What Are The Best 17 And 18" High-Performance Tyres?
Larger sizes of High Performance (HP) and Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres are becoming more and more popular amongst drivers in the UK. And major tyre manufacturers have responded by making larger versions of their own already popular tyres. Some of the highly-regarded 17 and 18 inch tyres are reviewed and discussed below.
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Arguably the segment-leader amongst high performance tyres, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a summer tyre that provides very high levels of grip, performs well in the dry and the wet, and offers good levels of comfort and impressive durability. This tyre is the OEM fitment on a number of high-performance cars including the BMW M3.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
Another leading UHP from Michelin, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 is the factory OEM on some of the world's fastest cars, including the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. This tyre offers amazing levels of grip in the dry, impressive durability for such a performance-focused tyre, and good comfort levels. Overall, these are a great choice for track use in particular.
Continental Premium Contact 7
The Continental Premium Contact 7 is a UHP summer tyre that is incredibly well-regarded. It offers a sporty drive, reliable braking, and exceptional grip and handling. The Premium Contact 7 is available in sizes from 16 to 21 inches.
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is the latest UHP summer tyre from Goodyear and offers superior braking in both the wet and dry, excellent grip, sporty handling, superb aquaplaning resistance, and low rolling resistance. This tyre is designed to suit a wide range of cars and is also EV ready.
Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R
The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R is semi-slick UHP tyre designed primarily for track use (although is also road legal). This tyre offers extremely good dry traction, very high levels of grip, and impressive handling and responsiveness. This tyre is fitted to the Nürburgring-record holding Lamborghini Aventador SV J.
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
The P Zero PZ4 is a UHP tyre that brings Pirelli's immense knowledge from competitive Motorsport to some of the most powerful and prestigious models. This tyre has been chosen as the OE for a wide range of new cars, and offers excellent braking performance, enhanced handling and control, improved safety, maximum grip and stability, improved steering response, and enhanced driver comfort.
Toyo Proxes R888 R
The Toyo Proxes R888 R is seen as a wallet-friendly option that is similar in many ways to the Pirelli Trofeo R. It is best suited to dry tracks (although is road legal), features an aggressive tread and uses a similar soft compound. It offers extreme grip, superb handling and responsiveness, and surprising durability for a UHP track tyre.
Hankook Ventus R-S4
The Ventus R-S4 builds on the success of the R-S3 and offers excellent handling and cornering performance, exceptional grip (courtesy of the large outboard shoulder blocks), and immediate steering response. There is also extra reinforcement in the shoulders that improves performance, even on vehicles with high camber.
Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2
The Dunlop SportMaxx RT2 is a premium summer tyre designed for high-performance vehicles including sports, and supercars. This tyre has a unique sporty design and offers maximum grip in both wet and dry conditions, enhanced steering precision, impressive aquaplaning resistance, and short braking distances.
Falken Azenis FK520
The Falken Azenis FK520 is a recently-released UHP summer tyre that offers impressive sporty performance, improved stability, precise steering behaviour, reduced rolling resistance, and enhanced fuel efficiency. Despite being a summer tyre, the FK520 is also able to deal with wet conditions. This tyre has a speed category rating of Y (300 km/h).
Tyre expertise
At Protyre, we sell a huge range of tyres and have excellent relationships with all major suppliers and manufacturers. This includes premium tyres from the brands such as Goodyear, Continental, Michelin, and Pirelli; mid range products from Firestone, Hankook, Avon, and Falken; and economy/low-cost tyres from brands including Autogrip, Budget, and Enduro-Runway. Many of these are available in summer, winter, and all-season varieties.
One-stop shop
As well as tyre fitting, Protyre garages also offer servicing, MOTs, and a variety of free vehicle safety checks. You can book any of these online via our website or over the phone - whichever you prefer. To find your nearest Protyre, simply enter your postcode in the online search function; results can be viewed as a list or on a map. All Protyre garages are staffed by experienced and qualified fitters.
