Dunlop Direzza ZIII Sizes & review

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The Direzza ZIII is Dunlop’s Extreme Performance Summer tire designed for the drivers of sports cars, performance sedans and track day vehicles who are looking for near motorsports levels of traction and handling in a tire that can be driven on the street, in addition to autocross, drifting and track day events. Tuned for maximum performance in warm, dry and damp conditions, the Direzza ZIII is not intended to be serviced, stored, nor driven in near- and below-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

Continuing the evolution of Dunlop’s Extreme Performance Summer tire line, the Direzza ZIII utilizes the company’s latest high-performance compound, which features motorsports-derived polymers that accomplish the normally conflicting goals of enhanced grip and enhanced wear characteristics. The updated tread pattern features a wider center rib and lower void ratio to put more rubber on the ground in the contact patch, and the reshaped tread profile changes the shape of the footprint to ensure more uniform contact pressure while turning, aiding grip and improving wear. The two main, circumferential grooves allow water to flow through the footprint to resist hydroplaning, but heavy rain and standing water may still present challenges to longitudinal and lateral hydroplaning resistance, so drivers should take care and drive cautiously at reduced speeds in these conditions.

The internal construction of the Direzza ZIII is designed for optimized durability and maximum handling response. The two-ply polyester casing sits beneath two wide, high-strength steel belts, which help stabilize the footprint. Two polyamide cap plies provide reinforcement for enhanced control of the contact patch and high-speed durability.

Note: Tires exposed to temperatures of 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) or lower must be permitted to gradually return to temperatures of at least 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) for at least 24 hours before they are flexed in any manner, such as by adjusting inflation pressures, mounting them on wheels, or using them to support, roll or drive a vehicle.

Flexing of the specialized rubber compounds used in Extreme Performance Summer tires during cold-weather use can result in irreversible compound cracking. Compound cracking occurs as the result of improper use or storage, and Dunlop’s warranty specifically excludes tires exhibiting this condition from coverage. Any tires exhibiting compound cracking must be replaced.

https://www.tirerack.com//tires/Spec.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Direzza+ZIII

John M. Vincent

Founder at Tiresout. Used to be working as an engineer at Bridgestone Tires Akron Technical Center. The responsibilities included but were not limited to technical computing, indoor & outdoor testing of new tires.