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I have the bridgestones and have run several hundred miles on them, Keeping an eye on tire pressures. They seem to be doing fine they look a little bit stretched but handle perfectly normally.
The car feels perfectly fine,
I won't be doing any 125 miles an hour runs in them. Blood rather than have the card cooped up over the winter!!
You're right that Tirerack's data is messed up right now (was different last week). But if you look at Michelin site and look here (I also added it to my attachment):
There are a bunch of different part numbers for 305/30/20 and most recommend max width of 11.5". However, if you scroll down (sizes not in order) look at part number 79734 (which is the N1 for our cars) the max is 12" (click on Down arrow on right margin to expand data).
Also, I'm attaching a file with screen shots of Tirerack's data that shows blank for N1 (use Michelin data above instead), but you can see that max is 11.5 rim for Ferrari and Audi, but Mercedes version allows up to 12" (so does N0 and N1 for GT3).
Damon, thanks for the detailed explanation. It's pretty confusing because the 295 Alpins actually look a lot better mounted on the 12 inch wheel than the 305 bridgestones. Also adding to the confusion is that porsche dealers regularly install the 295 alpins on the GT3 wheels. I've even heard them say that the 295 alpins are the ONLY winter tire porsche authorizes for the GT3.
Again, it shows the attention that Porsche places on not only making sure the tire performs well, but LOOKS right on the car. Another perfect example is Pirelli: the non N spec 295/30 20 Sottozero 3 has a 10.1" tread width. By comparison, the N Rated 295/30 20 Winter 240 Sotozero has a 12" tread width! Same size and brand! One is N rated, one isn't!
If I was a betting man, I'd bet my lunch money that if anyone else came out with a performance all season tire in that 305 size that wasn't N rated, it would be as skinny as that Bridgestone is. I'm kinda bummed that it isn't a little wider. They would be perfect on an 11" wheel.
Last edited by brad@tirerack.com; 11-15-2018 at 12:18 PM.
I have the bridgestones and have run several hundred miles on them, Keeping an eye on tire pressures. They seem to be doing fine they look a little bit stretched but handle perfectly normally.
The car feels perfectly fine,
I won't be doing any 125 miles an hour runs in them. Blood rather than have the card cooped up over the winter!!
Good to hear others have positive experience with them.
Originally Posted by damon@tirerack.com
Again, it shows the attention that Porsche places on not only making sure the tire performs well, but LOOKS right on the car. Another perfect example is Pirelli: the non N spec 295/30 20 Sottozero 3 has a 10.1" tread width. By comparison, the N Rated 245/30 20 Winter 240 Sotozero has a 12" tread width! Same size and brand! One is N rated, one isn't!
If I was a betting man, I'd bet my lunch money that if anyone else came out with a performance all season tire in that 305 size that wasn't N rated, it would be as skinny as that Bridgestone is. I'm kinda bummed that it isn't a little wider. They would be perfect on an 11" wheel.
Interesting. I guess the lesson is that N-spec matters.
Originally Posted by fbroen
It is my understanding that a 305 Michelin Alpin is forthcoming later this season. Not sure if the spec will be for 11.5” or up to 12” rims.
Of of course this isn’t helpful NOW. But maybe next season.
That would be great if they came out with an Alpin in 305. Please Michelin!
Had the snow tires installed today, Michelin Alpins. On OZ ultraleggera wheels purchased from evilfij. 9” front (same as stock size) but narrower 11” rear 295/30. And the red centerlock ring looks fantastic, replacing the red rim on my black OEM wheels for the winter. And then, on the drive home, some serious snow in central NJ. Was not excited to be out in a legitimate snowfall, but tires did great getting me home. Funny that I got these to drive in the cold, not the snow...but nice to know they can handle it. Sizes and offsets look great to me. Bring on winter baby.
[left]Had the snow tires installed today, Michelin Alpins. On OZ ultraleggera wheels purchased from evilfij. 9” front (same as stock size) but narrower 11” rear 295/30. And the red centerlock ring looks fantastic, replacing the red rim on my black OEM wheels for the winter. And then, on the drive home, some serious snow in central NJ. Was not excited to be out in a legitimate snowfall, but tires did great getting me home. Funny that I got these to drive in the cold, not the snow...but nice to know they can handle it. Sizes and offsets look great to me. Bring on winter baby.
11-14-2018, 03:33 PM
