Hankook RS-3 Version 2
 

I just saw these on tirerack.com Not sure if it's been posted yet. Here is their blurb:

"Beginning with 2014 production (DOT ending in "14"), Hankook Tire introduced a new updated tread compound for Ventus R-S3 tires. In order to help identify them, we've nicknamed Ventus R-S3 tires produced after the beginning of 2014 as "Version 2" (even though it will not be branded on the tire''s sidewall, nor printed on its label).

Ventus R-S3 (Version 2) (Z222) Extreme Performance Summer tires were developed for serious sports car, sports coupe and performance sedan enthusiasts looking for race-minded street tires that can also meet the demands of autocross, drifting and track events. Designed to further reduce the performance gap between street and track tires, the Ventus R-S3 (Version 2), like all summer tires, is not intended to be driven through snow, on ice or in near-freezing temperatures.

The new updated Racing Carbonblack Silica Compound (RCSC) technology allows the Ventus R-S3 (Version 2) to retain its 200 Treadwear UTQG rating, as well as reach favorable operating temperatures quicker produce more grip in damp/wet conditions.

The tire's directional tread design is comprised of large shoulder blocks, notched intermediate ribs and a wide center rib to deliver constant road contact and enhance the tire''s handling capabilities. While wide circumferential center grooves, narrower outboard grooves and multiple lateral grooves help evacuate water to promote wet traction, longitudinal and lateral hydroplaning resistance will be challenged if heavy rain or standing water is encountered. Drivers should drive cautiously at reduced speeds in these conditions.

The tire's internal structure includes two wide steel belts reinforced by nylon to provide strength and high-speed capability while two-ply polyester sidewalls help resist lateral direction to provide responsive handling and cornering stability."


I'm wondering if they are going to be any better than the old RS-3's. Of course I find this when I'm about to pull the trigger on some ZII's. >.<

RS3s were great as a street able track tire but horrible street only tire. Wonder what they really changed.

I assume the RS3 Version 2 is going to be a better daily street tire than before. If Hankook is saying better wet traction and a lower operating temp, I'm thinking heat tolerance may be sacrificed a bit, though.

That's what I'm afraid of...

I was dead set that R-S3 was going to be my choice for this season before they announced the Version 2 compound change and all the version 1's were gone... I decided I was not going to be that guinea pig.

They have changed the rubber compound so it warms up to optimum temperatures more quickly. That is what I have read anyway.

I still have an almost new set of V1s, can't wait to get them out, I used to be a Direzza guy myself.

Yea but they aren't going to tell you what they sacrificed to accomplish that.


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That would be disappointing. I picked up some wheels and had it narrowed to the Rivals, ZII's and RS-3's. It sounds like these will heat up faster which could be good, but I wonder what negative effects that will cause.

I may just end up going with the ZII's while they still have a $50 rebate.

All the top street tires are so close. The ZII is now discontinued, so you might want to pull the trigger before all the good sizes are gone. I'm taking a wait-and-see approach to the new Hankooks, but I'm definitely considering them.

I think i'm sticking with the zIIs until some IRWC reviews are done.

Z2 are discontinued? What are its' successor?

ZII Star Spec, est. available Nov 2014.

I did that last night.