A little while down the track maybe, as I've only travelled 7000km(4350 miles), but I' m looking for some recommendations for tyres other than the unidirectional 18" Potenzas that my RX-8 came with. I'm certainly not a racer (not interested in track work), and speed limits in Australia are strictly enforced to a maximum of 110km/h (68mph). Ideally, I'd be looking for an omni-directional tyre with performance that wouldn't be too far behind the Potenza with good service life, good in the wet and dry and a rubber mix that would suit our Queensland climate (similar to Florida, say).

labrat,
Check out http://www.tirerack.com . You can find user reviews there too.

Good luck,
rx8cited

I was thinking Pirelli Pzero Assimetrico 245 or 255/40-18

Not cheap though.

It seems to me that the "come with the car" tyres have gone off a little after a few thousand kilometres. Still, I have a lot of tread to shred before new tyres will worry me.


Interesting ---> http://www.fastfoursvip.com/articles_article.aspx?view=244

when i replace my stock tires i'll be getting bridgestone pole position s-03s or Eagle F1 GS-D3s (if they ever come out with a 225/45/18)

I was kinda looking for the same mix, better treadwear and not too much less traction.

I found my match with the Bridgestone 750s. They have a 400 treadwear rating vs. the 180 of the re050's that come stock, and are still W rated. They are, however, unidirectional. I liked the idea of the SO3's, too, AQII technology is awesome, but they were a bit pricey with not wonderful treadwear (220 I think?).

--L

I have had excellent results with Pirellis (although I understand the P-zeros trade off a good bit of tread life for grip), and I especially like the Toyo T1-S's I currently have. Michelin XGT and similar tires have also been a good balance between grip, tread life, and rain.

Personally, I'm all through trying Goodyear tires. I have yet to have or see a set that's half-decent.

---jps

I went from RE040's to S-03's on my Audi S4 and was very pleased..just as quiet but a stiffer sidewal which resulted in a significant increase in steering feel. Also in the same size they have a wider treadwidth (0.5").

I checked the Bridgestone site last night and here is what I found for the RX-8:

Diameter Section Width Tread Width
RE040 (225/45/18) 25.9 9.2 7.9
S0-3 (225/45/18) 25.9 9.0 8.4

Both tires were measured on 7.5" wide rims.

I also thought the ultimate cornering on the S-03's was significantly better due to its wider tread width and stiffer sidewalls. The RE-040s would squeal hard when pushed as compared to S-03's.

One other thing that I forgot to mention... the RE040's have a tread wear rating of 140 and the S0-3's have a treadwear rating of 220, so the S0-3's should last longer too.