I read they are designed to come up to temp more quickly and be 1% faster compared to regular Z2's. 1% doesn't sound like much, but on a 1:40 course that is 1 second off a lap time. Obviously the 1% is more of a notional thing and depends on track, driver, etc, but there is an improvement in grip for the Star Specs. That being said, I chose to go with Z2's for my current set to save some dough. Z2's are still an excellent tire!!

 

Do the Direzza's (Z2's) tend to run wide or narrow? I currently have a set of the slide inducing DZ1's which are known for being narrow - looking at 225/45 on an 8.5 for the front. Thanks!

 

If you're currently running the DZ102's then yes... seems like for most sizes the ZII run wider.

ex. 255/40/17

DZ102 tread width = 8.7"
ZII tread width = 10"

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....=Direzza+DZ102

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....el=Direzza+ZII

 

I couldn't pass up the deal on the ZII's. I went ahead and ordered them while they were still on sale and in stock. I'll put some serious track miles on them this summer.

 

I just ordered up the 225/255 stagger in 17's for my Ap1--cost me $748.00 to be shipped to my door, and in addition I will get $50 back keeping the total a hair under $700.

You gotta pay to play I guess
Discount tire quoted me~$100 after tax to have them balanced and installed on my wheels, so I may be at $900+ after my alignment.

 

Would you mix the original Z1 Star Specs in the front with the new Z2 Star Specs in the rear? My fronts have plenty of tread life left, I hate to have to replace all four of them.

Thanks,

John

 

I would have little reservation about doing that with these particular tires.

 

Call Tire Rack. They sell and have tested both, they'd know.