2020 Never-Mounted High-Performance Tire Recommendations

Tiremart.com has quite a few never-mounted high-performance tires to fit sports cars (even some Ferraris), sport sedans and coupes, compacts, family sedans, crossovers and SUVs in sets of four. Of course, you can buy a pair or individual tires.

You don’t need a high-performance vehicle to use high-performance tire, which look great, improve handling and withstand high operating temperatures better than more conventional tires.

Here are some options:

Medium and Large Cars, SUVs. Crossovers: BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2

This summer high-performance tire, available in never-mounted sets of four, is rated to 168 mph, depending on size. It has wide rain channels and grooves for excellent wet-weather grip, plus ample rubber in the contact patch for strong dry-road cornering and straight-line stability.  Size P245/45R19 fits many vehicles, many of them luxury brands, including but not limited to variants of the Acura RDX; Audi A6 and A7; BMW 535, 550, 640, 740, 745, 750, 760, X3 and X4; Buick La Crosse; Cadillac CT6, CTS and XTS; Chevrolet Camaro LT and Impala; Ford Mustang GT; Genesis G90; Hyundai Tucson; Infinity EX35, EX37 and QX50; Jaguar XJ, XJL and XJR; Kia K900 and Sportage; Lexus LX460 and LX600; Lincoln MKC; Maserati Quattroporte; Mercedes S-Class; and Tesla S.  

Small car: Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500

Make that small car stick with Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500 tires, available in sets of four never mounted. Size 205/45R16 fits the Mazda Miata roadster, the most affordable true sports car available in the U.S., and such economy cars as the Honda Fit and Fit Sport, the Hyundai Accent SE, and the Kia Rio SX and KiaRio5 SX. This is a summer high-performance tire rated for a top speed of 168 mph.

All Season: Cosmo MuchoMacho

Rated for speeds up to 186 mph, the Cosmo MM is available in a number of sizes in never-mounted sets of four. This economical Thai import carries an M+S rating reflecting its four-season traction. With its reasonable price and sporty looks, the Cosmo MM is a strong candidate for upsizing. Its asymmetrical tread boasts four circumferential channels that are extra wide for maximum protection against hydroplaning and slush. Variable horizontal grooves enhance drainage and bolster high-speed traction, and multidirectional sipes supply bite in foul and fair weather. Fitments include sports cars, sport coupes, performance sedans, hatchbacks, compacts, midsize vehicles and others.

Winter: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D

Never-mounted sets of four P295/30R19 Dunlop SP Wintersports fit several high-performance vehicles, including some variations of the Porsche 911, Mercedes SLR, Aston Martin, Audi R8 and Cadillac CTS. These are true winter tires, with aggressive blocks for snow and heavy zigzag siping for ice and packed snow. If the weather’s good, go ahead and have some fun, because there’s ample traction on dry surfaces. Drainage also is excellent, with wide channels and crisscrossing grooves. These tires are rated up to 168 mph.

40,000-Mile Warranty: Atlas Tire Force UHP

If you’re seeking a set of four never-mounted tires rated up to 149, 168 or 186 mph, depending on size, consider the Atlas Tire Force UHP. It’s an all-season radial that in many sizes carried by tiremart.com is warranted for 40,000 miles—rare in a tire with this kind of performance. (Note: Some sizes do not carry a mileage warranty.) The Force UHP tread has five ribs separated by four extra-wide drainage channels to ensure grip during on wet roads. The three interior ribs are solid for heightened response and stability at speed, and the outer and interior ribs have bug blocks for cornering traction. Zigzag sipes on the two outermost ribs add all-weather bite.

Some fit SUVs, crossovers and sedans, and some fit rims as big as 24 inches in diameter. With several low profiles available, the Force UHP is ideal for upsizing. Available sizes with the 40,000-mile warranty include P215/35R19 (V speed rating), P225/35R19 (W), P225/40R18 (Y), P225/40R19 (Y), P235/45R18 (Y), P235/50R17 (W), P245/45R17 (W), P245/50R18 (Y), P255/30R24 (W), P255/40R18 (Y), P255/40R18 (Y), P255/40R20 (W), 265/40R18 (Y) and P275/25R28 (W).

Check inventory

As always, when shopping never-mounted tires, check inventory, which can change daily with sales.