Load rating and speed rating are different. I don't think a V rated tyre would pose a safety risk, but I accept the potential insurance problem.

Completely serious question - I see here and on the Jag forum some people swear by Toyo tyres. However, I have never seen a particularly good professional review of a Toyo. They seem to be average at best and often have poor wet performance. On top of that, they seem to wear out fast. Price-wise, there is little difference either. So why the following?

I've had dozens of T1-Rs on my Coupe and I've just bought another pair to replace the Conti SC3s that I've trashed in very short order.

The T1-R seems to be quite car-sensitive - on some cars, they are very average and on others, they provide very good grip and decent feedback. They seem to suit a Coupe quite well. There are definitely better tyres out there, but usually at a much higher price.

Despite 400+ bhp, I get 12,000+ from fronts and 20,000+ from rears

So - I'd say its the three-way balance between price, performance and durability that makes them popular amongst the semi-sporty car fraternity

OK, fair viewpoint

However, is the price usually that much better? For example, the top Dunlop (Sportmaxx RT) in the std. coupe size only seems to be about 10 Pounds more and is by no means a bad tyre, looking at a number of fairly recent tests. In Germany, the price difference is usually even smaller, so I would tend to go with the more famous tyre that has also tested better.

I can't say if the RTs are really good as I'm not confident enough with the XKR to really push it and they are not new (on car when I got it). However, they don't seem to be a bad choice, being quiet and comfortable too (or is that the car?).

The Contis I have had have not worn well either!

I think Nigel’s on to something there, about the Toyos suiting some cars better than others. They feel good on my Coupé so far, for fast road use in the dry and the wet.

Thanks for the advice.

I think now it's between:

Dunop SportMaxx RT OR Toyo T1-R in 205 50 R6 W/Y

They are the same price fitted around £340-50.

Also consider the Toyo Proxes T1 Sport - seems to be better all round than the T1-R, but you might struggle to find any in 205/50 16

Go with the Dunlops and tell us what they are like on the Fiat

The Dunlop seems to have out scored the Toyo T1 Sport a few times and that is a better tyre than the T1-R in the Toyo range.

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2012-Auto-Bild-Max-Performance-Tyre-Test.htm

https://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tests/re...rcePageId=31821

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2014-Auto-Zeitung-Summer-Tyre-Test.htm

Actually, it’s Toyo Proxes CF2 that I have. Should have said, sorry.

http://www.toyo.co.uk/tire/pattern/proxes-cf2

Went with the Dunop SportMaxx RTs....fitting Tuesday, will let you know what they are like.