After 22K miles, it was time to replace the stock rubber (Sport tires). Since getting tires here is a bit a challenge and can lead to extended spare tire usage in the event of a flat, I had a set of Continental extreme contact sitting in the garage for a few months. So I had them installed, and since Murphy would have it no other way, it rained for 2 days. New tire with the release agent still on them are SLICK in the rain. But 2 weeks later and they are properly scrubbed in. I kept the fronts at 245, but upsized the rears to 285 to compensate for what I expected to be a lower grip tire. So now the substance….
(note: I am DE guys, so "track" means a track, not 1/2 mile of straight road 50% for the gas and 50% for the brakes
)
The single biggest difference is the softer sidewall. The tire also has larger water grooves, so the tread-blocks are less rigid as well. The soft sidewall and more flexible tread-blocks provide all the pros and cons you expect:
Pros----
Smoother ride for the same tire pressure, quieter ride, less tramlining, better fit on the rears, great wet traction (partial improvement due to the wear bars showing stockers), slightly more compliant rear over bumps and cheaper
Cons---
Less crisp turn-in, greater slip angle, feeling of slightly less grip
Summary. The Pros definitely have it. I am happy with the tire choice. If you have a decent amount of track time, you can drive around most of the cons. A little more initial steering input can compensate for the loss of crispness on turn in. Some experience with the tires will let you get used to the greater the slip angle, the overall grip level feels the same (street assessment only—sadly…no track time). The greater slip angle gives an initial feel of lower grip, but once you get used to it, the final grip level is there (for those who have done it, it is like running Hoosiers for the first time…the more you push, the more grip you find). You need to be careful, you need to be very VERY smooth if you want to get near 9/10th (you should never, NEVER go near 10/10th on a street <dismount soapbox>). The sidewall flex and the tread-block flex add to the momentum of the car and can swing you past the limits of the tire.
For those that want to improve the turn-in crispness, a pound or two of additional tire pressure will help. You will sacrifice some ride comfort with the higher pressures. Not sure what the long term impact on wear is. It should not have a big effect, but only time will tell.