Background:
Had 225-35-19's fitted to S3 (8P) with Giac Stg1, VWR filter and VWR front springs. Previous rubber was GY Assy's in same size. Fitted from new in March 2010 my car has covered 16k miles ( GIAC'd since 1k ) and tyres taken off still had 3.5mm tread ( rotated front to rear at 9k ) They were still performing very well in dry and wet, but due to garage marking my wheels when fitting springs, i got a new set and decided to change tyres at same time.
Now i'm no ringmeister or track hound but hope the following helps the 'average' fast driver. We have some nice roads in the NE of Scotland.
Initial impressions were steering was lighter, ride a tad comfier but a bit noisier. Because of the lightness point i thought that the pressures must be at least where they should be............wrong Once adjusted at next garage to my usual spec ( 35fr & 38rr ) my initial thoughts still stood, bit surprised. So over the weekend i took it easy for first 50 miles or so and then started upping the pace where possible. Now covered 200 miles and i'm getting more impressed each time i jump back in the car.
Weight is slightly lower, but it remains constant throughout the turn. You know exactly what is going on and don't have to 'adjust' at every little change. It sticks to the line. On power corners is where you really notice the difference, these things just grip, grip and grip. Full power exits off roundabouts doesn't even try to slide the car, just railed. Even the other half doesn't go for the grab handle as the car isn't sliding she feels safer. The fact that i'm going faster than normal out of corners is irrelevant, well other than the fact that SHE is now sliding and prising her left cheek off the window
So slow, medium speed corners have the same improvement.
Braking and accelerating are just as bomb proof, but again it's the feel that's so confidence inspiring. When you do get the rear to break, and that only the 'hoof it off' approach and the back slides out VERY progressively, again better than the GY's.
Price wasn't too bad for Michie's at circa £900 fitted. This compares with £650-680 for GY Assy's. so as long as they last me a year i'll be happy.
I'll update next time i see rain and have had chance to see how they cope.
Oh, and they're a nice looking tyre too........if you're into that thing
