The SP Sport 600 is an Extreme Performance Summer tire developed for the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the third generation of the rally-bred supercar powered by a 305-horsepower, 2.5-liter Subaru boxer engine. However, like all Extreme Performance Summer tires, these tires are not intended to be serviced, stored nor driven in near- and below-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.
Dunlop’s warranty states: “Ultra high-performance summer tires are not recommended for winter use, and tread or shoulder cracking on those tires resulting from winter use will not be covered under our warranty.”
The SP Sport 600 features a high-grip, silica-reinforced tread compound molded into an asymmetric tread pattern featuring a rounded profile to combine ride comfort, handling and traction. Large outboard shoulder and continuous center ribs enhance initial responsiveness and cornering stability. Notched inboard intermediate and shoulder ribs are combined with three circumferential grooves to help resist hydroplaning. The tire’s internal structure includes twin steel belts reinforced by Dunlop’s JointLess Band (JLB) spirally wrapped nylon to blend high-speed durability with uniform ride quality.
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These came on my 2012 Subaru STi. The sidewall stability leaves a lot to be desired for a tire that should be on this car from the manufacturer. Turn in is okay, but severely under-steers when in sharp corners and you’re on the gas. Noise quality is difficult to say since I have had the SPT exhaust on it since I took the car off the lot new (it’s louder than some, but not a fart can!). Ride quality isn’t too bad and can take some pot holes without dying, although your back may hurt after some of them here in Cleveland. Since I had an aggressive alignment the inside of the tire wore prematurely. If I left it with the stock alignment, I probably could have gotten a bit more from them, but then the car wouldn’t have handled as it did. The suspension is stock, so nothing too over the top, but still enough to unevenly wear the tires on the inside.Overall, I’d recommend something cheaper that will give you the same performance and wear as these will.
They handle really well on dry surfaces. Like everyone else said, very loud, poor treadwear, and expensive.
Came on my 2012 STI when I purchased it. They were great in the Dry/Warm weather. Would not recommend driving in heavy rain or below 35 degrees. For ‘most’ drivers they would probably be fine. I am a very ‘spirited’ driver and like to push my car and these lost traction faster than my last Subaru 2.5RS with Dunlop Z1’s on. Currently trying out some all seasons (Continental Extreme Contact DWS) – HUGE difference in turn in, and grip during high speed turns. Would only go back to these if I lived in a congested area where I couldn’t ‘play’ around with my car as much and was forced to drive more ‘normal’
Tire performed well, I can’t say I’ve ever had any complaints about that. But, given my less than aggressive driving habits and the relative easy roads on which I’ve traveled, I’m surprised that the tires are bald after 10k miles. I expected quick wear… but …
These tires had a better treadlife for being strictly a summer tire. I have had all season tires not last as long. However these tires are prone to cupping. The wet traction was sub par. I dont know how the manufacturer even can say that they evacuate water well. If it rains stay home! These tires will not be good for you nor comfortable even in the lightest rain. This website wont let me rate the tires on sand so I will do it here. I drove on the beach and they are very very good on sand. Believe it or not for sand driving you want a mostly bald tire. I only had 3000 miles on them at the time and they held up very well and even on dirt. Never got the chance to take it in the mud. But judging my the tread pattern I wouldnt want to have them on mud or rock. I may buy this tire again, but not at the price thats being asked for them. Especially when they are not even a runflat and have such poor wet traction. Going to try Michellin or Continental next.
These tires came stock on my 2014 Subaru WRX STI. I swapped out for Blizzak WS-70’s for the winter(when I purchased the car. Now that it is winter again I have put on a remarkable 10,000 miles on these tires. I have had severe cupping/scrubbing and heel/toe wear after 7500 miles. The tires are relatively soft and grip the road well, but aren’t in it for the long haul. Save yourself some money and grab some Michelin Pilot Super Sport or even a set of Continental ExtremeContact DW. These tires are also horrible in the rain. Wet pavement isn’t that bad, but minor puddles or heavy rain they tend to hydroplane and lose traction. Road noise after heel/toe wear and cupping leads to a mild to loud whir like a wheel bearing is going. After putting the Blizzaks back on the noise has been extinquished. That’s saying a lot going form summer tires to winter tires being quieter.