comprehensive comparison of high performance tires (Conti Sport 7, Michelin 4s, Goodyear F1 LTS and others)

[TomAce]

There is a very comprehensive review of high performance tires on a Lotus Emira V6 dony by AutoBild sportscars:

https://www.autobild.de/produkttests/sommerreifen-test-245-35-r20-295-30-r20-28093083.html

Only downside is it's in german, but interesting information nonetheless.

Winner is Continental Sport contact 7 with a minor drawback

• leichtes Übersteuern bei Nässe ( slight oversteering in the wet at grip limit of tires)

 

[geoffbland]

Very useful.

It's a shame that he didn't also include the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s in the test - these are very different from the Sport 4S.

I have found another review of the Sport Cup 2s here.

"The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (N0) impressed drivers with its predictable and confidence-inspiring handling characteristics. The tyre provided a neutral balance, allowing for precise turn-in and a stable rear end. Drivers praised the Cup 2's progressive breakaway characteristics, which made it easy to approach the limit without sudden surprises. The tyre's compound, while focused on longevity, still delivered impressive levels of grip and a comfortable ride on the street. However, some drivers noted that the Cup 2 could be more prone to understeer than its competitors, particularly in wet conditions."

I'd also like to know if the special "LTS" versions of the Sport Cup 2s and F1 Supersport are really any different - or if this is just marketing. I seem to remember reading something from someone at Lotus saying that there is a real difference and the tyres and the Emira's suspension were designed to work well together. But I can't find anything on this now.

 

[MiamiBlue]

I'd also like to know if the special "LTS" versions of the Sport Cup 2s and F1 Supersport are really any different - or if this is just marketing. I seem to remember reading something from someone at Lotus saying that there is a real difference and the tyres and the Emira's suspension were designed to work well together. But I can't find anything on this now.

The below is copied from another tyre thread on this group. This will certainly make me think twice before swapping out LTS bespoke tyres.
--------

Absolute Lotus in the Nov/Dec issue interviewed Gavin Kershaw and this very question came up. Here is the question and his response...

"AL: As Emiras come up for tyre replacement, how important is it for owners to stick with the OEM fitment specific to their suspension selection?

GK: There is one thing that will ruin the handling of any Lotus car, that is not putting the OEM or Lotus recommended tyres on it. And this applies as much to our legacy sports cars from decades ago as it does to the Emira. We work with our tyre partners right from the start of the development programme to develop the best solution for ride, handling, wet grip, dry grip and to deliver those important Lotus dynamic requirements I described earlier, namely: safe, confidence-inspiring, linear, predictable and engaging. I will not go into detail about what makes one tyre different to another - it is an engineering challenge in its own right - except to say it isn't all about tread patten or rubber compound; there are so many variables, including tyre wall stiffness, the design and material used in the carcass - and everything has to work in harmony with each other. A non-Lotus recommended tyre might feel quick, or sprightly but this will be a false positive - it will be worse - trust me on this! We have spent so much time with our tyre partners chasing perfection that you will not find an off-the-shelf tyre which will give better results."

 

[crainp]

The below is copied from another tyre thread on this group. This will certainly make me think twice before swapping out LTS bespoke tyres.
--------

Absolute Lotus in the Nov/Dec issue interviewed Gavin Kershaw and this very question came up. Here is the question and his response...

"AL: As Emiras come up for tyre replacement, how important is it for owners to stick with the OEM fitment specific to their suspension selection?

GK: There is one thing that will ruin the handling of any Lotus car, that is not putting the OEM or Lotus recommended tyres on it. And this applies as much to our legacy sports cars from decades ago as it does to the Emira. We work with our tyre partners right from the start of the development programme to develop the best solution for ride, handling, wet grip, dry grip and to deliver those important Lotus dynamic requirements I described earlier, namely: safe, confidence-inspiring, linear, predictable and engaging. I will not go into detail about what makes one tyre different to another - it is an engineering challenge in its own right - except to say it isn't all about tread patten or rubber compound; there are so many variables, including tyre wall stiffness, the design and material used in the carcass - and everything has to work in harmony with each other. A non-Lotus recommended tyre might feel quick, or sprightly but this will be a false positive - it will be worse - trust me on this! We have spent so much time with our tyre partners chasing perfection that you will not find an off-the-shelf tyre which will give better results."

And that's why even tho I have historically gone with a wider tire for track, I plan to stay with the LTS tires.

 

[TomAce]

That‘s why I also stick to the LTS labeled Goodyears. Theo have been thoroughly tested by the Lotus team. And man are they fat!

With 13500km the rears have 2-3mm left, so they will be replaced with new ones.

The Conti Sport 7 seems to be a monster tire, 31m braking distance from 100-0kph. That‘s crazy performance though.

 

[F1 SML8R]

I don't disagree for all around driving, the "LTS" spec tire is the obvious "best" choice.

However, if grip is your focus (in dry conditions), the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is the way to go. I ran these on my Carrera T and came from the Porsche spec Sport Cup 2's. I assumed the difference would be subtle, it was not. The grip level was materially higher.

When I burn through my OE LTS's I plan on running the Sport Cup 2 R's to see if it's the same material difference. BTW, I already checked, it does exist in our OE size (in both a Porsche and Ferrari spec).