I have ordered my 2014, due April/May 2013...

Sterling Gray Coupe
Full tape delete
Track Package
Performance Package
Recaro seats

I live in Michigan, so I imagine my driving will be limited to April - November! Because it comes with Goodyear Supercar tires, I know that I will probably want to save them for the track.

At this point, I'm thinking it makes the most sense to get a set of wheels and tires that can provide as much all-season traction as possible, especially in colder temps but knowing that I will not need snow traction (since it will be stored).

I appreciate any recommendations for tires to consider, as well as wheels!

Thanks!

 

Congrats!! i have no recommendation on tires though.... I live in Tampa, FL !!

 

Tire Rack shows that Michelin makes the Pilot Super Sport (Max Performance Summer) for a tire that might work well. It does specifically state that it is not for use near or below freezing.

 

Thats any summer rated tire as the traction goes away significantly below 40 degrees.

That said, I've driven both the gen 1 super car tires and the BFG G-Force KDW in below freezing temps (in the 20's) with no ill effect other than a loss of traction due to the cold temps.

That said twice even, I've seen what happens to a summer tire in sub zero temps and it isn't pretty. The rubber literally shatters in extremely cold weather (although the casing materials stay intact).

In moderately cold weather (the 30's to 40's) you will be fine on a good if your driving sensibly, in inclement weather you'll want to excersize caution and doublely so if you get some white stuff by chance.

Another option would be to see if a smaller diameter rim will fit on your car and look for the next most appropriately sized all-season tires.

 

Also, the tire from vibration actually warms up. So yes they don't recommend summer tires below 40 deg. F you can drive them safely as long as you behave yourself. Now driving in snow is a different animal.

Bob gave great advice on driving in sub-zero temps with summer tires...something I would no nothing about since I live in Los Angeles.




Dave

 

A quick search on tire rack reveals that if you're willing to go with a different tire brand front and rear there are some winter/snow tires that fit the oem wheels. If you're going to be driving that car in near freezing temps I wouldn't recommend chancing it with the Goodyear supercar tires.

 

I know a few '13 GT500 owners that have switched over to the Michelin Pilot Super Sports and really like them. I just sent my PP wheels off to Weldcraft right there in Michigan to have them widened to 11" and will run Nitto NT05R 315s on them. Either way you will probably want to get rid of the stock tires.

 

Just an update, Weldcraft charges $250 per wheel. They also have a 3-4 week turn around time, couple that with shipping and you will be out wheels for up to 6 weeks.

 

I drive my BFG G-force year round. They've seen 12 degrees, and drove just fine. I wouldn't recommend pushing them to hard in below freezing, but they work well in rain or shine.