Potenza S-03's
 

Warning....

Don't get too brave with these tires until they warm up, especially in colder weather (Chicago). Spun my 2000 ES on these today going too hot into a left-hander. No damage and didn't flat spot them. These tires grip like super-glue on skin when they are warmed up, but when they're cold...can't push them to the limit!

Actually, I guess it's good advice for any tire to be more careful as the temps drop.

Regards,

Pete

Very true...

My dad has the S-O3's on his saab. You must warm them up before driving. Speedypt have you had them in the rain yet? I know there great on the Saab, i was just wondering how they acted on a Protege. I will be getting them after the stocks wear out.


Later

S-03's
 

They are absolutely fantastic in the rain. Great grip and zero hydroplaning even in the heaviest of downpours.

I love the tires and fully expect to get about 30-35k on them...which compared to the 22k I got out of the stock RE92's is a whole lot better.

Regards,

Pete

The S-03s are apparently very similar in performance to the RE040s on the Mazdaspeed Protege. The Lexus IS300 and the Audi S4 (if I recall correctly) have come from the factory with both. The S-03s might be better in the wet and I believe they are a slightly more advanced tread design, but I think they are the same compund. What's the treadwear rating on the S-03s?

Bridgestone S-03s aren't OE tires. The IS300 comes with either Bridgestone RE040s or Goodyear GS-Ds (and one other Yokohama tire). The RE040s are worth about 0.05g on the skidpad over the other tires (on the IS300).

Most Audi's come with either Michelin or Dunlop tires.

I stand corrected. Apparently the S-03s are a popular choice to replace the OE RE040s on both the IS300 and S4 (when they wear out after 12k miles or so :)) The Audi S4s and TTs have come with RE040s, however, as well as other tires, I'm sure.

Well, you learn something new every day.:)

Every test of an Audi (other than the Allroad) I'd seen in the last couple of years had spec'd either Dunlop SP8000E, SP8080E or SP9090 (OE versions of the SP8000 and SP9000). But sure enough, at least the first year TT Quattros (225hp model) came on RE040s. I guess they were going for max (magazine) skidpad numbers on that model.

S-03 Treadwear rating
 

Is 220 on the sidewall.