kaetamer

Perhaps a question which reveals my utter ignorance, but I'm looking replace a set of Conti Extreme Contacts on my 2002 SC430 (they have ~24k miles on them, they're noisy and have excessive road force).

I am really only concerned with a smooth, quiet, Lexus coupe ride. Don't care about aggressive handling, never drive in rain. Don't care too much about tread wear, I only drive it about 7500mi/year.

Looks like Bridgestone Turanza Serenity in GTAS v Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS in UHPAS. Are there disadvantages to the GT tire? Or the UHP tire? Are there better (quieter, smoother) choices?

Am I crazy to even consider a GT tire for my coupe?

Thanks!

Stokdgs

If I lived in Colorado, might think about dedicated snow tires for winter, and a good set of All Seasons for the rest of the time. Just put a set of the Bridgestone Potenza Pole Positions RE960's on an '03 BMW 540iT with M5 18" wheels, and they handle beautifully, are quiet, sticky, and no tramlining on these crappy grooved freeways. Believe I read somewhere that this model tire has been upgraded to another model even better.. I had Michelin Pilot Sport II's on it before, and they were not nearly as fun as these Bridgestones.
If I lived in say California, or somewhere where you dont get alot of snow, I might stick with a more Touring tire, if this is what you want - quiet, cushy, not that great in agressive curves, etc.. But the RE960 tires we have now seem to be all of this WITH a little more performance as well. Know that BMW's are going to be quieter than alot of Japanese cars, because they have a different approach to sound damping.
I say this because i have a new'08 IS350 Lexus that is the most tire noisey car I have ever owned. (Changed it to Michelin Pilot Sport All Seasons, Bridgestone didnt have the staggered sizes in the RE960 line) Good luck with your choice. DanF