Just ordered new tires: Hankook Ventus V12
 

Well, I have been researching tires for a while now.
I wanted something as grippy as stock but quieter, and hopefully cheaper
After reading Car and Driver Aug 09 (nine affordable summer tires), the winner Dunlop Star specs sound like a great tire but are relatively noisy from what I have read elsewhere and this is shown in the comparo results.

So I decided to go with the runner up, Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110.
Out of 10 tires they are: joint quietest and also rated 1st in wet braking, 2nd in dry skid pad, 2nd in wet skid pad, 3rd wet autocross and Joint 4th in dry autocross. 4th doesn't sound that great, but they beat the expensive benchmark tire which was Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 and got an equal time to the Falken Azinis RT-615's so they are no slow tire. Plus, variations in driver performance may play a larger part in the autocross results than in the other tests.

I went with 225/45 18 to fit on stock wheels.
The tires are relatively inexpensive and offer great bang for the buck, just like the car itself.
I ordered from tires-easy.com 126 ish a tire plus 46ish for shipping, cheapest I could find online. $551.54 total shipped, and there is a $50 rebate good til Sept so in the end they are basically $125 each shipped.

Anyway, I will post here when I get them installed with my impressions.

I am sure some of you will disagree with my decision, but it is what it is, and thought I would post it up for all to see.
If you are hard core and want a no compromises street tire, then the Star Specs are a no brainer, but for daily driving, it is worth the compromise to me for a substantially quieter tire.
Personally I couldn't wait to wear these stockers out, 13000 miles, including 4 track days did it, they are at 2/32nds, I could run them a little longer but I want them off NOW.
Good riddance, hoping the Hankook Ventus V12 are better.

I am also glad I didn't buy earlier, I had been leaning toward the Nitto Invo as I had read numerous reports that they are quiet......... and they are, but they came in close to last in this comparo and I am sure I wouldn't have been happy with them.

Below are links to 2 articles/reviews/comparos that include this tire, I have attached a third comparo at the bottom of the post:

Tire Test: Nine Affordable Summer Tires Take On the Michelin PS2 - Comparison Tests - Auto Reviews - Car and Driver
http://www.tdwonline.net/news/K110re...odifiedMag.pdf

Saw the same write up you're referring too haha
Im def interested in your results...keep us posted

lets see some pix of them on the ride too - some tires look better to me than others once mounted

thanks

yeah, read the same review and the Hankook's definitely hit the price/perfermance ratio for a street tire that can get away in Stock class for most AutoX events. I'm also surprised at how much better these new gen of tires are compared to the 615's.

I'm buying the Hankook Ventus V12's this week. I'm going 225/40-18 on stock wheels. There is a $50 mail in rebate on a set of 4 and they are already cheap. Even if they are not the best it won't set me back much. I found this size for $449.82 shipped and after rebate they are only $400.

can you guys both post pix/results when you get em on... im interested in how each of you like em - and the slight size diff in your choices.

thanks

Ill take pix if I remember.

Personally I wouldnt go 225 40 18 on stock wheels, for many reasons:

1) That size is outside of the rim width range specified by Hankook, could possibly lead to fitment or more likely handling issues.
2) I don't have or want a drop. I have the Koni FSD's and love them and wouldnt want the car lower than it is, the larger diameter tire will fill out the gap a little and give the impression of a drop without the down side.
3) My odometer will read less miles with the 45's = good for resale.
4) The car has plenty of torque, so any (very minor) change in gear ratio can be basically ignored. In fact, in my opinion (and Mazdas. they changed the gearing for 2010) the car is geared too low and will benefit from the larger tire. I would go larger but dont want to mess with new wheels or fender rolling.

Those were my reasons for choosing the size I did for the stock wheel.
I am sure 08cosmic3 has his own reasons for going with the 225/40/18 on the stock wheel, but for me they were out of the question.

I have read many others going 225/40 on stock wheels with no problem. Correct me if I'm wrong but won't 40's will perform better on the twisties and at the strip. The V12's also come in 215/45 and 215/40.

To little sidewall is just as bad as to much, you just see diffrent handleing anomalies.

In this case the car wont keep contact as well on iragular road surfaces due to not being enough sidewall to help the tire conform. Your going to be better off with stock size tires and a decent compound then 225/40's.

Not opinion, its fact.

good tire choice. this is what i recommended to my friend and he got them.. he loves em'. this tire to me is the best daily driving street tire you can buy for this car. it has it all... good dry grip, low noise, comfort, great wet grip, price.. you cant ask for more... I am torn myself.. If I race as lil as i did this year as i did last year i will get hankooks.. but if when i move to ohio i see there are alot of tracks or autocross i will get the nitto nt-05... Driving on 615's now i see myself not even using the tire for what its made for.. and honestly comfort is more important to me cause i already have a stiff ride with koni/h&r's.. these are should make me happy.


...edit.. you could of saved alot of money going 225/40 or even staying with stock tire size (best performance).. also going 225 is kinda weird cause the sidewall is bit too skinny(40's) or a bit to bulky (45's) < but best alternative choice if you want a wider tire.

I dont care too much about the money that was the lowest of my priorities.
Just talking size.
I wanted a little wider tire, but stay within manufacturer specs for wheel width, without buying new wheels.
225/45/18 was the only choice for me.
A little wider than stock tire, fills the fender gap slightly with stock springs, fits the stock wheel width within tire manufacturer spec, same weight as stock tire, greater weight rating than stock tire (very unusual)...

I still think you made a bad choice but that's my opinion, hope it works out for you. Should have gone 225/40/18, I think you might fit the wheel gap slightly over than stock, considering 225 is wider than 215, meaning it won't be stretched as much as stock 215...Correct me if I'm wrong on the wheel well gap..

I dont really understand what you are trying to say.

If you mean it will fill out the gap between the wheel and fender a little, you are correct, that is what I want, but the amount is so small it will probably be imperceptible.
The 225/45 are 10mm wider and 5mm greater diameter than stock. That is 2.5mm (1/10 inch) increase in radius to fill the wheel gap when new. Of course that 2.5mm will soon wear off and they will become the same diameter as stock but 10mm wider.
I would prefer larger but dont want to change wheels or run into fitment issues, and so I stand by my size decision.

If what you typed meant something else then please clarify.

Steve

don't listen to him.. he is wrong.. 225/40 would make for a shorter sidewall... and your right 225/40 is not recommended on a 7inch (even though they will fit)... 225/45 was the best alternative for you...

^ lol..yes please don't listen to me, i am wrong........

Tires arrived today. Arrived very quickly, much quicker than I expected. Order processed Monday, tires received Wednesday.
Got them mounted and balanced, damn expensive by the way here in California.

I will post some pics for those that wanted, probably tonight.

I will leave impressions until I get a few miles on them at the correct pressure. They were at 42+ psi from the tire shop.

Cool man, cant wait for pics and impression ;)

Photos, for those that asked.
As you can probably see, these were over inflated from the tire installer, 42 psi+.
I will post impressions, but not until I set the correct pressure and get at least a few hundred miles on them, under various driving/road conditions.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...s/DSC00006.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...s/DSC00007.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...s/DSC00008.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...s/DSC00009.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...s/DSC00010.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...s/DSC00011.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...s/DSC00012.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...s/DSC00013.jpg

I ordered mine today. I ended up buying the stock size form Onlinetires.com for $466.08 shipped and will be only $416.08 after $50 rebate from Hankook.

I ordered some for my new wheels - 235/45/17 and they were only $362 shipped before the rebate.
I love 17" wheels.

There is no handing problem with 225/40 on a 7.5" wheel. Yes, odometer will read diff, yes it might be a little rougher ride, yes there will be more wheel gap.

I have had bridgestones in both stock and 225/40. 225 Being the clear traction winner. I am curious if a single person auto-x'ing would agree with you.

I am interested on impressions of this tire as well. I will be picking these up in the next few days. Read the same report, anything quieter and better handling than the Bridgestones is a plus, especially for less money that the Bridgestones.

true.. but its not 7.5''

Correct, stock wheel on MS3 is 7".
No 225/40/18 tire that I have looked at has a rim width range that extends as low as 7".

If guys want to do it, then fine, that is their choice.
I am not preaching saying other people shouldn't do it, that is up to them not me.

I am just saying that personally, I wont run a 225/40/18 on a 7" rim.

Very brief initial impressions.

The noise of these tires when inflated to 42+ psi cold (damn tire shop) was about the same as the stock tires with stock inflation.
I was really worried when driving home from the tire shop, but after getting home, letting the tires cool and setting the correct pressure....
With the correct inflation the Hankooks are substantially quieter than stock.
So much so that the exhaust drone bugs me much more now.

I have not driven the tires hard yet, I only have approx 40 miles on them, mostly in town and on the highway in traffic.
Further comments will have to wait until I have some time in the twisties at high speed, or on the track (dont see track time soon though).
Wet, I wont see until October at the earliest.

So far I am glad I got them.

WOW that was fast..... just got this email, never had a rebate reply so fast before.... 10 day processing, hope so:

Dear Mr FreeFlyFreak,
We have just received your "Tame the Road" Mail-in Rebate Application
and it is now being processed. Your reference number is XXXXX.
Processing may take up to 10 days. If you have any questions regarding your
rebate, please reply to email address, rebate@hankooktireusa.com.
Please be sure to include your reference number in the email.
Thank you for choosing Hankook Tires.

How have these been since wearing them in a little more?

I'm trying to find new tires for my new wheels.

They have been great. I have no regrets.
I have not put that many miles on them yet as I was on vacation.
But I can add to my previous post, that they grip very well I have not been able to make them squeal yet, also they are not as "twitchy" as the stockers (less immediate turn in, though still feel connected), some will prefer this some will not. IMO it is a good thing.
I do notice on the down side that they flat spot more than the stockers after sitting overnight and it seems to get more miles to get them rounded out.

How do they compare to the stockers in rain? Better/worse/about the same??

Read the the reviews in the links I posted, my impressions in the wet are in post #24

I put mine on yesterday, but haven't driven enough to even wear the stickers off yet.
Once I get a hundred miles or so on them and have the release compound wore off, I'll post more. I'll probably autocross them in the next month or so too.

Update:
My car has been pulling slightly to the left since installing these tires.
Tire pressures were even so it wasnt that.
Initially I thought the alignment must be slightly off and the wider tires made it stand out.
But it was just too much of a coincidence that I began to notice it after getting new tires installed.
So before paying for an alignment I thought I would try a little experiment.
I put the fronts on the back and the backs on the front, adjusted tire pressure and went for a short drive.
Car tracks straight now.
Strange.
I guess one tire is very slightly bigger or smaller than the others!?

I suppose I could switch them one at a time to the front and figure out which one is off...... but I dont know if it is worth the hassle.

FFF: might be a bent wheel...

Possible.

I think I am going to take it and get them all road force balanced, that should show where the problem lies, tire or wheel.
I used this: http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/search/FindGSP9700.cfm to find a place near me that will road force balance.
I had them installed at a Mom and Pop place where they just spin balance.


On another note, you will never believe this.......
I got my $50 rebate check today, the single fastest rebate I have EVER received BY FAR.
I received the tires 22 July, sent the rebate off a couple of days after that, received my rebate check 6 August.........
Im guessing 14 days, some rebates take that many weeks before you see the cash
That is impressive!

Just got these too. Initial impressions compared to stockers, they are quieter, they ride better (probably lighter), They absorb vibration better than the stockers (so good I caught myself speeding faster than normal), and their tread width is a bit wider than the Bridgestones so they will protect from curb rash better than the stockers. Now the bad, they have far slower "tip in" than the stockers IE they are less responsive when you turn the wheel. This has multiple effects, the steering feels slower at first, and on center feel is a bit more numb, This has nothing to do with handling though, this is more subjective than anything, they still probably handle the same G's but they aren't as precise in feel. They seem to settle and take hold and I have not pushed them much farther past where I have pushed the stockers but they have handled the turns just as well. So take it for what you will, I think they are honestly great tires. I am a road course guy more so than autocross and I think for street and road course these will be just as good as the stockers if not better, for autocross I think the stockers are better because their tip in will be more responsive and probably more accurate. Maybe as the tread wears down these will be just as good. We shall soon see.

Yes I noticed the tip in too but for me it was a positive.
I found the Bridgestones to "twitchy" for my taste, and so these are perfect for me, less twitchy without being numb.
But that is a taste thing, some people like me will prefer it, some will be neutral, and some will hate it.
I am a road/road course guy and for me it is more easy to modulate at the limit, and the increase in turn in is not excessive, IMO.
I think that is why in the review they call them "deceptively quick" or words to that effect, they are grippy and fast, but don't feel as fast because the tip in is less.
I would love to compare them on the track to the stockers but not sure when that will happen.

Every other observation you posted agrees with my experience so far.

Could you explain "tip in"

What more do you need to know.......
I think Sleeper put it fairly well.

In short RTFP

Some people call it turn in. Easiest way to describe it is steering lag.The amount of time it takes from the time you turn your wheel to the time you feel the car turn.

Got my rebate check today. That means the tires were only $313 shipped.
wooo hooo!

So far I'm happy with the tires. I like the ride much better, but that may be due to the downsizing to 17" wheels. Grip is much better in the wet and dry, my traction control doesn't kick in nearly like it used to.
Still haven't had a chance to autocross it yet.

How stiff is the sidewall compared to stock?

are you just trying to be a postwhore tonight? lol

Quite a bit softer. Makes for a more compliant ride.
I like it. You do lose a little turn in because of it, but I prefer it this way.

I was gonna post about this, funny you should ask, I beleive its softer, and I think that is the main reason for its differences in handling. But the reason why I say this, I think the rubber isn't any softer than the stock rubber but it launches a whole lot harder than it did with the stock rubber. I NEVER see the traction control light anymore.

I can't tell you because I went from 18" stock tires to 17" wheels and tires. There's more sidewall, so I can't do a direct comparison.

Damn.. mailed my rebate stuff in around the beginning of the month, received my check today. Fuckin fastest refund ever..

Hey, FF, I just found this thread. Glad the tires are working out for ya, and they look almost as good as my same size Star Spec's :)

Which, BTW, once they're scrubbed in real good (takes a long time and they need to be driven hard over a distance before they really start hooking up), they have considerably more grip than the Bridgestones ever dreamed of!

They ride surprisingly well too, better than stock, but oddly enough they can get a bit skittery on rough, choppy pavement. Still, on a relatively smooth surface, with a little bit of heat in them, they grip almost as hard as an R compound. Tread noise was high at first, but that went away, yet developing grip took a while.

And they have "Dunlop" stamped right on the sidewall. As in the Dunlop bridge at Silverstone. Not "Hankook," which sounds like something I could get for $75 tip at some massage parlors. :)

Just giving you a hard time. Glad to hear they're working well.

No problem, hard time appreciated.
I read your thread about the Dunlops, glad they worked out in the end, sounded like you were worried there for a while.
I just didnt want to take the risk on the noise.
I hate road noise....... and exhaust drone.
I just got the resonator in front of the rear wheels cut out and a Magnaflow 12616 welded in its place, wish I had done it much sooner.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showt...3736377&page=6

I like the exhaust noise, myself. Distracts me from the mechanical noise of the 4 cylinder motor (was driving a super smooth V6 before this car). Hearing it on the highway doesn't bother me a bit, and it doesn't bother my wife either, who has the hearing of Doberman. Fortunately, she doesn't have the personality of a Doberman. :) When I drive her Lexus SC430, I just get bored because can you barely hear the motor at all.

You can definitely hear and feel the tires though; low-profile run flats are freaking harsh!! Totally out of character with the car, and they're the smoothest RF's on the market (which isn't saying much).

Yeah that extra $75 per tire is paying for that bridge, because in all honestly their aren't too many differences between the two. I'll take the 300 I save over the dunlops and get some seat team at a driving school or actually get some track time at Silverstone and smile as I drive by your Dunlop bridge. Just giving you a hard time :D Oh and dunlop sounds like a description of fat people, because guess what? IT IS Dunlops Disease.

FF, just re read this thread and noticed your issue.

Tires have a run out, not to different then the run out on a brake rotor. When a tire is new you will most likely have seen the paint lines running around the center of the tires caucus. Those lines are for tire matching purposes, they mark the center of the tires run out. Ideally a tire guy should match the axle so that the tires balance out. But most people don't even know that's what those lines are for.

One must be pretty off for your to notice a trim difference driven the car. Or your just as anal about this stuff as me lol.

My re050's are about shot at 9k miles. Can't wait for one more mountain run to finish them off. I think I am going to give these a try. Thanks for your review.

I saw those lines, never knew what they were for.
Lines are long gone now.
Swapping the tires around did the trick.

When I first installed the Star Spec's, and got a precision alignment, the car pulled to the right just a bit. They swapped the RF with the RR and the problem was solved. For now, anyway. I guess even well paid Japanese workers can screw up a batch just as well as Chinese slave labor can. But at least we have a bridge on a famous race track. :)

Hey FF, a friend of mine does leather restoration work on old Rolls Royces, and I've been talking with him about making a leather covered knee pad for the lower center console. It'll be a glue on piece but will wrap around the corner and (maybe) have some faux red stitching to match the interior. I want it to look OEM.

Interested? We're working on a prototype shape and foam material on paper now. Nothing to show for it yet, but it should really help the problem of shin/knee bracing against the center console, which is driving me crazy too. I have a screw and a staple in my right knee that rubs against the console in very quick driving which is really annoying.

The main problem is where the two parts of the console join, don't want to cross over the gap for servicing reasons. Which part of the console are you having trouble with?

We -could- do a two part thing, but that's going to add cost to what should be a very nice, but somewhat expensive accessory, and if people are rubbing at the gap point, it might do more harm than good.

But it would be cheaper per unit for him to make 10-20 of them, which I'd obviously sell. The guy does super nice work, the leather texture and color will match perfectly. And it would still look sharp and function well with the MZ3, regardless of interior color.

I am about to buy these tires so any more impressions that you guys have after putting more miles on them will be most helpful.

I still love mine and they are wearing pretty well. I do miss the immediacy of the bridgestones but at more than half the cost with comparable grip and less road noise I am quite happy with them. They have also saved my wheels in cases where they would have been tore up if I was wearing the bridgestones.

Consider that Mazdaspeed tuned the car's steering to the stock tires, and did a nice job with that. The on center feel is great, and at regular and medium speeds they have a very precise feel to them. It's only when you really start to push them that all that goes out the window.

I lost some of that precision with the Star Spec's, and frankly I miss it for regular driving, it makes the car feel a bit more expensive than it is.

But in terms of sheer performance, like a much wider temp range, ultimate grip, and most importantly: quickness, no comparison. The payoff for street driving is much better ride comfort on choppy roads, which is kind of ironic.

thank you, just placed the order. will report back soon. $50 m.i.r. still available on tire rack.

Which did you order? the Hankooks?

kwsmith's feedback is on the Dunlop Star Specs. I don't see a rebate on tirerack for those.

The thread is about the Hankooks if he was looking at the star specs he would have posted on the star spec thread. I could garuantee the star specs are a better tire but at the price they are asking for the and the tread wear rating they have you are just better off sticking with the bridgestones again

yes. ordered the hankooks. unfortunately my wife lost the rebate form... i emailed hankook to see what needs to be done. did you have to send back proof of purchase with the rebate form?
ordered on thu, arrived on fri and were installed on same day. i was out of town so couldnt test drive much.

You can download one here: Promotions - Discount Tire Direct

i love v12's.
I had mine for 1000 miles so far, so much better than stockers.

Does anyone have at least 10-15k miles on these yet? Curious as to the wear compared to the stock bridgestones.

LOL, my bridgstones didnt last 15K............ about 13K ish IIRC, but with 4 hard track days included.
The Hankooks have been on for approx 8K and are due for a rotation, I have not tracked the Hankooks...... yet.

I rotated tires and replaced rear pads and rotors today @ 21.1K on car, definitely glad I did the pads, one inner pad which was the lowest had only about 1mm remaining. :eek:
I have an estimated 8K on tires. (didnt note mileage when I put them on, just going by some other maint. records)
Hankook Ventus V12 tread remaining estimated 6 to 7/32 (now in front) and 4 to 5/32 remaining (now in rear).

I like these tires MUCH more than the Bridgestone OEM, I would definitely be tempted to buy them again, unless a better value for money came along.

I know you drive hard but it seems like the rears are wearing a bit fast, especially without any track time. I've heard spurratic reports of shorter tread life as more owners put miles on these. Not a bad thing considering what you get for the price.

Getting ready to purchase my next set farily soon. Have it narrowed down to the V12's, Khumo SPT's and General Exclaim UHP's. Might take a small hit in performance to go with the Exclaims as they're priced about $80 less. I will keep an eye on this thread to see how the V12's fair in the coming months though...

Those rears have been on the front for the whole time.... about 8K.
I just put them on the rear.
I will try to take some pics with a coin...... it may be too dark right now.

REAR:

Quarter
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...uarterrear.jpg

Penny
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11.../pennyrear.jpg

FRONT

Quarter
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...arterfront.jpg

Penny
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...pennyfront.jpg

Crappy cellphone pics in twilight, but give the idea. I would say they are wearing faster than stock would have without track, BUT, I like them MUCH better than stock and after rebate they cost only about 115 each less than half the price of the Bridgestones.
I would never buy the Bridgestones again, I would get these again, or ??? some other high performance, good valve, relatively quiet tire.

Surprised to hear that after replacing your stockers under 10K (even with 4 track days). Don't the V12's have a treadwear rating of 280 or so? That's roughly twice the level of the RE50's IIRC. I know manufacturers utilize different standards, but I'd still like to think the V12's "should" last longer than the RE50's under similar conditions. Perhaps I'm missing something?

Actually it was about 13K for the stock tires.
They still had a little life left when I dumped them too, I dumped them early because:
a) they got chunked at a 95F track day

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...Pics/tire2.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...Pics/tire1.jpg


b) I couldnt stand the road noise any longer.

It is hard to compare the treadwear, being that these have 8k and have never seen a track.
But just looking at what has been used from the worst worn tire with only 8k and no track days........

Anyway, my main point is they were perfect for what I wanted, road noise was my main concern with the stockers.
I wanted the same performance but quieter, and I would definitely buy these Hankooks again as they fulfilled these goals better than I had hoped, and were MUCH cheaper to boot.

I've had the V12's for around 8000 miles and like them. Quiter than stock, much better straight line grip, a little more side wall lean than stock but they don't give up and break loose. Great price at onlinetires .com with $50 rebate. Best deal anywhere on a tire this capable. Not sure if the rebate is still on. My price shipped was $466.08 - $50 rebate = $416.08 total. I bought stock size.

how do these tires compare to other tires in the same width? Do they run a little narrow? wide? average? thanks

They run wide compared to the bridgestones.

I had these tires at the track for the first time recently, they are not as good as the OEM tires at the track.

I am not saying they are bad by any means, just not quite as grippy as the stock potenzas were on track.

I have to say though, for the street, I think they are perfect and would most definitely buy them again for that purpose.

Thank you very much for the detailed review. The info in this thread has helped me decide on the V12s. Should be getting them in a few days.

When you say they are not as good as the Potenzas on the track- I am hoping you mean they just don't turn in as crisp?? I didn't like the Potenzas for any reason aside from the razor sharp initial turn-in.

Not that I will be doing any more autoX anytime soon (guessing that is the type of track racing you are talking about?), but I used to surpass the limits of the Potenza sidewalls frequently durring spirited road driving. The Khumo tires I have now don't have sharp turn-in feel, however; I feel they would most likely make the car quicker around a track, due to the great ability to modulate controlled skidding mid-turn, and good "past the limit" handiling so to speak.

If the V12s are at all like the Khumos in this respect, I could care less that they don't have the initial bite of the $200+ a piece stockers.

By the way is that you and your V12s in your avatar? ahhh lol. And I am curious- what's up w/ only 16.2 mpg? I get an indicated 30+ on the AP econ map?! Thanks.

Not as crisp and not as grippy, not much down on the grip, but down some no doubt.
But I would buy them again for the street, I hated the stockers.

Nope. I have never done autocross and have no desire to. This is my type:
http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/foru...-2010-a-49590/

Yes, I just put that up there as a temporary avatar. Ir was yesterday. LOL

I dont run the econ map. I get........ well click on the banner below to see more detail other than the average. That average was recently brought down by 5.8 mpg at the track.
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Ha ha, your 16.2 average including track time is still better than my normal driving in city traffic, just keeping pace with no shenanigans.

But on the track, I need to fill the tank after just 3 sessions. If I'm doing really well, I'll burn through half a tank in 25 minutes!

And yesterday I burned up half a tank in about 80 miles just driving on public mountain roads at 8/10ths. I drove it just fast enough to get keep my chops up without putting anybody in harm's way, even at 60ish degress ambient with a low sun angle, which keeps surface temps down, especially in shady spots.

My Star Spec's were super glue compared to the Bridgestones. Not by much though, I gotta admit, but the road surface was colder than average. It's still mid winter, even in SoCal. :)

Anyway - you say you felt faster on the REO5A's last weekend, but I bet the track was much warmer then. Makes a huge difference.

ive had the hankook v12's 225 45 18 for about 8K miles now. didnt ever have the bridgestones because the previous owner already put dirrezza z101 on them, but ive found the hankooks to ride much better than the z101's. much much smoother and quieter. i dont do a lot of hard driving though cuz its a DD but when i whip through some turns, i am verry surprised at the amount of grip these babies give me. don't necessarily think the tread looks that good but performance>looks FTW! if i dont have enough $$ to pick up star specs next time, def gonna get these!

I bought these back in November to get in on the rebate. The check came super fast. Didn't get them mounted on the rims until two weeks ago. So far they are quieter than the stock tires (RE050s). I won't be tracking them any. Just wanted something for good DD and for occasional spirited drives. Very happy with the purchase. I only wish that the rim guard came out further to protect the rim. I got 235/40/18 for my RX-8 rims and they protrude out ever-so-slightly past the tires. The stock tires that came on the RX-8 rims were 225/45/18 and the rim guard came out as far as the stock MS3 tires. Oh well...

I did the same thing, bought the tires last fall and just mounted them this week. I ended up with the 245/40/18 for the RX8 wheels, that should protect the wheels better too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...s/IMG_6598.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...s/IMG_6594.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...s/IMG_6593.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...s/IMG_6592.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...s/IMG_6591.jpg

I noticed that too, and now that my aftermarket rims bubble out slightly, there is more rim sticking out. Im not so worried about myself, but my girlfriend sometimes drives it :crying:

dbrier - they look great.

Looks like even the 245s the rim guard doesn't protect the rim all too much. It's a little more even with the rim, but not nearly as much as the 225/45/18 Bridgestone RE076, or the RE050s did on the stock rims.

These Hankooks are money. I smoked a gangster in a blacked out Grand Prix GXP 5.3l last nite in the rain from a light. He launched the shyt out of me before the light even turned green- I was spinning a little but not much really. By the 3-4 flat foot shift I was blowing past him. I wouldn't have ever tried to race in the rain with the Kumhos or Potenzas; I think I would have just been spinning. I would say these tires are confidence inspiring haha. They were barley hydroplaning at all at 90+ mph.

One of the main reason i bought these is the wet performance. It doesnt just rain here, buckets of water fall from the sky and the roads fill with water very quickly. Its not rainy season yet, but I have driven in a few storms and these definately give me confidence.

These fuckers work in the snow too. I shouldn't know since I live in NC but since we got more snow than New England so far this year, I have had to put them to the test.

go here and check it out. Tire Research : Tire Survey Results

should help the tire debate

WTF....... same post in 4 different threads, once was enough...... really.
http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/foru...induser&u=6716

I got 4 new ventus v12 evos mounted this morning. I've only done a 20-min highway drive to work, but I can tell that they're noticeably quieter and more comfortable over bumps than the stock potenzas were. I have no comments on cornering/launching yet. But so far they're seeming like a win. Oh and the tread looks sexy. :bigok:

Those are the things I've noticed with these ever since I've put them on - about a month a now. I did also notice, however, there was a humm at certain highway speeds. Not super noticeable...but I could hear it. In town driving is definitely quieter though.

i have hancook rs2's that i got from tire rack for 89 bucks a piece on close out....235/40/18... i have new wheels 18/8...but i have to say i love the hancooks!!!!

Capitalization=FAIL......Grammar=FAIL........Spell ing=FAIL.............

Purchase price, and tire/wheel size=WIN!!!!!!!

so has anyone experience any rubbing issues with 225/45-18 so far, with stock suspension or eibach prokit
IM curious because i need to get new tires and i think these are at the top of my list

I had 225/45/18 on my RX-8 rims for a few months and no rubbing on stock suspension.

I am reversing direction and going with the Hankook's after talking to many owners. Seems these tires perform well even when worn half way. And at stock size, they are priced dead even with the Exclaims. Will report back after a few miles.

AWESOME TIRE! Got them installed today, and man oh man I am liking them :D

http://www.laleetsgarage.com/pics/ph...Swap2010_8.jpg

http://www.laleetsgarage.com/pics/ph...Swap2010_2.jpg

http://www.laleetsgarage.com/pics/ph...Swap2010_5.jpg

got these in 245/40 on rx8 wheels. lowered on bc coils

rubs a little in the back, only over big bumps, but i have a big cruise coming up this weekend so gonna get it rolled today hopefully.

agree with what OP has said about qualities of the tires. I came from Bridgestone RE-01R so I was expecting a step down (but cheaper and last longer!). Biggest thing I notice is softer sidewall.....not sayin they are really soft or bad..but again I am coming from a $250+ tire to these. Overall traction seems great though and I'm not slip n sliding when it rains now :)

I recommend these. Might try Kumho SPT next time (same price/class), would like to know how these compare to those?

I had Kumho SPTs on my MSP and comparing them to these. I would have to go with the Hankooks. They have a BIT more grip dry, wet I cant tell ya BUT if its anything like I read it would be significantly better then the SPTs. They are also cheaper then the SPTs so thats also a bonus.

I just started following this thread about the Hankook's but was disappointed that there was no longer a rebate. Well, effective today through May 31, there is another $50 rebate for the V12. Based on the info here, I believe it's time to buy.

Damn! I just got mine put on 2 weeks ago. Oh well.

I am looking to get some new tires and wheels soon.

Where is this new rebate coming from? Can you send a Link I would be interested in getting some of these bad boys. What is the widest tire I could put on a stock rim?

Anyone know a good place to buy wheels? Cheap/price/weight?

Are there any disadvantages of going wide or super WIDE on a tire/wheel combo? I would just be interested in performance aspects. IE 8.5/9/10in / 240+ tires?

Re: Just ordered new tires: Hankook Ventus V12
 

I have 18x8 +45 245/40. The only neg is they seem to be rubbing when I have someone in the back and I hit a bump and I certainly can't drive with a full load bc there's about a mm gap between the tire and fender. Once I roll I'll be fine though. They hook up insanely well and don't even spin in 2nd at wot. They do tramline more now though. If I had to do it all over again I would get atleast an 8.5 wheel so I could run a 255 :)-

Rebate form:

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...ebate_Form.pdf

Expires May 31st.