6 ms·

As I mentioned in another comment, tires with an "S" speed rating go to 112 MPH, while tires with an "H" rating go to 130 MPH. I'm guessing they either downgrad

• ilikepi 8y ago
  Yeah, I had the same guess. I'll bet their current higher performance models come with fancy Pirellis or something equivalent, and this is a way to reduce cost.
• mbell 8y ago
  Lower speed rating also usually means lighter construction and a 'harder' compound, both of which reduce cost and improve fuel milage.
  • sliken 8y ago
    Actually it's the opposite I believe, at least for the same family of tires. Sure there are high efficiency tires with harder compounds and are more efficient. But if you get the sporty tire from whatever brand the higher speed ratings generally have the less flexible/harder material. The limiting factor being the heat generated from the flexing builds up. So generally a 150 mph rated tire gets less traction, costs more, and is worse when it's cold than a 112 mph rated tire. So even on a fairly sporty car and tire you are best off getting the lowest rated tire that will accommodate your max speed.
    • mbell 8y ago
      Conceptually that may be true, but it's next to impossible to get performance tires in speed ratings under W and within any particular model it often varies only by 1, rarely 2, speed ratings.
• heelix 8y ago
  I've got an old Porsche 996 S4, and I can't say it is a fast car. (fun around the corners, but not fast). I had V rated tires which were rated for 150mph. Not silly expensive either for that matter. I've never driven fast enough to need those tires (or even H rated for that matter) but it would irritate me to no end to know the limiter was there.