos...I got the feeling they were trying to come up with nice things to say about them despite their test results.

The Nitto NT-05s really should hae been included in such a test, but since TireRack doesn't carry them, they weren't. From what I've read so far on these tires, they should come out near or at the top when compared to these.

[nlink720]

The Nittos would likely be better, but they are not street tires like the others in the test.

[savage217]

The Nittos would likely be better, but they are not street tires like the others in the test.

Bumping this. The NT05's are street tires. Two of my friends have/were running these tires. One of them hated them, the other is still trying to figure them out but this past weekend seemed to finally find their sweet spot for tire pressure and told me they were much better. It seems as though some people love them and some hate them whereas the star specs, everyone loves them. Maybe the star specs just respond better to pressures :dunno What are people with 3000 lb cars running for hot pressures with the star specs? Im running 245/40/17's on my 3000lb m3 and it seems like 36-38 hot is a good psi for them.

[SteelGray3]

Just coming in here to let you know how much I <3 my dunlop direzzas. Amazing tires!