2011 AMS Ultra High Performance Tyre Test

In 2011, Auto Motor Und Sport tested 11 tyres on a VW Golf GTD in the popular size of 225/45 R17. As with previous years, AMS subjected the tyres to the usual mix of wet, dry and rolling resistance tests.

Interestingly, it wasn't one of the premium brands that won this test but the Nokian V. The Nokian secured the win due to its excellent wet braking and good rolling resistance, yet still managing to post an overall 3rd on the dry tests. A true no compromise tyre.

Second to eighth position were covered by the usual "big 5" premium brands, with only Goodyear missing from this test. Amongst the traditional big scorers was the now consistently scoring Vredestein Ultrac Cento and the Fulda Sport Control, two tyres certainly worth considering if you're on a budget.

The last 3 places were taken by the Toyo T1 Sport, GT Radial Champiro HGY and Kumho KU39, with common criticisms of these 3 tyres being high rolling resistance, poor wet performance and a risk of aquaplaning.

	1st: Nokian V Total: 175 / Dry: 83 / Wet: 92 Overall: The best compromise of wet performance and rolling resistance
	2nd: Continental Sport Contact 3 Total: 162 / Dry: 81 / Wet: 81 Overall: Great wet and dry grip, slightly higher rolling resistance than the Nokian
	3rd: Bridgestone Potenza S001 Total: 160 / Dry: 84 / Wet: 76 Overall: Best tyre in the dry
	4th: Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3 Total: 156 / Dry: 81 / Wet: 75 Overall: Great tyre in the dry, a little let down by its wet performance
	5th: Vredestein Ultrac Cento Total: 156 / Dry: 72 / Wet: 84 Overall: Excellent braking performance
	6th: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT Total: 155 / Dry: 75 / Wet: 80 Overall: Joint with the Fulda, only the wet bias puts the TT ahead
	7th: Fulda SportControl Total: 155 / Dry: 81 / Wet: 74 Overall: Great tyre in the dry, a little let down by its wet performance
	8th: Pirelli P Zero Total: 152 / Dry: 70 / Wet: 82 Overall: No comments
	9th: Toyo Proxes T1 Sport Total: 140 / Dry: 74 / Wet: 66 Overall: No comments
	10th: GT Radial Champiro HGY Total: 135 / Dry: 79 / Wet: 56 Overall: Scores well in the rolling resistance test, but compromises wet grip
	11th: Kumho Ecsta KU39 Total: 135 / Dry: 71 / Wet: 64 Overall: No comments

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