timcar

I'm not as much a performance enthusiast as most folks on this board appear to be. I've found good quality, V rated all season tires like Michelin MXV4's to be adequate in the past (I prefered the earlier versions to the Energy version), but I would like a bit better performance without degrading ride or adding noise. I'm considering an Audi A7 2.7T this winter(non-sport.) My question is, has anyone had experience with some of the ultra high performance all season tires like Dunlop Sport 5000's or Pirelli P7000's? I'm intrigued by what I've read in Tire Rack about them. What were your experiences, how did you like them?

Jack Orr

Tire Rack has performance reports on a lot of high performance tires. Sounds to me like you would be happy with Dunlop SP-9000's. They are quiet, #1 in the rain and average in the dry and are reasonably comfortable.

Pete RD

The SP 9000 is a very good tire. Another that is also good in the wet is the Yokohama AVS Sport. Jack's suggestion of Tirerack's reviews and owner reports is a good one. Both tires offer very good value for their prices.
You may want to call tirerack and ask them what they would reccomend for your needs. They dispense good advice as well as great service.
Let us know what you find out.<p>Peter R Dieckerhoff

JP

As Pete and Jack advised, Tire Rack would be a good place for recommendations. They recommended the Dunlop Sport 5000 in 234/45/ZR17's for me. I put them some 17x8" wheels a little over a month ago. I need the all season capability (Colorado) and really like them so far. The ride is very good, handling seems more than adequate for me (probably somewhat conservative), and they are very quiet. I've had them to 115MPH and they were absolutely "glass" smooth through all speeds (can't find a safe place that's close to take them to the limiter). Will find out this winter how they do in the snow, although I'm not really too concerned with the Quattro.
..../jp

JP

That should be 235/45.

JP4

I have the Dunlop SP 5000's on my A6 4.2 (235/50-16) on the standard 6 spoke 16x8 wheel. I'm quite happy with them as an all season radial. After 12k miles...comfortable ride, good wet and dry performance and reasonably quiet. They are quite comfortable running at speeds up to 100 mph. Above that they run straight but the steering response is a bit too mushy. This is probably related quite a bit to the 50 series fitment. I'm sure shorter sidewalls would correct much of this.
I will be putting SP 9000's on 17" wheels tomorrow (255/40-17) and will be using these as "summer tires". The 16" taller SP 5000's will be kept for "winter tires". I would buy the SP5000's again as an all season high performance tire.

LCP

AVS Sport transmits a lot of road noise compared to what he's looking for.

Pete RD

Yup. The Sp 9000s and the AVS Sports are "Maximum" performance tires...sounds like a "step" down to the next level might provide options that meet his needs. Also cost less.<p>Peter R Dieckerhoff

timcar

Thanks to all for the ideas, suggestions and personal feedback!