Well, I now have a new set of Kumho 712's mounted on the Integra -
195/55-15's I plan to use the tires for everyday driving as well as
potential tires for STS or STR (in rainy conditions)
I will attempt to get some real numbers as to the overall performance of
this really aggressively priced newcomer to the ultra-high performance tire
lineup.
If you haven't seen the resent Ads for the new Kumho, the tread layout is
similar to a Bridgestone S02 - only it has a large center grove in the
middle of the tire.
Traction rating - AA Temp rating - A Treadwear 320 Cost -
$64/ea
INITIAL IMPRESSION (approx. 2 weeks of town/highway driving)
Quiet on most surfaces, sharp bumps, lane reflectors and pavement expansion
joints are the only things that transmit noise, but no more than your
average semi-low profile tire.
Ride quality is very good (keep in mind this is a brand new tire with 9/32"
tread depth, though)
Good bite for straight line acceleration and braking.
Transition response is a little slow, once again, partly because of the
tread depth.
Cornering grip is very good, feels comparable to a Dunlop SP8000 (they do
get a little vocal when pushed to the limit in corners)
They are a long way off from a V700 - but one heck of a street tire deal,
especially for the larger rim sizes.
Future question to be answered:
* How do they hold up in Autox conditions.
* What tire pressures work best for aggressive cornering.
* Wet traction in normal and Autox driving.
* Lateral G-force limit (anyone have a Gtech Pro I can borrow?)
-Mark
STR Civic Si
#29
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