Hankook Ventus V12 + Stock Contours

[douglee25]

I was looking at these tires because of the good reviews they have for my E36 M3.

When I went to purchase the fronts in 235/40/17 I found out from tirerack that they don't make them in that size. They only make them in 225/45/17 for the fronts.

Of course the rears in 245/40/17 are no problem.

My question is should I look at a totally different tire because I can't get them in that specific size, or does the tire performance outweigh this issue?

Thanks again.

Doug

[Mystikal]

The stock tires are indeed 225/45 and 245/40. Go for it.

[douglee25]

Well I was aware that the stock tires were 225/45 but I used to run 235/40's for better turn in. Thats where my question was stemming from basically. I didn't know if going with these specific tires outweighed the turn in when running 235/40's.

Doug

[Mystikal]

I doubt it, as the V12s are hardly known for good response and handling. Their primary strengths are wet traction, noise, and ride quality. You should probably look at another tire.

[douglee25]

According to the Car and Driver report they faired very well as a performance tire. Many seem to agree on here as well.

What else would you suggest?

Doug

[Mystikal]

They're great tires, but IIRC (I read that article a long time ago) it was never really praised for dry weather capabilities.

I'd suggest the Sumitomo HTRZ3. Check out the tirerack tests on it.

[97 Sedan]

Just got these tires put on yesterday, I am EXTREMELY happy with them, I am not an autocross racer but i do drive pretty hard on some windy roads,. My initial review is great, I had Michelen ps2 on before these, I could not get these tires 2 break loose yesterday :buttrock . I had the ps2's on for about 20,000 miles and would get the ass end loose even from day 1. If you do purchase I would recommend going to Gripston tires online. The price is cheaper than tirerack and they have free shipping! Got my tires in 3 days. Hope this helps

[Jason5driver]

Just got these tires put on yesterday, I am EXTREMELY happy with them, I am not an autocross racer but i do drive pretty hard on some windy roads,. My initial review is great, I had Michelen ps2 on before these, I could not get these tires 2 break loose yesterday :buttrock . I had the ps2's on for about 20,000 miles and would get the ass end loose even from day 1. If you do purchase I would recommend going to Gripston tires online. The price is cheaper than tirerack and they have free shipping! Got my tires in 3 days. Hope this helps

Awesome to hear!
I have heard that before, that the Hankook V12's are very comparable to the PS2's.

Thanks!
Jason

[douglee25]

Well I'm having zero luck finding the V12's. The fronts are out of stock everywhere with no set delivery date. Figures....

Doug

[mattmartindrift]

They're great tires, but IIRC (I read that article a long time ago) it was never really praised for dry weather capabilities.

I'd suggest the Sumitomo HTRZ3. Check out the tirerack tests on it.



they outlapped the Michelin PS2 - that's quite the benchmark to beat [in wet, dry, autoX, and ride quality] considering they're 1/3 the price.


EDIT: hankook lost by 0.3 seconds in the wet autoX. However, they tied in the dry autoX, beat them in: noise, lap times, and wet/dry braking.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/09q2/tire_test_nine_affordable_summer_tires_take_on_the _michelin_ps2-comparison_tests/hankook_ventus_v12_evo_page_10



I have these tires on my E39 - so far I love the ride quality. I haven't got a chance to push them too hard as i'm having some rear tire rub under suspension compression - 19x9.5/10.5 with 245/35 and 275/30, respectively.

I'll try and report back after the GC coilover setup goes on this week.

[Mystikal]

Yeah, that link has the exact text that influenced my opinion of that tire:


“Deceptively quick” is a good summation of the Hankook Ventus V12 Evos because they often didn’t feel as strong as they actually were, particularly in the dry. Their fourth-place autocross time wasn’t spectacular, but they did outlap the benchmark Michelin PS2s. Geswein said the Hankooks felt “somewhat soft” and “imprecise,” although they were forgiving, yielding consistent laps with no surprises. Despite that feeling of softness, the V12 Evos somehow managed a second-place skidpad run of 0.93 g and were above average in braking.

I'd rather have a tire that feels fun, fast and sporty than one that is indeed fast but feels "imprecise" and "somewhat soft". Maybe that's just me though.