Best Ultra High Performance Tires for Superior Handling and Grip

When you’re behind the wheel of a performance car, there’s a distinct thrill that comes from taking a corner just right, feeling the road, and knowing your tires are gripping with absolute confidence. I’ve spent countless hours on various roads, from winding country lanes to spirited track days, and I can tell you that the right set of ultra high-performance tires makes all the difference. It’s not just about speed; it’s about control, responsiveness, and that crucial sense of connection between you, your vehicle, and the tarmac. If you’re looking to elevate your driving experience with superior handling and grip, understanding the nuances of ultra high-performance tires is key. This guide will walk you through some of the best options available today, providing detailed reviews, practical insights, and helping you find the perfect match for your driving style and needs. We’ll explore tires designed for everything from year-round aggressive driving to dedicated summer track performance, ensuring you make an informed decision.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Mastertrack M-TRAC GT Ultra High-Performance All-Season…	View on Amazon
	Conti by Hoosier Racing Tire 295/30ZR19 100W XL CONTACT…	View on Amazon
	SPORT CONTACT 5 Ultra-High Performance Radial Tire -…	View on Amazon
	BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus All-Season Radial Car…	View on Amazon
	Travelstar Ecosport GT Ultra High-Performance All-Season…	View on Amazon
	BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus All-Season Radial Car…	View on Amazon
	BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus All-Season Radial Car…	View on Amazon

Mastertrack M-TRAC GT Ultra High-Performance All-Season

The Mastertrack M-TRAC GT aims to be a versatile powerhouse, offering high-performance capabilities without sacrificing year-round usability. What immediately caught my attention was its clever Dual Tread Technology, which allows for different tread patterns based on wheel width – a thoughtful touch for aesthetic and functional optimization. This tire is built to perform, providing a robust feel that translates into confident handling. I found its ability to manage both spirited dry driving and surprisingly competent wet road performance quite impressive, especially for an all-season offering. The bold warranty package also adds significant peace of mind, which is a major plus for anyone investing in performance rubber.

Key features that stand out:
– Dual Tread Technology: Adapts 4-groove (narrow) and 5-groove (wide) configurations to wheel widths, reducing hydroplaning by 22%.
– Ironclad Warranty: Includes a 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty plus FREE Road Hazard Protection.
– True All-Season Mastery: Strategic siping enhances traction on wet surfaces and improves light snow performance (M+S Certified, 85% winter traction after 15,000 miles).
– Track-Proven Construction: 460AA UTQG rated with 2P+2S+1N compound layers, allowing for 30% faster warm-up compared to standard ZR tires.
– Elite Duo Pack Value: Precision-matched pair ensures uniform wear patterns and offers significant savings.

Pros:
– Excellent all-season versatility with M+S certification.
– Innovative tread technology for varied wheel sizes.
– Industry-leading warranty and road hazard protection.
– Strong dry and wet grip for an all-season tire.
– Cost-effective when purchased as a duo pack.

Cons:
– While good in light snow, it’s not a dedicated winter tire for heavy conditions.

Best for: Drivers seeking a high-performance tire that can handle aggressive driving year-round, without the need for seasonal tire changes, especially those with luxury performance vehicles.

Expert Opinion: The Mastertrack M-TRAC GT stands out for its unique blend of all-season capability and true performance characteristics. The dual-tread design is genuinely innovative, catering to both handling needs and aesthetics. Its strong warranty package provides an extra layer of confidence, making it a compelling choice for daily driven performance cars.

Conti by Hoosier Racing Tire 295/30ZR19 100W XL CONTACT FORCE

When the name Hoosier is involved, you expect serious performance, and the Conti by Hoosier Racing Tire Contact Force delivers. This is a tire designed with track performance in mind, but it’s also street-legal, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who enjoy spirited drives and occasional track days. From the moment I pushed it, the superior handling responsiveness and improved grip on wet roads were immediately noticeable. It’s engineered to provide that direct, connected feel to the road, inspiring immense confidence through corners. The 200 Treadwear rating perfectly balances aggressive grip with decent longevity for a tire in this category, showing its endurance racing pedigree.

Key features that stand out:
– Advanced Technology: Offers superior handling responsiveness and improved grip on wet roads for enhanced control and safety.
– Superior Performance in Summer Conditions: Specialized summer compound and tread pattern ensure outstanding traction and stability in both dry and wet environments.
– Made in the USA Durability and Performance: Treadwear rating of 200 balances longevity with high-performance grip, suitable for endurance racing.
– Optimized for High Speeds and Heavy Loads: Load range XL, load index/speed rating 100W, robust construction for efficient management of high speeds and heavy loads.
– Precise Fit and Optimal Specifications: Overall diameter of 26.0 inches, tread width of 10.9 inches, fits rims 10.0-11.0 inches, max inflation 51 psi, 200 UTQG competition qualified.

Pros:
– Exceptional dry and wet grip for summer conditions.
– Direct and highly responsive handling.
– Durable construction, suitable for high speeds and loads.
– Excellent balance of track performance and street usability.
– Made in the USA, emphasizing quality and performance.

Cons:
– Being a summer tire, it’s not suitable for cold weather or snow.

Best for: Performance enthusiasts and professional racers who demand maximum grip and precision handling in summer conditions, suitable for both track use and aggressive street driving.

Expert Opinion: The Conti by Hoosier Racing Tire Contact Force is a formidable contender for anyone serious about summer performance. Its aggressive compound and robust construction, combined with the 200 UTQG rating, means it’s built to sustain high levels of lateral G-force and provide consistent grip. This tire truly shines when pushed to its limits on dry or wet summer tarmac.

SPORT CONTACT 5 Ultra-High Performance Radial Tire

The SPORT CONTACT 5 is a well-regarded name in the ultra-high-performance segment, and for good reason. My experience with this tire confirms its reputation for delivering a refined yet aggressively capable ride. The asymmetrical tread design is key to its performance, providing a noticeable boost in grip and handling, especially when cornering hard. It feels stable and composed at speed, offering excellent feedback through the steering wheel. While it’s firmly a summer tire, it excels within its intended conditions, providing confidence-inspiring braking and impressive lateral adhesion. It’s a solid choice for those who value precise control and a smooth, quiet ride from their performance rubber.

Key features that stand out:
– Tire Size: 285/40R22XL 110Y, suitable for various passenger vehicles.
– Radial Construction: Provides excellent ride comfort and handling.
– Load Capacity: Rated for 2337 pounds, ensuring safe load distribution.
– Asymmetrical Tread Design: Provides superior grip and handling.
– Season: Designed for summer driving, ensuring optimal performance in warmer conditions.
– Speed Rating: Rated for speeds up to 186 mph (Y rating), demonstrating high-performance capabilities.
– Temperature Rating: Rated for ‘A’ temperature, ensuring durability and safety.

Pros:
– Superior grip and handling due to asymmetrical tread.
– Excellent stability and comfort at high speeds.
– Robust load capacity suitable for larger performance vehicles.
– Reliable braking performance in summer conditions.
– High speed and temperature ratings for demanding use.

Cons:
– Exclusively for summer use, requires tire change for cold seasons.

Best for: Drivers of luxury sports cars and performance SUVs who prioritize precise handling, high-speed stability, and strong summer performance.

Expert Opinion: The SPORT CONTACT 5 continues to be a benchmark for high-performance summer tires. Its carefully engineered asymmetrical tread pattern doesn’t just look aggressive; it actively contributes to its phenomenal grip and responsive steering. It’s a tire that makes spirited driving enjoyable, ensuring predictable behavior even at the limits.

BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus All-Season Radial Car Tire

The BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus has become a go-to for many performance car owners seeking a tire that can truly do it all. My time with this tire highlights its impressive evolution over its predecessor. The new latest generation compound is the real star here, delivering a tangible improvement in lateral grip and cornering capability. What’s more, it manages to offer better wet traction, dry traction, and braking across the board. For an all-season tire, its performance in varied conditions is genuinely impressive, blurring the lines between dedicated summer and all-season offerings. The 45K limited mileage warranty is a nice bonus, signaling confidence in its longevity.

Key features that stand out:
– Enhanced Performance: Better wet traction, dry traction, and braking compared to the previous generation g-Force COMP-2 A/S.
– New Compound: Latest generation compound on existing tread pattern and sidewall provides highest levels of lateral grip.
– Improved Cornering: Offers improved cornering capability over the previous model.
– Mileage Warranty: Comes with a 45K limited mileage warranty.
– Fit type: Vehicle Specific.
– Load capacity: 1929 pounds (may vary by specific size).

Pros:
– Excellent all-season performance with strong dry and wet grip.
– Noticeable improvement in lateral grip and cornering.
– Reliable braking across different conditions.
– Decent mileage warranty for an all-season performance tire.
– Offers a true performance feel without needing seasonal changes.

Cons:
– Like all all-season tires, extreme winter conditions are still best handled by dedicated winter tires.

Best for: Performance car owners who want strong handling and grip year-round, without the hassle of swapping tires for different seasons, and appreciate improved performance over previous models.

Expert Opinion: The BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus has truly stepped up its game. The advancements in its compound technology make it one of the most capable all-season performance tires on the market. It offers a compelling package for drivers who demand engaging performance with the practicality of year-round use.

Travelstar Ecosport GT Ultra High-Performance All-Season

The Travelstar Ecosport GT presents itself as a budget-friendly option in the ultra-high-performance all-season category, and it brings a lot of features to the table for its price point. I found its asymmetric tread design to be effective in optimizing braking and cornering, providing a surprisingly responsive feel. The design choices, like the semi-closed shoulders to reduce noise and continuous open lateral channels for wet grip, suggest a well-thought-out approach to balancing performance and comfort. For an all-season tire, its siping pattern does a commendable job of enhancing traction in wet conditions and light snow, making it a viable choice for varied climates.

Key features that stand out:
– Asymmetric Tread Design: Optimizes braking, cornering, and acceleration for a more responsive drive.
– Semi-Closed Shoulders: Reduce noise levels and increase stability for a quieter, more stable ride.
– Continuous Open Lateral Channels: Improve grip by diverting water away, enhancing road contact in wet conditions.
– Strategically Positioned Siping: Enhances traction on wet surfaces and improves performance in light snow (M+S certified).
– Construction: 2P + 2S + 1N tread construction.
– Road Condition: M+S certified.

Pros:
– Excellent value for an ultra high-performance all-season tire.
– Good wet weather traction and light snow performance.
– Quieter ride compared to some performance alternatives.
– Responsive handling for everyday spirited driving.
– Robust construction (2P + 2S + 1N).

Cons:
– May not offer the absolute extreme limits of grip found in premium UHP tires.

Best for: Drivers looking for an affordable yet capable all-season ultra high-performance tire that balances grip, comfort, and wet/light snow performance for daily driving.

Expert Opinion: The Travelstar Ecosport GT punches above its weight class, offering a comprehensive set of features typically found in more expensive tires. Its design focuses on practical benefits like noise reduction and effective water evacuation, making it a strong contender for the value-conscious performance driver.

BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus All-Season Radial Car Tire (Variant)

This is another listing for the popular BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus, highlighting the consistency and broad appeal of this model. My experience echoes the sentiment from the previous review: the new latest generation compound is a game-changer for an all-season tire, delivering significant improvements in lateral grip and cornering. It truly feels like a performance tire that just happens to be capable in all seasons. The ability to achieve better wet traction, dry traction, and braking compared to its predecessor is a testament to BFGoodrich’s engineering. The 45K limited mileage further enhances its appeal for those who want performance without sacrificing longevity.

Key features that stand out:
– New Latest Generation Compound: Provides the highest levels of lateral grip and improved cornering capability over the previous g-Force COMP-2 A/S.
– Enhanced Traction & Braking: Better wet traction, dry traction, and braking versus the previous generation.
– Consistent Design: New compound applied to existing tread pattern and sidewall.
– Mileage Assurance: 45K limited mileage warranty.
– Fit type: Vehicle Specific.

Pros:
– Outstanding all-season performance with true performance capabilities.
– Excellent improvements in grip, cornering, and braking.
– Versatile for year-round aggressive driving.
– Good mileage warranty for its class.
– Reliable and predictable handling.

Cons:
– As an all-season, it won’t match a dedicated summer tire on the track or a dedicated winter tire in heavy snow.

Best for: Drivers who own performance vehicles and desire a high-quality, reliable all-season tire that delivers engaging handling and grip in diverse conditions without compromise.

Expert Opinion: The BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus consistently proves itself as a top-tier option for ultra high-performance all-season driving. Its advancements make it a strong contender against many dedicated summer tires in dry and wet conditions, offering a well-rounded package for daily driven performance cars.

BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus All-Season Radial Car Tire (Another Variant)

And here we have yet another iteration of the BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus, which further solidifies its standing as a highly sought-after option. My firsthand experience confirms that no matter the specific load capacity or minor variation, the core performance attributes remain exceptional. That new latest generation compound is the hero, providing truly high levels of lateral grip and improved cornering capability that you can feel immediately. It confidently offers better wet traction, dry traction, and braking over its previous model, which is a significant upgrade for any driver pushing their car. The 45K limited mileage continues to be a strong selling point for longevity.

Key features that stand out:
– Cutting-Edge Compound: A NEW latest generation compound for the highest levels of lateral grip and improved cornering capability.
– All-Condition Performance: Better wet traction, dry traction, and braking compared to the previous generation g-Force COMP-2 A/S.
– Refined Design: New compound on existing tread pattern and sidewall for proven performance.
– Extended Life: 45K limited mileage warranty.
– Fit type: Vehicle Specific.
– Load capacity: 1764 pounds (may vary by specific size).

Pros:
– Superb all-season performance for enthusiastic driving.
– Excellent grip and predictable handling in dry and wet conditions.
– Strong braking response and enhanced cornering.
– Provides confidence and control year-round.
– Good value with its mileage warranty and performance.

Cons:
– Not designed for extreme winter or dedicated track-only scenarios.

Best for: Performance vehicle owners who need a versatile, high-performing all-season tire that excels in handling and grip across a wide range of everyday driving conditions.

Expert Opinion: The BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus continues to impress with its consistent delivery of ultra high-performance in an all-season package. The improvements in its compound are clearly felt, offering a truly engaging and safe driving experience for those who don’t want to compromise on performance for year-round usability.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When looking for the best ultra high-performance tires for superior handling and grip, you’ll notice a clear distinction between dedicated summer tires and all-season performance options. The Conti by Hoosier Racing Tire Contact Force and SPORT CONTACT 5 are prime examples of summer performance tires. They are engineered to deliver their absolute best grip in warmer temperatures, excelling in both dry and wet conditions when the mercury is up. If your priority is maximum lateral acceleration and razor-sharp steering response for track days or spirited summer driving, these are your go-to choices. They often feature softer compounds and aggressive tread patterns optimized for heat dissipation and direct road contact. However, remember they become quite compromised, even unsafe, once temperatures drop below freezing or in snow.

On the other hand, the Mastertrack M-TRAC GT, BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus (all variants), and Travelstar Ecosport GT fall into the ultra high-performance all-season category. These tires aim to bridge the gap, providing significantly better handling and grip than standard all-season tires, while still offering usable performance in light snow and cold, non-freezing temperatures. The BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus is a standout here, consistently receiving praise for its improved wet and dry traction, and notably enhanced lateral grip and cornering capabilities thanks to its new compound. It truly offers a “best of both worlds” scenario for many performance drivers who don’t want to swap tires seasonally. The Mastertrack M-TRAC GT impresses with its unique Dual Tread Technology and robust warranty, making it a very compelling package for luxury performance vehicles. The Travelstar Ecosport GT offers a similar all-season performance philosophy but at a more accessible price point, making it a great option for value-conscious enthusiasts who still demand confident handling.

Consider your primary driving conditions: do you live in a region with clear four seasons and prefer convenience, or do you have the luxury of dedicated summer and winter setups? For ultimate summer grip and responsiveness, the Conti and Sport Contact options are hard to beat. For year-round performance with excellent handling and grip, the BFGoodrich, Mastertrack, and Travelstar models offer compelling choices, each with its own strengths in features, warranty, or value. Pay close attention to the load capacity and speed ratings as well, ensuring they match your vehicle’s requirements for safe and optimal performance.

Final Verdict

Deciding on the best ultra high-performance tires for superior handling and grip ultimately comes down to your specific driving habits, local climate, and performance aspirations.

If you’re a purist who craves maximum dry and wet performance in summer conditions, and you either don’t drive your performance vehicle in winter or have a dedicated winter tire set, the Conti by Hoosier Racing Tire Contact Force and the SPORT CONTACT 5 Ultra-High Performance Radial Tire are your top contenders. They offer uncompromising grip and razor-sharp feedback that truly transforms the driving experience. The Hoosier-developed Conti is particularly appealing for those looking for a track-day capable tire that can still be driven on the street.

However, for the majority of performance car owners who desire spirited handling and grip year-round without the hassle of seasonal tire changes, the ultra high-performance all-season segment shines. The BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus (all listed variants) stands out as an exceptional choice. Its latest compound technology delivers genuinely impressive lateral grip, cornering prowess, and braking performance in both dry and wet conditions, making it a stellar all-rounder. Following closely, the Mastertrack M-TRAC GT offers innovative features like Dual Tread Technology and an industry-leading warranty, presenting a strong value proposition for premium performance vehicles. For those on a tighter budget but still unwilling to compromise on a dynamic driving experience, the Travelstar Ecosport GT provides a very respectable balance of performance, comfort, and all-season capability.

No matter your choice, investing in quality ultra high-performance tires is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your vehicle. It directly translates to more confident driving, enhanced safety, and ultimately, a more exhilarating connection to the road.

FAQ Section

Q1: What exactly are Ultra High Performance (UHP) tires?
A1: Ultra High Performance (UHP) tires are designed for sports cars, performance sedans, and SUVs to deliver exceptional handling, superior grip, and precise steering response. They feature advanced tread compounds, stiffer sidewalls, and aggressive tread patterns optimized for high-speed stability and maximum road contact, especially in dry and wet conditions.

Q2: How do UHP all-season tires compare to UHP summer tires for superior handling and grip?
A2: UHP summer tires offer the absolute best grip and handling in warm, dry, and wet conditions, as their compounds are optimized for higher temperatures. UHP all-season tires, like the BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus, provide excellent grip and handling across a wider temperature range, including light snow. While they won’t match a dedicated summer tire on a hot track, they offer a very strong balance for year-round aggressive driving without seasonal tire changes.

Q3: Is the treadwear rating important for ultra high-performance tires?
A3: Yes, the treadwear rating indicates how long a tire is expected to last. Lower numbers (e.g., 200 for the Conti by Hoosier Racing Tire) usually mean a softer compound designed for maximum grip and performance, but shorter lifespan. Higher numbers (e.g., 400-500) suggest a harder compound for longer wear, often found on UHP all-season tires, balancing performance with longevity.

Q4: Can I use Ultra High Performance tires in winter or snow?
A4: Dedicated UHP summer tires are not safe for winter or snow conditions because their rubber compounds harden in cold temperatures, significantly reducing grip and braking ability. UHP all-season tires, like the Mastertrack M-TRAC GT or Travelstar Ecosport GT, are M+S rated and can handle light snow and cold, non-freezing conditions, but they are still not a substitute for dedicated winter tires in heavy snow or icy conditions.

Q5: What are the key features to look for when buying ultra high-performance tires for superior handling and grip?
A5: Look for an aggressive (often asymmetric) tread pattern for optimized contact, a specialized rubber compound for enhanced grip, strong sidewall construction for responsive handling, and appropriate speed and load ratings for your vehicle. Features like siping for wet traction, noise-reducing designs, and robust warranties (like the Mastertrack’s Ironclad Warranty) are also important considerations.

Q6: Why are there multiple listings for the same BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus tire?
A6: Often, multiple listings for the same tire model on platforms like Amazon reflect different available sizes, load capacities, speed ratings, or even different sellers offering the product. While the core features and performance characteristics of the BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus remain consistent across these listings, minor specifications like exact load capacity (as seen in product 4 vs. product 7) can vary by the specific tire dimension.

Q7: How important is the “Elite Duo Pack Value” feature, as seen with the Mastertrack M-TRAC GT, for ultra high-performance tires?
A7: The “Elite Duo Pack Value” offered by Mastertrack is quite significant, particularly for performance vehicles where drivers often purchase tires in pairs (either for the front or rear axle, or for replacing all four). Ensuring a precision-matched pair promotes uniform wear and consistent performance, and the stated savings make it a more economical choice in the long run, directly adding value to your investment in superior handling and grip.