[Will Pwr]

A few people asked me about the Nitto NT05's from my thread on the new Volks....so..after 1 month and about 1500+ miles of street use on my Nitto NT05s, I have nothing but good things to say about them. For a max-grip summer compound tire, I’m pretty impressed with combo of its great grip and daily street-ability. From using various brands and models of tires from Yokohama, Toyo, Falken, BFG, Nitto and Conti’s… I’ve seen the range of pluses and minuses of each that I’ve used. I was a bit skeptical in using the NT05s for street use, especially in the winter/rainy months, but with my 60+ mile-a-day commute and spurts of assertive driving they ended up to be a very good choice.

Initial Impressions:
Coming from a set of Toyo T1R’s, though not directly tire-class comparable, the NT05’s are much more aggressive in tire tread design and tread depth. When mounting them on my Volk CEs, I immediately noticed the sticker feel of compound and the stiffer sidewall. For those of us with rear 10.5 +22-25 Volks or comparable, running these 275s seem to offer a slightly fuller and less stretched look as the section width might be a bit wider than other 275’s.

Daily Drivability:
For a 200 treadwear, summer max performance tire they are not much, if any, noisier than the other 280-320 treadwear Ultra High Performance tires I have used…which to be honest, was a surprise to me. I have used other tires in that class and R compound tires and them being loud tires are an expected trait… but that’s one of the prices you pay for the level of performance. I’m not by any means saying it’s an R compound equal, but it’s a great street tire option for those willing to use daily use a 200 treadwear summer compound tire, let alone the more targeted market of weekend track cars and street class competitions.

Performance:
Dry - They offer great grip in straight line, as well in the limited aggressive cornering I’ve done with them. Steering input is smooth and steady from the stiffer sidewall and the tires don’t “talk” as much on hard turns.

Wet - The performance is good as I have not experienced any issues with using them in the wet conditions or the heavy rain this past month. Though I scale back how I drive when its wet, I still drive at a decent speed in the rain and haven’t experience and issues with slippage or fishtailing with them.

Overall:
I would buy these again. Yes, it’s a 200 treadwear summer compound tire and I drive 300+ miles a week, but they offer added traction with no real negative traits for daily driving. I haven’t had any issues with tramlining and they don’t emit any more noise than what I had with other Ultra High Performance tires. Though with the stiffer sidewall, they may not be the most comfortable option, but if you are used to the characteristics of run-flats or tires of this performance level, you will be more than happy with the streetability of the NT05. Prior to the NT05 release in 19s, my only option for tires in this class meant I had to go with 18in wheels…hence theses big plus for me as I want to run 19s for street and light track use. I wish these were around back in my 604 rwhp Supra days…but at least I know if I go FI on the M3, Ill have these tires =)

Ill get some more close up pics of tires from the street use and then from post track use soon...

245/35R19 Fronts & 275/30R19 Rears:

[vancouverM46]

wow i love the tread of that tire.... i would love to have a set of those tires, just ordered some Toyo T1Rs, maybe next set!

[ZsX5o2]

do you have rear spacers?

[M3MurkU]

i love the tires but they dont last for ****..........

[Makavelim3]

cool !! how much for the whole tire set ?

[denice25]

crazy tires! love them! so cool..

[Beach_Bum]

Originally Posted by M3MurkU

i love the tires but they dont last for ****..........

You have them?

[King Luis]

for a great post.

[mugenh22a4]

Good stuff. That's a SICK looking tread pattern on the NT05

[hossmp]

Thanks for the review and please keep us all posted. I have the Bridgestone RE-01R and its not a cheap tire. I do like the performance so I deal with the cost. If these are close to the same level as the Bridgestones it looks like Nitto will have another winner.

I currently have the NT-01 which has turned out be a great bargain r-comp its looking like I could be running mostly Nittos by the end of the season!