Category: summer

Auto Zeitung tests the best tires for sports cars

Discover the Best Summer Performance Tires According to Auto Zeitung’s 2025 Test

Top 5 performance tires according to Auto Zeitung’s 2025 test: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, Continental PremiumContact 7, Bridgestone Potenza Sport, Michelin Pilot Sport 5, and Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Auto Zeitung’s 2025 Summer Tire Test: Ten Ultra-High-Performance (UHP) Tires Evaluated

The top five tires for sports cars, as tested by Auto Zeitung, Germany’s renowned automotive publication.

Summer tire testing for the upcoming season has begun. This time, Auto Zeitung selected ten high-performance tires and rigorously evaluated them.

Not all tires are created equal. Just as there are significant price differences between budget and premium tires, there are also major variations in tread performance, durability, and grip—key factors highlighted in this test.

The tested tires ranged from two budget Chinese models—the Mastersteel Super Sport 2 and Triangle EffeXSport TH202—to mid-range options like the Falken Azenis FK520, Toyo Proxes Sport 2, and Vredestein Ultrac Pro, and finally premium contenders: Bridgestone Potenza Sport, Continental PremiumContact 7, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, Michelin Pilot Sport 5, and Pirelli P Zero.

Technically, the Continental tire isn’t strictly a UHP (Ultra-High Performance) model, as it was designed for touring. However, in Auto Zeitung’s 2024 summer tire test, it demonstrated such solid performance and dynamic handling that it earned a spot in this competitive lineup.

The Tires and Test Vehicle

Tire size: 225/45R18, suitable for compact and midsize cars.

Test vehicle: Skoda Octavia Combi 1.5 TSI with 150 hp (110 kW) and a manual transmission (Selection trim). Equipped with adaptive dampers for improved comfort and dynamics, the car ran on 18-inch wheels and completed the 4,000 km test without issues.

Results of Auto Zeitung’s 2025 Summer UHP Tire Test

🏆 1st Place – Test Winner

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 (Highly Recommended)
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 279/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Fastest wet handling time
✅ Shortest wet braking distance
✅ Best dry performance

🥈 2nd Place

Continental PremiumContact 7 (Highly Recommended)
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 274/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Shortest wet braking distance
✅ Strong wet grip
✅ Best ride comfort

🥉 3rd Place – Best Value for Money

Bridgestone Potenza Sport (Highly Recommended)
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 265/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Strong wet grip
✅ Shortest dry braking distance
✅ High slalom speed
❌ Disadvantages:
High rolling resistance

4th Place

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (Highly Recommended)
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 260/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Low wear
✅ Good aquaplaning resistance
❌ Disadvantages:
Early understeer

5th Place

Pirelli P Zero PZ4 SC (Highly Recommended)
225/45 ZR18 95Y
⭐ Score: 254/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Strong wet grip
✅ Agile handling
❌ Disadvantages:
Long wet braking distance
Moderate wear
Low ride comfort

6th Place

Vredestein Ultrac Pro
225/45 ZR18 95Y
⭐ Score: 230/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Good aquaplaning resistance
❌ Disadvantages:
Long wet braking distance
Average dry performance

7th Place

Toyo Proxes Sport 2
225/45 ZR18 95Y
⭐ Score: 228/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Short dry braking distance
✅ Fastest dry lap time
❌ Disadvantages:
Moderate wet performance
Moderate wear

8th Place

Falken Azenis FK520
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 219/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Good durability
❌ Disadvantages:
Weak wet grip
Long wet braking distance

9th Place

Triangle EffeXSport TH202
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 167/300
❌ Disadvantages:
Weak wet grip
Long wet braking distance
High wear

10th Place

Mastersteel Super Sport 2
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 154/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Low rolling resistance
❌ Disadvantages:
Weak wet grip
Long wet braking distance
Long dry braking distance

Conclusions

🏆 Goodyear combines performance and sustainability at the highest level, making it the clear winner.
🥈 Continental takes second place thanks to its exceptional wet grip.
🥉 Bridgestone earns third for its sporty focus and value for money.
📉 The balanced and durable Michelin and the decent Pirelli follow. Meanwhile, Vredestein, Toyo, and Falken can’t compete with premium models but have their strengths. The budget Triangle and Mastersteel tires aren’t viable alternatives.

We hope this information is helpful…

The 225/45R18 tire size fits the following car models:

Alfa Romeo Giulia
Audi A3 allstreet, A4, A5
BMW 1, 2, 3, 4, X1, Z4
Citroën C4
DS 4, DS 4 Crossback
Fiat 500X
Ford C-Max, Tourneo Connect
Genesis G70
Honda Accord, HR-V
Hyundai i40, Kona, Sonata
Jaguar XE, XJ
Kia Niro, Stinger
Mazda CX-3, 3, 6, RX-8
Mercedes A-, B-, C-Class, CLA
Mini Countryman
Nissan Juke, Leaf
Opel Astra, Insignia
Peugeot 3008
Renault Latitude, (Grand) Scenic
Seat Alhambra

07/04/2025

The best high-performance summer tires – Test 2025

AutoBild Reveals the Best Summer Performance Tires in the 2025 Braking Test

The best summer performance tires according to AutoBild in the 2025 braking test: Bridgestone Potenza Sport, Michelin Pilot Sport 5, Hankook Ventus Evo K137, Kumho Ecsta PS71, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, Falken Ziex ZE320, Continental PremiumContact 7, Linglong Sport Master, among others.

AutoBild, the renowned German automotive magazine, recently conducted its large-scale test of high-performance summer tires (braking test), selecting a total of 52 tires from premium, mid-range, and budget brands.

In the end, a total of 20 tires passed this qualifying test for the final round. There were some surprises, as some budget tires appeared in the top positions of the ranking. All tires are rated as high-speed, with speed symbols Y and W.

The selected vehicle was a Toyota Yaris GR, a compact car with high-performance capabilities.

Dry braking tests were conducted at 100 km/h, and wet road tests were conducted at 80 km/h.

The Top 20 High-Performance Tires in the AutoBild 2025 Braking Test

				Braking	Braking	Braking
Position	Description	Size	IC/IV	Wet in meters	Dry in meters	Total in meters
1	Bridgestone Potenza Sport	225/40R18	92 Y	27.6	32.6	60.2
2	Michelin Pilot Sport 5	225/40R18	92 Y	27.7	33.5	61.2
3	Hankook Ventus Evo K137	225/40R18	92 Y	27.4	34	61.4
4	Kumho Ecsta PS71	225/40R18	92 Y	27.4	34.2	61.6
5	Linglong Sport Master	225/40R18	92 Y	27.4	34.2	61.6
6	Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	225/40R18	92 Y	28.3	34.1	62.4
7	Falken Ziex ZE320 92 W	225/40R18	92 W	29.5	33	62.5
8	Continental PremiumContact 7	225/40R18	92 Y	28.3	34.6	62.9
9	Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2	225/40R18	92 Y	28.7	34.3	63
10	Maxxis Victra Sport 5	225/40R18	92 Y	29.2	33.9	63.1
11	Toyo Proxes Comfort 92 W	225/40R18	92 W	30.4	34	64.4
12	Laufenn S Fit EQ+	225/40R18	92 Y	29.7	34.9	64.6
13	Nokian Powerproof 1	225/40R18	92 Y	30.4	34.8	65.2
14	Yokohama Advan Sport V107	225/40R18	92 Y	31.8	33.8	65.6
15	Firestone Firehawk Sport	225/40R18	92 Y	31.1	34.6	65.7
16	Nexen N Fera Sport	225/40R18	92 Y	30.9	35	65.9
17	Giti Giti Sport S2	225/40R18	92 Y	30.9	35.4	66.3
18	Vredestein Ultrac Pro	225/40R18	92 Y	31.2	35	66.2
19	Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2	225/40R18	92 Y	31.5	35.2	66.7
20	Pirelli P Zero PZ4	225/40R18	92 Y	32.3	34.6	67

Table: The best performance tires in the AutoBild Summer 2025 Test

At the end of the article, the remaining tires competing in the AutoBild braking test are shown. AutoBild.

Analysis of the High-Performance Tire Test Results

Some considerations about the results of the AutoBild 2025 braking test with high-performance summer tires:

1. Premium brands still lead, but not always by a wide margin

Bridgestone Potenza Sport achieved the best overall performance with the shortest total braking distance (60.2 m), closely followed by Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (61.2 m) and Hankook Ventus Evo K137 (61.4 m).

Other premium brands like Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 (62.4m) and Continental PremiumContact 7 (62.9m) were slightly behind but still in the top 10.

2. Surprising results from mid-range and budget high-performance tires

Kumho Ecsta PS71 (61.6m) and Linglong Sport Master (61.6m) tied for 4th place, outperforming well-known premium brands.

Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 (63.0m), another budget tire, ranked in the top 10, showing strong braking performance despite its low price.

This suggests that some mid-range and budget brands have made significant progress in braking performance.

3. Wet braking vs. Dry braking – Advantages and disadvantages

The best tire in wet conditions was the Hankook Ventus Evo K137 (27.4m), along with the Kumho Ecsta PS71, outperforming the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (27.7m) and Bridgestone Potenza Sport (27.6m).

However, in dry conditions, Bridgestone (32.6 m) took the lead, while other high-performance wet tires had slightly longer braking distances.

Some tires excelled in both wet and dry conditions, but the best performers balance both scenarios.

4. Some premium brands that did not perform as expected

Pirelli P Zero PZ4 (67.0m) ranked lower than expected, taking the 20th position.

Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 (66.7m) also underperformed compared to mid-range competitors like Sailun and Maxxis.

These results show that even well-established premium brands can sometimes be outperformed by newer or more aggressive mid-range brands.

5. Longer braking distances pose a higher risk

The bottom five tires had braking distances exceeding 75 m, significantly worse than the leaders.

Autogreen Smart Chaser SC1 (81.9 m) had the worst results, with a wet braking distance of 43.6 m, nearly 16 meters longer than the best tire.

Brands like Tigar, RoyalBlack, and Arivo also struggled, confirming that some budget brands still have significant performance drawbacks.

6. Safety implications: A difference of over 20 meters can save lives

The difference in braking distance between the best and worst tires in wet conditions was over 16 meters, a difference of four car lengths, which poses a high risk to road safety.

On dry roads, the difference was smaller but still significant, highlighting the importance of tire choice in emergency braking situations.

Final Thoughts

Bridgestone, Michelin, and Hankook continue to dominate the high-performance tire segment, offering the best balance of safety and braking.

Mid-range brands like Kumho, Linglong, and Sailun are closing the gap with premium brands, making them good alternatives for budget-conscious buyers.

When deciding to purchase budget tires, avoid the cheapest brands if safety is a priority, as their braking distances are much longer than those of premium or mid-range brands.

We hope this information is useful!

Remaining 32 tires tested in the Auto Bild braking test

				Braking	Braking	Braking
Position	Description	Size	IC/IV	Wet in meters	Dry in meters	Total in meters
21	GT Radial SportActive 2	225/40R18	92 Y	31.7	36	67.7
22	Uniroyal RainSport 5	225/40R18	92 Y	30.3	37.4	67.7
23	BF Goodrich Advantage	225/40R18	92 Y	31.9	36.2	68.1
24	Petlas Velox Sport PT 741	225/40R18	92 Y	33.1	35.4	68.5
25	Semperit Speed Life 3	225/40R18	92 Y	31.2	37.4	68.6
26	Syron Premium Performance	225/40R18	92 Y	31.9	36.9	68.8
27	Debica Presto UHP 2	225/40R18	92 Y	33.1	36.4	69.5
28	Ceat SportDrive	225/40R18	92 Y	34	35.8	69.8
29	Leao Nova Force Acro	225/40R18	92 Y	32.9	36.8	69.7
30	Fulda SportControl 2	225/40R18	92 Y	33.9	36.2	70.1
31	Radar Dimax R8+	225/40R18	92 Y	31.7	38.6	70.3
32	Sava Intensa UHP 2	225/40R18	92 Y	34.4	35.9	70.3
33	Viking ProTech NewGen	225/40R18	92 Y	33.5	37.6	71.1
34	Star Performer Interstellar 92 W	225/40R18	92 W	33.7	37.5	71.2
35	Event Potentem UHP 92 W	225/40R18	92 W	33.8	37.9	71.7
36	Gislaved Ultra Speed 2	225/40R18	92 Y	34.2	37.6	71.8
37	Matador Hectorra 5	225/40R18	92 Y	34.1	37.7	71.8
38	Ovation VI-588 Sport	225/40R18	92 Y	35.2	37.1	72.3
39	Barum Bravuris 6	225/40R18	92 Y	34.8	37.6	72.4
40	Kormoran Ultra High Performance	225/40R18	92 Y	36.2	36.6	72.8
41	Yartu ZuperEco Z-107 92 W	225/40R18	92 W	34.9	37.9	72.8
42	Iris Sefar 92 W	225/40R18	92 W	35.1	37.9	73
43	Windforce Catchfors UHP PRO 92 W	225/40R18	92 W	36.7	36.5	73.2
44	Lanvigator Catch Power Plus 92 W	225/40R18	92 W	36.7	37.2	73.9
45	Riken Ultra High Performance	225/40R18	92 Y	37.5	36.9	74.4
46	Z Max Zealion 92 W	225/40R18	92 W	38	37.5	75.5
47	Rockblade ROCK 525 92 W	225/40R18	92 W	38.1	37.5	75.6
48	Arivo Ultra ARZ-5 92 W	225/40R18	92 W	37.6	38.1	75.7
49	Tigar Ultra High Performance	225/40R18	92 Y	38.4	37.6	76
50	Tourador X Speed TU1	225/40R18	92 Y	37.1	38.9	76
51	RoyalBlack Explorer II	225/40R18	92 Y	38.6	38.4	77
52	Autogreen Smart Chaser SC1 92 W	225/40R18	92 W	43.6	38.3	81.9

Table: The best sports tires Test: AutoBild Summer 2025

13/03/2025

Category: summer

Auto Zeitung tests the best tires for sports cars

Discover the Best Summer Performance Tires According to Auto Zeitung’s 2025 Test

Results of Auto Zeitung’s 2025 Summer UHP Tire Test

The best high-performance summer tires – Test 2025

AutoBild Reveals the Best Summer Performance Tires in the 2025 Braking Test