* The 2001 Audi S4 is a high-performance sport sedan that is not super-low. But, under hard cornering, it is low enough to worry about the tire catching the fender. This is especially a concern when running a 19x8.5 wheel with a 35mm offset. For this reason, I have always chosen to run 225/35/19 tires, ensuring maximum clearance. Unfortunately, this choice has always left me with a tire that appears too stretched and eliminates the rim protector.
After getting a chance to completely abuse a set of Vredestein tires at Spain's Ascari Race Resort, it was time to throw a set of new tires on the S4 and get a feel for them on everyday streets. The choice was simple. I ordered a set of Ultrac Sessantas, Vredestein's newest ultra-high performance tires.
After mounting, I was perplexed by the tire's look. I checked and double-checked that the sidewall read 225. I was amazed to see that they looked like a 235. The tire showed no signs of being stretched and it still retained a functioning rim protector.
I always prefer to test tires on a vehicle and location with which I am familiar, since it gives me reference points to compare against prior set-ups. The things that impressed me the most were how quiet the tires were, considering the aggressive-looking tread design. On my favorite Malibu Canyon roads, the S4 pulled through all the curves and the tires just stuck to the road without making a peep.
The Ultrac Sessanta was developed primarily for the needs of the modern sports car segment. It is the fifth tire developed in collaboration with Giugiaro Design. For those who don't know, Giugiaro, is one of the most influential designers in history. From automotive-related to everyday items like soda bottles, Giugiaro has provided high-quality design in almost every field. The partnership of Vredestein's technical expertise with the Italian design house has created a visually appealing tire with excellent performance.
Many innovative designs and advanced technical elements are incorporated into the design of the Ultrac Sessanta. A few key features are the Sophisticated Longitudinal Design, Handling Tuned Tread Compound, Parametrical 3D Design and HTS+ principle.
Sophisticated Longitudinal Design incorporates a wide circumferential groove placed asymmetrically on the inside of the tread. Positioned alongside this groove are curved grooves that gradually bend away towards the outer edge of the tread. The sloping circumferential grooves are never completely in the contact area. The footprint therefore actually has four circumferential grooves, three of which are at a small angle.
Handling Tuned Tread Compound is a formula of silica, various types of active carbon, and a temperature-sensitive resin. This ensures outstanding handling on both dry and wet surfaces.
The implementation of Parametrical 3D Design, an advanced 3D CAD system, guarantees that each specific tire size has been precisely calculated using the Finite Element Method to optimize the tire contact patch. The HTS+ principle ensures minimal deformation to the sidewall and provides maximum resistance to lateral force. This is accomplished by using two rayon layers in the tire carcass.
Enough technical talk. If I had to sum up the Ultrac Sessanta tire in three words, they would be: smooth, quiet and controlled. Vredestein's Ultrac Sessanta is available in sizes 17, 18, 19, and 20 and has been assigned a speed rating of Y for speeds up to 186 mph.
Event2007 Ferrari Challenge SeriesBoys playing with their ultimate toys*This year's Ferrari Racing Days marked the company's 60th anniversary, and to celebrate, FXX supercar clients joined F430 Challenge, historics and F1 cars at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. With all these prancing horses, even a rained-out track was a good place to be, and since it was open to the public, people slogged through the mud just to have a look. With this many Ferraris in one place, we were all jumping through the puddles with childlike enthusiasm.
On the track, the F430 Challenge series gave owners a chance to compete in their 196 mph-plus, track-mod versions of the F430 coupe. Although it's called a "gentlemen's racing series" the passion runs high, especially with the FXX supercar and Formula One single-seaters on track as well. The FXX GT concept is said to be the running prototype for the next Enzo, so with customers on hand to swap tales of driving glory, you can bet the Ferrari technicians were taking notes.
They were also offering ride-alongs in the Ferrari F430 Spyder. Getting close to the tarmac often entails the all-pervading smell of gasoline and the pinch of race harnesses. Here, the luxury of the ride, even on a rain-soaked circuit, felt like a spirited drive on a twisty road.
Once the track dried off for day two, Ferrari ended its 2007 Racing Days with the Historic Challenge. The experience of seeing and hearing these cars on a track was almost as valuable as the cars themselves. Even checking out the parking lot was cool. This weekend underlined the fact that nothing else looks, sounds or drives like a Ferrari.www.ferrarichallenge.com