This might seem like an unusual question to some, but I'm actually looking for a tire to get me through the wet/cold seasons that has higher treadlife in comparison to the high performance/dry weather tires normally equipped on these cars. I've seen a lot of literature about good performance tires for 19" wheels, and plan to try out the Michelins or Bridgestones, but I live in Seattle and was curious as to what you guys might recommend for a good sporty tire for the wetter months here.

If it's just wet that you're worried about, the OEM tires are great; if it's temp<40 deg or snow, then you need another option. I would guess that most people who drive their Caymans in 4 seasons (like me), invest in a set of winter/snow tires. Also, if you want to stay with the Porsche N-spec tires, your choices are very limited, especially with 19" (I checked on Tire Rack and didn't even see 19" winter tires in CS size).

If you don't care about keeping to the N-spec, I would look for some ultra-high performance all-season tires; but there again, you will have a hard time finding them in the stock sizes at 19". (Tire Rack has Goodyear F1s and Yoko Advan AS in 18" sizes).

__________________
My Blogs
2006 CS Tip (Daily Driver & Part-time Track Toy)
2005 Ford Expedition (to haul the CS)
2006 Lexus RX400h (wifey's)
Gone, but not forgotten: 2002 WRX, 2004 MINI

I recommend the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta; the tire won number 2 in Evo Magazine's recent tire test; beat out the Bridgestone RE050A, Conti Sport Contact 3 and the Michelin PS2 because of its incredibly high marks in wet traction, ride quality and comfort, and high treadwear rating. If you read around other car forums, such as corvette forums, g35 forums, etc, the tires are very highly recommended; google them. The tires are also very inexpensive, at least compared to the Michelin PS2s. I'd recommend the 245/35/19 & 275/35/19 sizing, as 265/35/19 is not available even though 235/35/19 is.

On the other hand, the number one tire out these days in the Max Performance Segment is the Goodyear Eagle Assymetric; Popular Mechanic's product of the year, winner the Evo Tire Test, winner of all the Tire Rack tests it has been in... but it's not yet available in proper 19'' sizes for the Cayman; you have to get 245/35/19, 275/30/19 which leaves a bit of a gap in the rear between the fender and wheel, and the ride is a little more rough... though this is the sizing I use and I don't mind it. The Goodyear does better in the treadwear department than the PS2 and Bridgestone as well.

- Suneet

__________________
- Suneet