Max Performance Summer tires are for serious driving enthusiasts who want a combination of a performance appearance, competent handling and Z-speed rated (orhigher) durability with enhanced dry and wet traction. Often used as Original Equipment (O.E.) on powerful sports cars, performance coupes and high performancesedans, Max Performance Summer tires are not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.
O.E. Max Performance Summer tires are typically purchased as direct replacements for worn-out pairs/sets of thevehicle’s original tires. They can also be used for other vehicle applications in complete sets of four or axle pairs if available in an appropriate size, loadrange and speed rating to match the existing O.E. tires’ performance category and specifications.
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.
These came stock on my 2019 Subaru 2019 WRX STI. Ran them on the Track in a HPDE in both hot/dry conditions and then during a downpour. I never lost traction in either condition and was specifically impressed by the wet traction performance. While ALL the other cars on the track slowed down for the conditions I was able to maintain pretty decent speeds with them, rarely loosing any amount of traction.
As far as ride comfort on daily driving, these are Max Performance tires and feel much like others. Bumpy rides feel like bumpy rides but the responsiveness of the tires makes of for this.
These came as the O.E. tire for my 2019 STI. I purchased this car almost exclusively with the intent of participating in autocross. I have been impressed with their ability to cope with the heat and intensity of autocross. Originally I had the tire pressures at 38psi starting temperature to prevent rolling onto the sidewalls. I quickly learned that this tire will overheat if you run those pressures. I dropped pressures down to 28psi cold and around 31psi hot. The tire does not rollover and it does not overheat. What this tire does do is squeal very loud. Taking this tire to the limit you get a very audible warning as soon as you go over the limit. The tire response continues linearly but dang is it chatty.
Steering response is also incredibly direct. Either by virtue of the 35 profile or the sidewall stiffness, the turn in is immediate and direct. Steering response is also fantastic without any vague feeling anywhere, except at the very upper limits of the tire’s performance profile.
Word of warning, these tires are also loud during highway driving. Driving around town the road noise is typical, but as soon as the speeds go over 60mph it becomes very apparent. They were loud when they were new and after ten or so heat cycles they are getting more loud.
Not sure I’ll get these again as there are better options from other vendors for a lower price, including Yokohama themselves.