RS7 Snows

[G35C033]

Live in CT, will drive 3-4k miles from 12/1 - 4/1, mostly local although some trips to Long Island, Boston, VT.

Realizing there are other posts on this subject and that 90% of the time car will likely be driven in dry conditions, any preference for Blizzak LM-32 or Pirelli Sottozero 3, 245/40-20 or 255/35-20?

Appreciate the feedback.

[CanuckRS]

Dunlop wintersport 3D

[jfeger]

I have the LM32's, and ke116ngc has the Sottozero 3's. When we were doing some spirited driving and launch testing, the Sottozero 3's outshined the LM-32's in all aspects. This wasn't in snow, but on cold wet streets. ke116ngc Has an S6 with a lot more power than my stock S7 as well. My tires spun on launch, his chirped and bit. Also, he has had LM-32's many years prior, and claims the the Sottozero 3's performance was on par if not better in snow, including deep snow. We are both in the Denver area and had a few deep snows this past winter.

When my LM-32's are done, I'll be going Sottozero 3.

[G35C033]

Thanks for the input fellas. I had 255/35-19 LM-25, older Blizzaks, on an RS 5 and they performed decently all around. I'm gonna go with the Sottozeros this time.

[ke116ngc]

Jfeger is spot on. Sottozero 3s are the best performance winter tire I've ever used on any of my high horsepower German cars. Period!!!

They are not cheap though. So prepare. Oh and I had Dunlop wintersport 3D on my RS-4 and they were the exact opposite. Worst winter performance tire I've used to date.


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[SilvaDolla]

What about the Nokian Hakka winters? They get great reviews as far as winter tires but I don't know how they do specifically with the RS7. Has anyone used these?


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[OmaHahn]

Why not just get a nice AS tire? You have Quattro AWD and a set of Continental DWS 06 tires would be great. The DWS "06" is the newest and improved version of the already incredible Extreme Contact DWS tire!

[Bassler]

Why not just get a nice AS tire? You have Quattro AWD and a set of Continental DWS 06 tires would be great. The DWS "06" is the newest and improved version of the already incredible Extreme Contact DWS tire!

No! all seasons (also known as no seasons) are garbage in real winter weather (sub freezing, sub zero, ice, snow, sleet, etc). performance of winter tires is much more predicated on the abilities of the compound to grip during acceleration/braking/turning than anything else. It's all about glass transition temps. Any tire worthy of good winter performance should turn to mush above 45 degrees.

I'll go Sottozero 3s on my S6 this year. Have Hakka R2s on my STi which are the absolute best on ice. I was pleasantly surprised by the Blizzaks on our XC90 and the wife was happy with them so all good there. I've run Dunlops in the past but they've definitely been surpassed by other manufacturers in the last decade.

[G35C033]

What about the Nokian Hakka winters? They get great reviews as far as winter tires but I don't know how they do specifically with the RS7. Has anyone used these?


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I'm somewhat considering the Hakkapellitta R2, though from what I understand it's a little overkill for a typical CT winter, we get 4' or so of snow on average. They're a little softer compound with a max. speed rating of 106 mph.

Agreed on the Conti DWS Extreme All Season. Had a set of those on a '13 CLS63 which I used sparingly during one winter and let's just say there was more excitement than I cared for!

[MileMan402]

Oh and I had Dunlop wintersport 3D on my RS-4 and they were the exact opposite. Worst winter performance tire I've used to date.

The 3D's are the only winter tire I've had on my S6, but I had blizzaks on my old S4. IMO the Blizzaks were better in the snow, but much much worse in the dry.

That is why I like the 3D's, full soft snows suck on dry pavement. The 3D's are perfect for PA winters IMO, but maybe not suited if your locale receives snowfall nearly every day in the winter. I've never spent time in a CT winter.

Edit: I did some digging and I may switch to the Pirelli after these ones wear out, and if I keep the car that long.

[OmaHahn]

No! all seasons (also known as no seasons) are garbage in real winter weather (sub freezing, sub zero, ice, snow, sleet, etc). performance of winter tires is much more predicated on the abilities of the compound to grip during acceleration/braking/turning than anything else. It's all about glass transition temps. Any tire worthy of good winter performance should turn to mush above 45 degrees.

I'll go Sottozero 3s on my S6 this year. Have Hakka R2s on my STi which are the absolute best on ice. I was pleasantly surprised by the Blizzaks on our XC90 and the wife was happy with them so all good there. I've run Dunlops in the past but they've definitely been surpassed by other manufacturers in the last decade.

Hey now! I live in Nebraska and we get some nasty winter weather and get everything thrown at us from sub zero temps to freezing rain to blizzards!! I've never had an issue with All Season and a AWD vehicle!

[Bassler]

Hey now! I live in Nebraska and we get some nasty winter weather and get everything thrown at us from sub zero temps to freezing rain to blizzards!! I've never had an issue with All Season and a AWD vehicle!

I'll go out on a limb and say that the worst Nebraska winter is nothing close to northern new england, Rockies and other western mountain ranges or Canada, at least not on a sustained basis. Just because you haven't had an issue with all seasons doesn't mean it is a good way to go and certainly far from the best. No single tire compound can perform as well year round in climates that swing ~120° than dedicated summer and winter tires. Fact, not opinion. It ultimately comes down to cost/benefit for each of us. I much prefer the safety and performance of purpose specific tires which is why I have 7 setups for 3 cars...

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[TD_05]

What about the Nokian Hakka winters? They get great reviews as far as winter tires but I don't know how they do specifically with the RS7. Has anyone used these?

I'm somewhat considering the Hakkapellitta R2, though from what I understand it's a little overkill for a typical CT winter, we get 4' or so of snow on average. They're a little softer compound with a max. speed rating of 106 mph.

I had Nokian WRG3's for my B7 S4. Debating between the WRG3 vs Hakka R2 for the S6. WRG3 were great overall, but on less then 4-5 occasions while turning going downhill in a few inches of snow / slush that the car got a little squirrely and had some understeer. I'm reluctant with the R2 because I'd say 70% of the time the roads are clear. I live in western South Dakota, the climate and precip frequency is essentially just like Denver. Any advice is appreciated!