Tires: Sumitomo HTR Z

[cuisinartvette]

Its the new tire garbage wearing off. Mine smelled the same after I first got her home. I also smelled something funny right after I left the shop that installed them...... Probably had something to do with lighting them up in front of the place, didn't want to look ghey driving down the street with those labels flapping from the treads.

[Patton]

jesus,...

Okay anyways,... I've been wanting to give you who read this thread an update on these tires. I have put them through the paces (about 300 miles) and they dont smell like crap anymore =D>
However I have some bad news, after really getting to know this tire I have found that they just do not perform to my level of satisfaction. Thats not to say that they are not worth $410 for all 4 installed. They most definetley are. However I have one serious gripe, just one! SIDEWALL SUPPORT, or lack thereof. The sidewalls are very squishy and can give you an uneasy feeling while pushing the envelope. For example quick direction changes like changing lanes abruptly over 80-90mph can cause the car to unnervingly yaw side to side. Through very high speed turns, like on-ramps, the car sticks like glue but you can conciously feel the gushyness of the sidewalls. Which makes the thought of a quick correction scary. Oversteer is very controllable and begins gradually and does not violently let go but suprizingly holds contant (wihtout horribly incorrect throttle application) even in extreme situations. Understeer becomes a little skiddish at the extreme.

Basically the tire is sticky as all hell but just to damn mushy in the sidewalls. Dissapointing because thats my ONLY gripe. However for 400 bucks I am in NO WAY complaining!!! Just honestly giving my opinion.

Also keep in mind that this opinion was formed while engine was in normal mode.