Yokohama S-Drive

(Comparison from Tirerack is here )

Yokohama S-Drive - 245/40/18 - $163 each on Tire Rack

This was probably one of the best purchases for my car yet. At Liberty, as stated in my control arm post, we finally narrowed down what was wrong with the car in terms of constantly pulling to a certain side, and it was tire pull. The tread was terrible on it anyways, and the tires never really felt that good. But once these puppies were on, my perspective completely changed over all. First off, I got wider specification then stock (stock is 225, I got 245). This is as wide as you can go on the stock wheel for the RX-8. The difference in the grip and the feeling is literally, night and day. Before I would feel very unconfident in my driving ability and how I was taking turns, but with these tires, I can really push the car to limits or drive comfortably on the streets without fear of suddenly losing grip. The pressure I like to keep it at is right around 36.

I've personally compared this set to the Dunlop Direzza Star Spec (the one compared on Tire Rack) and I'd say they're right in their comparision. The Yokohama's are great for tread life while keeping the high performance, but the Dunlops, for only $180, are insane grip and just feel solid at all times. I'm pleased with my purchase of my first set of performance tires. These should take care of me when I try autocrossing for the first time.

Best Motoring International - Racing Bonanza

Of the Best Motorings I have reviewed so far, I would say I like this one the least. There really was no particular car focus here, or even a Touge Showdown, as it all was really scattered and different segments. The exotic car run wasn't that bad, as well as the "Hot Hatch" battle, but really, the only thing I found amusing was the "JDM FR Face Off". Featured the Sports Prestige Limited RX-8 (Shinka in US) and a Mazdaspeed RX-8 ver. 2. Great battle, and showed the great overall balance of the RX-8's while other cars experienced brake fading, or other conditions. Watching this episode really made me wish I had a Sports Prestige instead of a normal RX-8, but I suppose at somepoint with all the tuning I have in mind, mine will surpass that and more.

Again, not a Best Motoring I'd really recommend unless you're interested in the luxury car segment, or others. The JDM face off was good, but not worth the whole DVD.