2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test

If you've ever dreamed of seeing the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, Continental SportContact 7 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport in the same test, your dreams have just been answered with the 2023 Auto Bild Sportscars Summer Tire Test! They even included the new Falken FK520!

The German publication tested thirteen of the most popular UHP tires in 225/40 R18 using a Toyota GR Yaris, and yes you read that right, the SportContact 7 is now available in some 18" wheel sizes!

Want to know which of the UHP titans is best overall? Read on below!

Test Publication:

225/40 R18 13 tires 4 categories

Similar Tests

Images courtesy of Auto Bild Sportscars

Test Publication:

https://www.autobild.de/ratgeber/reifen/

Images courtesy of Auto Bild Sportscars

Test Size: 225/40 R18

Tires Tested: 13 tires

Test Categories:
4 categories (10 tests)

Similar Tests

Wet

It seems like the Hankook has a new rival in wet braking, as the Continental SportContact 7 knocked the Korean tire off it's usual top sport to beat it to first place, with the Hankook close behind and the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 in third.

The Bridgestone Potenza Sport jumped up the order to post the fastest lap around wet handling, with the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 proving to be impressive in second and the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 finishing third. Oddly, the wet braking winner dropped all the way down to seventh place overall, though the group was very close.

Wet circle kept the Bridgestone at the top, with the Continental moving up a little.

The Giti GitiSportS2 was the best in straight aquaplaning, with the Goodyear and Michelin tied for second place.

Dry

The braking master Sport Contact 7 once again topped the braking test, this time in the dry, narrowly beating the Bridgestone.

Bridgestone and Continental traded top spots in dry handling, with the Pirelli a close third.

Environment

The Goodyear proved to have the lowest external noise with the Potenza Sport trailing the field.

The new Firestone Firehawk Sport had a crazy lead in rolling resistance, with the Continental and Goodyear the best of the named tires. The Pirelli and Bridgestone both faltered in this test, being significantly harder to roll than their key rivals.

As always, the Michelin was the most expensive and the budget tire the cheapest.

Results

1^st

Continental SportContact 7

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: C/A/72
• 3PMSF: no

The new SportContact 7 is completely convincing in its first test: dynamic cornering, stable cornering, precise steering behavior with very good feedback, convincingly safe braking performance on wet and dry slopes.

Moderate safety reserves for curve aquaplaning.

Exemplary.

Dry

99.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	1st	33.3 M			100%
Dry Handling	2nd	115.2 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-0.3 Km/H	99.74%

Wet

94.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	1st	38.8 M			100%
Wet Handling	6th	84.7 Km/H	86.9 Km/H	-2.2 Km/H	97.47%
Wet Circle	5th	11.09 s	11.04 s	+0.05 s	99.55%
Straight Aqua	9th	75.6 Km/H	78.6 Km/H	-3 Km/H	96.18%
Curved Aquaplaning	10th	2.35 m/sec2	2.96 m/sec2	-0.61 m/sec2	79.39%

Comfort

98.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	6th	67.5 dB	66.5 dB	+1 dB	98.52%

Value

72.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	11th	455	280	+175	61.54%
Rolling Resistance	2nd	8.38 kg / t	7.05 kg / t	+1.33 kg / t	84.13%

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2^nd

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: D/A/72
• 3PMSF: no

The Potenza Sport has excellent handling qualities on wet and dry roads, good balance, precise steering behavior with good feedback, short wet and dry braking distances, decent safety reserves in the event of aquaplaning.

Increased rolling resistance, average comfort.

Exemplary.

Dry

99.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	2nd	33.5 M	33.3 M	+0.2 M	99.4%
Dry Handling	1st	115.5 Km/H			100%

Wet

97%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	5th	41.2 M	38.8 M	+2.4 M	94.17%
Wet Handling	1st	86.9 Km/H			100%
Wet Circle	1st	11.04 s			100%
Straight Aqua	4th	77.8 Km/H	78.6 Km/H	-0.8 Km/H	98.98%
Curved Aquaplaning	6th	2.72 m/sec2	2.96 m/sec2	-0.24 m/sec2	91.89%

Comfort

96.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	13th	69 dB	66.5 dB	+2.5 dB	96.38%

Value

66%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	12th	460	280	+180	60.87%
Rolling Resistance	13th	9.9 kg / t	7.05 kg / t	+2.85 kg / t	71.21%

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3^rd

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: C/A/70
• 3PMSF: no

The Asymmetric 6 is a premium tire without fault and reproach, safe driving behavior on wet and dry slopes, sporty and direct steering behavior with good feedback, well-balanced, good safety reserves in the event of aquaplaning, short wet and dry braking distances, quiet passing noise, fuel-saving rolling resistance.

None mentioned.

Exemplary.

Dry

97.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	3rd	34.3 M	33.3 M	+1 M	97.08%
Dry Handling	9th	114.1 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-1.4 Km/H	98.79%

Wet

96.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	4th	40.8 M	38.8 M	+2 M	95.1%
Wet Handling	2nd	86.2 Km/H	86.9 Km/H	-0.7 Km/H	99.19%
Wet Circle	4th	11.08 s	11.04 s	+0.04 s	99.64%
Straight Aqua	2nd	77.9 Km/H	78.6 Km/H	-0.7 Km/H	99.11%
Curved Aquaplaning	7th	2.66 m/sec2	2.96 m/sec2	-0.3 m/sec2	89.86%

Comfort

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	1st	66.5 dB			100%

Value

74%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	9th	430	280	+150	65.12%
Rolling Resistance	4th	8.5 kg / t	7.05 kg / t	+1.45 kg / t	82.94%

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3^rd

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: C/A72
• 3PMSF: no

the PS5 is a top-class sports tires with dynamic handling qualities on wet and dry roads, agile handling with good balance, precise steering, very good safety reserves in the event of aquaplaning, short braking distances in the wet, good comfort, quiet rolling noise.

High price level.

Exemplary.

Dry

97.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	6th	34.7 M	33.3 M	+1.4 M	95.97%
Dry Handling	4th	114.6 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-0.9 Km/H	99.22%

Wet

99%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	39.1 M	38.8 M	+0.3 M	99.23%
Wet Handling	5th	84.8 Km/H	86.9 Km/H	-2.1 Km/H	97.58%
Wet Circle	7th	11.13 s	11.04 s	+0.09 s	99.19%
Straight Aqua	2nd	77.9 Km/H	78.6 Km/H	-0.7 Km/H	99.11%
Curved Aquaplaning	1st	2.96 m/sec2			100%

Comfort

97.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	12th	68.3 dB	66.5 dB	+1.8 dB	97.36%

Value

68.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	13th	500	280	+220	56%
Rolling Resistance	6th	8.62 kg / t	7.05 kg / t	+1.57 kg / t	81.79%

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3^rd

Pirelli P Zero PZ4

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: D/A/68
• 3PMSF: no

The P Zero PZ4 has excellent handling qualities on both dry and wet roads, good aquaplaning properties, precise steering behavior, balanced dynamic balance, high level of grip, short wet and dry braking distances, quiet passing noise.

Increased rolling resistance, average comfort.

Exemplary.

Dry

98.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	5th	34.5 M	33.3 M	+1.2 M	96.52%
Dry Handling	3rd	115.1 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-0.4 Km/H	99.65%

Wet

96.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	6th	41.3 M	38.8 M	+2.5 M	93.95%
Wet Handling	3rd	85.2 Km/H	86.9 Km/H	-1.7 Km/H	98.04%
Wet Circle	2nd	11.05 s	11.04 s	+0.01 s	99.91%
Straight Aqua	6th	77.5 Km/H	78.6 Km/H	-1.1 Km/H	98.6%
Curved Aquaplaning	4th	2.75 m/sec2	2.96 m/sec2	-0.21 m/sec2	92.91%

Comfort

99.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	4th	66.9 dB	66.5 dB	+0.4 dB	99.4%

Value

68%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	10th	435	280	+155	64.37%
Rolling Resistance	12th	9.83 kg / t	7.05 kg / t	+2.78 kg / t	71.72%

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6^th

Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: C/A/72
• 3PMSF: no

The Ventus S1 evo 3 is a balanced sports tire with dynamic handling qualities on wet and dry roads, very good braking performance on wet slopes, agile steering behavior, fuel-saving rolling resistance, very good price-performance ratio.

Satisfactory safety reserves for curve aquaplaning.

Good.

Dry

97.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	6th	34.7 M	33.3 M	+1.4 M	95.97%
Dry Handling	5th	114.4 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-1.1 Km/H	99.05%

Wet

93.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	2nd	38.9 M	38.8 M	+0.1 M	99.74%
Wet Handling	4th	84.9 Km/H	86.9 Km/H	-2 Km/H	97.7%
Wet Circle	9th	11.24 s	11.04 s	+0.2 s	98.22%
Straight Aqua	11th	74.4 Km/H	78.6 Km/H	-4.2 Km/H	94.66%
Curved Aquaplaning	11th	2.26 m/sec2	2.96 m/sec2	-0.7 m/sec2	76.35%

Comfort

97.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	11th	68.2 dB	66.5 dB	+1.7 dB	97.51%

Value

78.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	6th	380	280	+100	73.68%
Rolling Resistance	5th	8.55 kg / t	7.05 kg / t	+1.5 kg / t	82.46%

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7^th

Falken Azenis FK520

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: C/A/70
• 3PMSF: no

The new FK520 has convincing handling qualities on both dry and wet slopes, good aquaplaning properties, precise steering behavior, well-balanced dynamic balance, high level of grip, short wet and dry braking distances, quiet pass-by noise.

Increased rolling resistance, average comfort

Good.

Dry

97.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	8th	35 M	33.3 M	+1.7 M	95.14%
Dry Handling	7th	114.3 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-1.2 Km/H	98.96%

Wet

95.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	10th	43.2 M	38.8 M	+4.4 M	89.81%
Wet Handling	8th	83.8 Km/H	86.9 Km/H	-3.1 Km/H	96.43%
Wet Circle	10th	11.25 s	11.04 s	+0.21 s	98.13%
Straight Aqua	5th	77.6 Km/H	78.6 Km/H	-1 Km/H	98.73%
Curved Aquaplaning	3rd	2.82 m/sec2	2.96 m/sec2	-0.14 m/sec2	95.27%

Comfort

99.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	2nd	66.6 dB	66.5 dB	+0.1 dB	99.85%

Value

77.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	5th	375	280	+95	74.67%
Rolling Resistance	8th	8.8 kg / t	7.05 kg / t	+1.75 kg / t	80.11%

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7^th

Toyo Proxes Sport 2

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: D/A/71
• 3PMSF: no

The new Toyo Proxes Sport 2 has well-balanced, safe handling qualities on wet and dry roads, good grip and short braking distances on dry roads, good ride comfort, low rolling resistance, good value for money.

Slightly longer wet braking distances, average safety reserves when aquaplaning in curves.

Good.

Dry

97.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	4th	34.4 M	33.3 M	+1.1 M	96.8%
Dry Handling	5th	114.4 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-1.1 Km/H	99.05%

Wet

93.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	9th	43 M	38.8 M	+4.2 M	90.23%
Wet Handling	6th	84.7 Km/H	86.9 Km/H	-2.2 Km/H	97.47%
Wet Circle	3rd	11.07 s	11.04 s	+0.03 s	99.73%
Straight Aqua	8th	76.3 Km/H	78.6 Km/H	-2.3 Km/H	97.07%
Curved Aquaplaning	8th	2.49 m/sec2	2.96 m/sec2	-0.47 m/sec2	84.12%

Comfort

98.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	6th	67.5 dB	66.5 dB	+1 dB	98.52%

Value

75.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	7th	385	280	+105	72.73%
Rolling Resistance	9th	9.04 kg / t	7.05 kg / t	+1.99 kg / t	77.99%

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9^th

Firestone Firehawk Sport

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: B/A/70
• 3PMSF: no

The new Firehawk Sport has agile handling behavior on dry slopes, short wet and dry braking distances, exceptionally low rolling resistance, low price level.

Average aquaplaning properties, delayed steering response and clearly understeering cornering behavior on wet roads.

Fair.

Dry

96.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	9th	35.1 M	33.3 M	+1.8 M	94.87%
Dry Handling	7th	114.3 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-1.2 Km/H	98.96%

Wet

92.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	7th	42.2 M	38.8 M	+3.4 M	91.94%
Wet Handling	11th	81.6 Km/H	86.9 Km/H	-5.3 Km/H	93.9%
Wet Circle	8th	11.19 s	11.04 s	+0.15 s	98.66%
Straight Aqua	10th	74.6 Km/H	78.6 Km/H	-4 Km/H	94.91%
Curved Aquaplaning	9th	2.45 m/sec2	2.96 m/sec2	-0.51 m/sec2	82.77%

Comfort

99.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	5th	67 dB	66.5 dB	+0.5 dB	99.25%

Value

88.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	4th	365	280	+85	76.71%
Rolling Resistance	1st	7.05 kg / t			100%

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10^th

Giti GitiSportS2

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: D/A/70
• 3PMSF: no

The GitiSportS2 has convincing aquaplaning properties, stable dry handling, pleasantly quiet passing noise.

Limited level of grip on wet roads, delayed steering response and understeering when cornering on wet roads, slightly longer wet braking distances, higher price level.

Fair.

Dry

96.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	11th	35.5 M	33.3 M	+2.2 M	93.8%
Dry Handling	10th	113.9 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-1.6 Km/H	98.61%

Wet

95.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	11th	43.5 M	38.8 M	+4.7 M	89.2%
Wet Handling	9th	83 Km/H	86.9 Km/H	-3.9 Km/H	95.51%
Wet Circle	11th	11.4 s	11.04 s	+0.36 s	96.84%
Straight Aqua	1st	78.6 Km/H			100%
Curved Aquaplaning	2nd	2.84 m/sec2	2.96 m/sec2	-0.12 m/sec2	95.95%

Comfort

98.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	6th	67.5 dB	66.5 dB	+1 dB	98.52%

Value

73.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	8th	400	280	+120	70%
Rolling Resistance	10th	9.15 kg / t	7.05 kg / t	+2.1 kg / t	77.05%

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10^th

Maxxis Victra Sport 5

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: C/A/72
• 3PMSF: no

The Victra Sport 5 has good safety reserves for aquaplaning, short braking distances on wet roads, quiet passing noise, low travel. .

Moderate grip level and clearly understeering handling on wet and dry slopes, delayed steering response, limited ride comfort.

Fair.

Dry

96%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	10th	35.3 M	33.3 M	+2 M	94.33%
Dry Handling	11th	112.7 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-2.8 Km/H	97.58%

Wet

95.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	8th	42.4 M	38.8 M	+3.6 M	91.51%
Wet Handling	10th	82.9 Km/H	86.9 Km/H	-4 Km/H	95.4%
Wet Circle	5th	11.09 s	11.04 s	+0.05 s	99.55%
Straight Aqua	7th	76.9 Km/H	78.6 Km/H	-1.7 Km/H	97.84%
Curved Aquaplaning	4th	2.75 m/sec2	2.96 m/sec2	-0.21 m/sec2	92.91%

Comfort

98.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	9th	67.6 dB	66.5 dB	+1.1 dB	98.37%

Value

77.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	3rd	355	280	+75	78.87%
Rolling Resistance	11th	9.22 kg / t	7.05 kg / t	+2.17 kg / t	76.46%

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12^th

Linglong Sport Master

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: C/A/69
• 3PMSF: no

Inexpensive sports tire with low rolling resistance and quiet rolling noise.

Moderate grip on wet and dry roads, limited safety reserves in the event of aquaplaning, delayed steering response and understeering handling on wet and dry roads, longer wet and dry braking distances.

Conditionally Recommended.

Dry

94.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	12th	36.1 M	33.3 M	+2.8 M	92.24%
Dry Handling	12th	112.2 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-3.3 Km/H	97.14%

Wet

88.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	12th	43.6 M	38.8 M	+4.8 M	88.99%
Wet Handling	12th	78.7 Km/H	86.9 Km/H	-8.2 Km/H	90.56%
Wet Circle	12th	11.55 s	11.04 s	+0.51 s	95.58%
Straight Aqua	12th	72.8 Km/H	78.6 Km/H	-5.8 Km/H	92.62%
Curved Aquaplaning	12th	2.24 m/sec2	2.96 m/sec2	-0.72 m/sec2	75.68%

Comfort

99.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	3rd	66.7 dB	66.5 dB	+0.2 dB	99.7%

Value

85.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	2nd	310	280	+30	90.32%
Rolling Resistance	7th	8.68 kg / t	7.05 kg / t	+1.63 kg / t	81.22%

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13^th

Superia Ecoblue UHP

225/40 R18 92Y

• EU Label: C/B/70
• 3PMSF: no

Low price level, low rolling resistance, quiet rolling noise.

Low-budget tires with poor grip and dangerously long braking distances on wet and dry roads, low safety reserves in the event of aquaplaning, delayed steering response, severe understeer in wet and dry handling.

Not Recommended.

Dry

90.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	13th	38.6 M	33.3 M	+5.3 M	86.27%
Dry Handling	13th	109.3 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-6.2 Km/H	94.63%

Wet

83.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	13th	50.2 M	38.8 M	+11.4 M	77.29%
Wet Handling	13th	73 Km/H	86.9 Km/H	-13.9 Km/H	84%
Wet Circle	13th	11.66 s	11.04 s	+0.62 s	94.68%
Straight Aqua	13th	68.7 Km/H	78.6 Km/H	-9.9 Km/H	87.4%
Curved Aquaplaning	13th	2.14 m/sec2	2.96 m/sec2	-0.82 m/sec2	72.3%

Comfort

98.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	10th	67.7 dB	66.5 dB	+1.2 dB	98.23%

Value

91.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	1st	280			100%
Rolling Resistance	3rd	8.41 kg / t	7.05 kg / t	+1.36 kg / t	83.83%

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