Sven Posted September 10, 2003 Report Share Posted September 10, 2003 Hi Everybody, I just acquired an S8 ('01) and have made the deal it will be delivered with 4 new tires, for which I have to pay half-price. The present tires are basically okay, but not great, therefore the dealer has made this deal. (Weird sentence...) Anyway, I'm not sure which tires to choose. I have seen the new Vredestein Ultrac, they look cool, and tests seem to bee good too, but I have no experience with Vredestein and it is only shortly since they supply (upmarket) performance tyres. Price is okay as well. Treadwear is a question mark for me, since these tires are just new on the market. Dunlop SP9000 has been recommended by the dealer, the tyres seem okay, good looking (not as good as the Ultrac though), and it has won some tests I think. Plus it has Y speed mark (300KM/H), while Ultrac has W (270KM/H). Treadwear is supposedly good. Conti SportContact 2 is said to be very good, but also significantly more expensive. (and it looks a bit...ehh.. dull?) Who has experience with these tires on the S8 and can give me some good advice? (asap please, dealer is awaiting my call) Many thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidicks Posted September 10, 2003 Report Share Posted September 10, 2003 Do Toyo do any tyres for the S8 ? I've had the Toyo Proxy T1-S on my S3 for a few months now and am very impressed. Maybe ask Blackcircle for a quote ?? Sidicks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted September 11, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 Toyo T1-S is a handsome tyre! Also available in 245/45 18. What I don't understand is why the speedmark differs with size. The size I need is 'W' while 235 and 255 are 'Y'. As long as the electronic limiter is active that's no problem, but I'm pondering on a Chiptuning. In that case the limiter will be deactivated as well. Then a 'Y' mark tyre may become relevant. (Thus far that means the SP9000 will have an advantage). Blackcircle won't do for me I guess, since I'm on the continent. I will phone a local tyre dealer tomorrow anyway, so I'll ask about the Toyo as well. Thanx 4 your reply! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted September 11, 2003 Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 Shouldnt they be a z mark for a chipped S8???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted September 11, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 [ QUOTE ] Shouldnt they be a z mark for a chipped S8???? [/ QUOTE ] Mwah, I think 300KM/H will (have to) do for now... Z mark is even harder to find (haven't seen them yet on the web), and therefore they probably come with a huge price tag... I guess I will go 4 the Dunlop SP9000 or maybe Michelin Pilot Sport (both 245/45 ZR18 96 Y TL). Strange enough the Toyo's are more expensive here. Michelin and Dunlop come at +/- the same price, where the Dunlop wins in looks (imho) and Michelin comes recommended by two tyre centres, as it has supposedly better handling in wet conditions. Not entirely unimportant either... Greetz! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted September 11, 2003 Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 Ah sorry - there was me showing my ignorance - I thought the rating was the ZR bit ie 245x45 ZR 18 with the Z being the rating....... Oh well just ignore me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted September 11, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 [ QUOTE ] Ah sorry - there was me showing my ignorance - I thought the rating was the ZR bit ie 245x45 ZR 18 with the Z being the rating....... Oh well just ignore me. [/ QUOTE ] Well, y'r not that ignorant, most people think that, and the manufacturers do make it rather complicated... ZR is indeed the speedmark for high speed, but then there are the indications for different speeds above 240KMH / 149MPH. (Also, for example: 245/45 18 ZR V (240KMH), W (270KMH), or Y (300KMH)) See chart Greetz! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted September 11, 2003 Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 Cool - thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted September 11, 2003 Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 Oh and I hope we see some pictures inthe Gallery soon as I love the S8. Instead of spending money on the tyres did you not fancy saving for the new S8 20" alloys? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidicks Posted September 11, 2003 Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 [ QUOTE ] the new S8 20" alloys? [/ QUOTE ] sidicks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted September 11, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 [ QUOTE ] Oh and I hope we see some pictures inthe Gallery soon as I love the S8. Instead of spending money on the tyres did you not fancy saving for the new S8 20" alloys? [/ QUOTE ] Hmm, that would probably lead to a divorce... Since I already spent a bundle on the car. My girl was perfectly happy with our Chevy Silverado, but since I was so kind at the time () to buy this Truck she picked instead of the gorgeaus Porsche 993 Carrera I picked, because she hated the "heavy" clutch (Women... ), I had some leverage now to pursue the S8 with Tiptronic. (Just barely though... ) (Nothing bad said about the loyal, strong, impressive, relaxed and luxurious Chevy, but after a while I get the need 4 speed again). Must say though that the Tiptronic on the S8 is far superior to the 993's Tiptronic. I tried that at the time, in an attempt to find a solution to her objection to the 993 clutch, but was not impressed to say the least. So, 20" maybe later, something for the wish list. Though I don't need the extra attention from the ever increasing amount of hoodlums pouring in the country. Therefore I'm glad with my "Stealth" S8, without even the S8 badges. A shame in a way, but for my previous Porsche I had to buy about three badges a year, apart from the damage on the paintjob... I'll see about the pictures, if I can upload them somewhere. Anyway, it's a black pearl beauty, with grey leather/alcantara interior, full options, TV, Navi+, etc. I can hardly wait... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted September 11, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 By the way, which wheels do you mean exactly, I haven't seen any original new S8 20" wheels yet. (nor a new S8) Do you have a picture somewhere? For aftermarket these AEZ's aren't half bad either... (shown on older model) ( web page - Choose configurator if the picture shows no wheels) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted September 11, 2003 Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 We have a gallery here where you can upload some pics of your car, select gallery from teh menu at the top and then readers cars, and then album audi, of follow this link: http://www.tyresmoke.net/gallery/album03 As for the 20" wheels, you can see some on a used Audi just here: Audi S8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopsta Posted September 11, 2003 Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 S8 = Ronin... absolutely cracking car ! Welcome to Tyresmoke Sven Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted September 11, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 Thanx Guys! These are kickass wheels indeed! Better than the aftermarket wheels, but probably mucho € too. ([email protected]: Oh, dear , check out these wheels... .... ) Yeah, just watched Ronin again for the occasion... (thank u KLite+). Same colour and all as well. I just hope mine lasts a bit longer. But I'm dying to give this baby a thorough test-drive. A nice opportunity to do some sightseeing in Germany... Will make some pics soon, R U interested in some other cool S8 wallpapers & other pics? You may know them, but I found some good ones on the web. I like your blue baby as well Hopsta, the new wheels look great! Where are the pics of your pride and joy Shao? I see many great cars (I like the TT a lot!) but no pics of your special! I'm curious how this car looks with the all these modifications. Sven Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted September 11, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 [ QUOTE ] Where are the pics of your pride and joy Shao? I see many great cars (I like the TT a lot!) but no pics of your special! I'm curious how this car looks with the all these modifications. [/ QUOTE ] Never mind, I saw it in the album (just not on your website). Looking cool! TTR yours too? BTW, I couldn't resist to ask for a quote on the 20"... Let's wait and see... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted September 12, 2003 Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 TTr was mine - but sold it - got fed up with it being in the dealer all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted September 12, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 [ QUOTE ] TTr was mine - but sold it - got fed up with it being in the dealer all the time. [/ QUOTE ] That bad huh? So much for German "Gründlichkeit"... Is that a TTR problem, or was this a "monday car" perhaps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted September 12, 2003 Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 Actually with personnal experience I am begging to believe that German build quality doesnt exist - it is just clever marketing. I think my next car will be Japanese. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3Floyd Posted September 12, 2003 Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 even the new Toyota Yaris is built in France, though I was one of the lucky ones that got one of the last real Jap models From experience, i've found that although the German build quality is not to the standards of the Japanese, it's much better than the French (Pug, shiteroen, etc) and the English (MGR, Trevor <sorry Bison!>) Overall i think you still get decent build quality but i've come to question whether it's worth paying the premium for an Audi when you can pick up a Seat of equivalent spec and build quality for much, much less. I think VAG has made a bit of a mistake there. If the S3 goes, i'll probably be looking at either a Toyota Celica (cos i like the styling, not fussed about the performance) or a Seat Cupra R. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted September 12, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 For me the Gerry's still make the best cars, if you want style, 'Sportlichkeit', class and an immaculate eye for detail. The British make some beautiful cars as well, I always liked the Jaguar, and had quite a few, but if you want to get your dealer REALLY good you have to buy a Jag... (Although the later models are supposedly much more reliable). In fact I glanced at an XJR as well, but the S8 has - obviously - won on points. (Alum body, Quattro, more room, MUCH more options, Tiptronic, and... the German 'feel' in handling, finishing etc.) I just hope it will prove to be as reliable as it feels. If you really want low maintenance, get a big V8 American car. They virtually never stop running. A Jap is just not me, no offence, but I don't like 'em. Tried a few times to overcome my prejudice, but no luck. But they are reliable and technically sound. But - for me - that's all there is to it. By the way, - after reading huge amounts of reviews -the winner is.... (the tyre that is... ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted September 12, 2003 Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 Which one is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted September 12, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 [ QUOTE ] Which one is it? [/ QUOTE ] Dunlop SP9000 ZR 245-45 R 18 96Y I read a formidable amount of reviews on both the SP9000 and the Michelin Pilot Sport, where Dunlop got the better reviews and has great wet weather performance, plus the better sidewall/wheel protection. So... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Posted September 14, 2003 Report Share Posted September 14, 2003 Sven, welcome to the site mate!!! hope you enjoy it! be sure to make it to one of our meetings and let the boys and girls DREWL onto your mighty beast!!!! COOL!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted September 14, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2003 Thanks Blue! It's great to feel welcome! I'd enjoy to come to one of the meets! I won't make it to this one though, since the delivery of my S8 is planned that day. I'd have to get on a boat or by traintunnel to get there, so that'll be a stretch to make it in time... But maybe next time! BTW, regarding your sig, R you Belgian by any chance? That's a bit closer to where I'm at... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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