Tire Scouter

Best ultra high performance summer tires

Ultra-high-performance (UHP) summer tires are built for maximum warm-weather grip on sports cars and performance sedans. Soft, dry/wet-optimized compounds, wide contact patches, and W/Y speed ratings deliver the shortest braking distances and highest cornering limits of any street category short of track-focused rubber.

Spec scores are our estimates from five manufacturer specs, not road tests. Severe-snow rated models carry the three-peak mountain snowflake on at least one size. How we score

Models
291
Sizes
303
Spec score range
42–83
Severe-snow rated
27

Top 30 ultra high performance summer tires by spec score

Highest estimated spec score first. Each scale runs from the lowest to the highest score among the 229 scored ultra high performance summer tires (42 to 83).

How we score

  1. Continental ContiSportContact 5 SUV

    Best for wet-weather enthusiasts.

    83StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    420
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 significantly exceeds the ultra high performance summer average of 7.6, making it reliable in wet conditions.
    • Treadlife score of 8.3 is above the category average, suggesting longer-lasting performance compared to many competitors.
    • The R speed rating limits high-speed performance, which could be a concern for drivers seeking maximum velocity capabilities.

  2. Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    81StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    340
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 exceeds the category average of 7.6, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, aligning well with the demands of spirited driving.
    • The lack of a treadwear warranty could increase long-term costs, especially compared to competitors like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.

  3. Continental ExtremeContact DW

    Best for wet-weather performance enthusiasts.

    81StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    340
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 is significantly above the ultra-high-performance summer category average of 7.6, making it a strong choice for rainy conditions.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, which are respectable figures for spirited driving, though not at the very top of the segment.
    • Lack of a treadwear warranty means potential higher costs over time compared to competitors like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.

  4. Bridgestone Potenza Sport

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Perfect dry grip score of 10, surpassing the category average of 8.7, ideal for aggressive cornering and high-speed stability.
    • Wet grip rating of 9 is well above the category benchmark of 7.6, offering reliable performance in rainy conditions.
    • Average comfort and noise levels may deter those seeking a more refined and quiet driving experience.

  5. Bridgestone Potenza Sport RFT

    Best for enthusiasts driving in wet climates.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 is significantly above the category average of 7.6, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, providing reliable performance for spirited driving.
    • Lack of a treadwear warranty and lower treadwear rating may lead to more frequent replacements, increasing long-term costs.

  6. Falken Azenis FK510

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Perfect dry grip score of 10, surpassing the category average of 8.7, ensures exceptional performance on dry roads.
    • Wet grip rating of 9 is well above the category average of 7.6, making it reliable in wet conditions.
    • If noise and comfort are top priorities, consider alternatives like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.

  7. Falken Azenis FK510 SUV

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 outshines the category average of 7.6, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, offering reliable performance for spirited driving.
    • The lack of a treadwear warranty means potential higher long-term costs compared to competitors with mileage guarantees.

  8. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Top-notch dry grip and handling scores of 10, surpassing the ultra-high performance summer category average of 8.7.
    • Wet grip rating of 9 is well above the category average of 7.6, providing confidence in rainy conditions.
    • If a quieter ride is a priority, look elsewhere as noise levels are only average.

  9. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 RunOnFlat

    Best for wet-weather performance enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 significantly exceeds the category average of 7.6, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, aligning well with the segment's expectations for spirited driving.
    • Lack of a treadwear warranty could be a concern for drivers who prioritize tire longevity and cost predictability.

  10. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV

    Best for wet-weather performance enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 significantly exceeds the ultra-high performance summer category average of 7.6, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Dry grip and handling scores of 8 match the expectations for this segment, providing reliable performance on dry roads.
    • The R speed rating may not satisfy those seeking the highest speed capabilities typical of ultra-high performance summer tires.

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  1. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 RunOnFlat

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  3. Hankook Ventus V12 evo2

    Best for wet-weather enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    320
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  4. Nexen N FERA RU1

    Best for wet-weather enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    320
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  5. Nexen N FERA Sport SUV

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  6. Nexen NFERA Sport

    Best for dry weather enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  7. Nitto NT555 G2

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    320
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  8. Sumitomo HTR Z5

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    320
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  9. Vredestein Ultrac Pro

    Best for drivers in wet climates.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    320
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  10. Vredestein Ultrac Vorti+

    Best for wet-weather enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    320
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  11. Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3

    Best for performance-focused drivers.

    79Strong
    Warranty
    50k mi
    Treadwear
    560
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  12. Continental ContiSportContact 2

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    79StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  13. Continental ContiSportContact 3

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    79StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  14. Continental ContiSportContact 5 SSR SUV

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    79StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  15. Continental ContiSportContact 5P

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    79StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  16. Nitto Neo Gen

    Best for enthusiastic drivers.

    79StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  17. Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)

    Best for drivers in wet climates.

    79StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  18. Pirelli P Zero R

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    79StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  19. Pirelli P Zero Run Flat (PZ4)

    Best for wet-weather enthusiasts.

    79StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  20. Continental ContiSportContact 5

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    78Strong
    Warranty
    80k mi
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph

Popular brands in ultra high performance summer

The number beside each brand is how many of its models we analyze in this category.

About ultra high performance summer tires

The tradeoffs are real: treadwear ratings in this category are low (often 200–340), warranties are short or nonexistent, ride quality is firm, and the compound loses grip rapidly below roughly 45°F — driving UHP summers in near-freezing conditions is a genuine safety problem, not just a comfort one. They also tend to cost more per tire and wear faster under aggressive driving.

Choose UHP summer tires if you drive a performance car in a warm climate, or run a summer/winter two-set rotation. If you need one set year-round, look at the performance all-season category instead and accept the grip discount.

Frequently asked questions

What are ultra high performance summer tires best for?

Ultra High Performance Summer tires are best for drivers who want maximum warm-weather grip and braking for performance cars. The right choice still depends on your climate, vehicle, and whether you value comfort, tread life, or maximum traction most.

How do I choose the right ultra high performance summer tire?

Start with your vehicle fitment and climate, then compare price, warranty, category strengths, and special ratings like 3PMSF for snow use. Tire Scouter helps narrow the best ultra high performance summer options once you know your size or vehicle.

Are premium ultra high performance summer tires worth it?

Premium ultra high performance summer tires can be worth it if you care about wet braking, quieter ride quality, longer warranty coverage, or better cold-weather performance. Budget options can still make sense when price matters most, but they usually involve tradeoffs.

Ultra high performance summer buying guides

Summer vs all-season tires

Where summer tires lose grip, the cold-cracking risk, and what all-season tires trade for their range.

Read the guide

Speed rating chart

A practical chart for common tire speed ratings and what they mean for everyday driving.

Read the guide

Changing tire size

Plus-sizing and alternate sizes: diameter limits, load and speed ratings, and speedometer error.

Read the guide

Find ultra high performance summer tires for your vehicle

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