Review of sorts - Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec

[Sasquatch]

I ran my first autox on them today. There was no shortage of grip even with air temps in the low to mid 60’s. Much more control than I am used to while running on Falken Azenis RT615s (two sets in two years). I do not think I have ever used the brake pedal as well as I was able to today. The Falkens have a tendency to start to roll over onto the sidewall; the Z1’s were clearly not as likely to do so. Once I get more seat time this season I will likely find how to use the extra grip more effectively.

These tires exceeded my expectations … and my driving ability today. Get them.

[devilfluff]

This is very encouraging.

My set should have shipped from Tirerack, yesterday. I'm hoping to have them installed and ready to go Sunday at South Jersey's second AX of the season.

After running last season on beat Fuzions and this year's first event on my winter Pirelli's, I'm very excited to get on course with some grip.

[Sasquatch]

After running last season on beat Fuzions and this year's first event on my winter Pirelli's, I'm very excited to get on course with some grip.

You will be excited beyond belief.

[devilfluff]

They are installed. They were almost a full inch wider than the Fuzion ZRi's that were replaced. ~9" vs 8" across the tread

I was pleased with how stiff the sidewall feels. I will be very surprised if tire rollover is an issue at all. It did make mounting them a li'l more challenging.

I've only given them a couple of fair speed curves, but on the best hill-curve in the notoriously straight and flat area I live in, they didn't make a peep. This is even more reason for optimism.

I'll update my feelings/observations after tomorrow's SJR A-X

[orvtech]

I ran my first autox on them today. There was no shortage of grip even with air temps in the low to mid 60’s. Much more control than I am used to while running on Falken Azenis RT615s (two sets in two years). I do not think I have ever used the brake pedal as well as I was able to today. The Falkens have a tendency to start to roll over onto the sidewall; the Z1’s were clearly not as likely to do so. Once I get more seat time this season I will likely find how to use the extra grip more effectively.

These tires exceeded my expectations … and my driving ability today. Get them.

Are you still happy with those tires ? (for AutoX, i dont care about daily driver feeling)

[Sasquatch]

The Star Specs are #1

... here anyway

Tire Test: Nine Affordable Summer Tires Take On the Michelin PS2 - Tires/Comparison Test/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver

[Sinister]

it's because they didn't review the RE-11's... The bridgestones they reviewed were crap. I cant believe they reviewed autoX tires next to them.

[devilfluff]

After a discussion with JR, he concluded that the Dunlops & Bridgestones are different, but pretty much equal.

[wrx wagone]

After a discussion with JR, he concluded that the Dunlops & Bridgestones are different, but pretty much equal.

and for street driving, I'd go with the Dunlops any day and twice on Sunday.

[Sinister]

After a discussion with JR, he concluded that the Dunlops & Bridgestones are different, but pretty much equal.

and for street driving, I'd go with the Dunlops any day and twice on Sunday.

I had the RE-01R's and they were incredible, but quite noisy. Is that what you mean when you say the dunlops are better on the street?

The RE-01Rs actually felt more comfortable than my Pilot Sport A/S that I put on for the winter. I was shocked.

So you say for DD dunlops... what about track/autoX?

I definitely know for a fact that I've never driven on a tire that was better in the rain than the RE-01R.



(BTW... I have 0 experience with the RE-11... just it's predecessor the RE-01R)

[Sasquatch]

it's because they didn't review the RE-11's... The bridgestones they reviewed were crap. I cant believe they reviewed autoX tires next to them.

How much are the RE-11s? They were going for affordable.

Just checked - $183 at Tire Rack. This is above the price level they were using for the test.

[SD_GR]

I definitely know for a fact that I've never driven on a tire that was better in the rain than the RE-01R.

Have you tried the F1 GS-D3? They're the ones with the chevron pattern but without a middle groove at all, they look a lot like competition intermediates. Soft sidewall, quiet. Brilliant in the rain.

[Sasquatch]

Have you tried the F1 GS-D3? They're the ones with the chevron pattern but without a middle groove at all, they look a lot like competition intermediates. Soft sidewall, quiet. Brilliant in the rain.

They were the first tire I had on my WRX. Great street / rain tires, but a sidewall that is too soft for autox.