My Vredestein ULTRAC SESSANTAS have been really good. They are quiet, handle great (especially in the rain) nice to look at, and surprisingly inexpensive. I purchased all four with shipping for around $1,000.00.

 

I can't figure out how to record the road noise accurately - sorry. I'm going to suggest staying with the SPL meter approach for anyone who wants to try it. It's a $0.99 download App for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad made by Studio Six Digital and will give a direct reference point versus current tires (I did not meter the P-Zero before taking them off; but they were well worn as well, which makes a difference).

The readings in my prior post are based on downloading it to the iPhone3 and without any changes to the app settings.

good luck!

 

Turns out the noise was the front tires, which were wearing unevenly. I replaced all 4 Dunlops a couple days ago with the new Michelin Pilot Super Sports and they are AWESOME (so far). Getting an alignment tomorrow, because that is the likely culprit behind the uneven wear.

 

I put the Vredesteins on yesterday - holy chit Batman!

The difference between the Pirelli's and these is night and day. They *much* quieter, and the car seems like it is glued to the road.

Very glad of the purchase. We'll see how they do over time.

 

I have Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT on my 2008 XKR the ride is great

 

Thanks for the updates , I am sure it is gonna help for others who are intended to buy tires

 

Does anyone have runflats on their XKR? If so, please share your thoughts. Thanks.

(Since my 2009 XKR Portfolio with Alcon brakes doesn't have a spare, I'm considering runflats when my current set of Michelins wear out.)

 

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's here...

 

I have a Portfolio also and would love to here everyone's thoughts on this.

 

rscultho, where did you get your tires and who mounted them for you? Just curious mine are doing great.

 

Vredesteins Did you get the all season tires ??

 

My Vredesteins are all season. I have had them on the car for about six months now. Very happy. Actually even happier then when I first put them on. A very, very, q.u.i.e.t tire.

and they stick like gum on the bottom of your shoe.....

 

I got ultrac sessanta's.

I got them from PerformcePlusTire.com...they're in California I believe. Total with shipping was like $1016...cost me $141 to get them mounted at Discount Tire, which includes lifetime balance. I opted (as a part of the $141) to have the TPS o-rings and mount to be rebuilt - so that was like $7.50 a wheel.

I just can't get over how much better the car *feels* going down the road and around curves. It's also much quieter of course. Geeze the Perelli's were just crap! And The Vredestein's look fabulous as well.

And they were run flats - the P Zero Rosso's. I've never understood why Jag went with Perelli's from the factory...

 

The overpriced Michelins on the rear are almost gone and the fronts llok great,not much choice !

 

I have run Michelins on my XJ6, XJ8 and XJS and have always been pleased with the quiet ride, performance and tire wear.

 

My Michelin Pilot Sport A/S rears are shot,fronts great so I am paying $340ea for two new rears. Ouch !

 

Just replaced my Dunlops with a set of Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas. I do like the feel of the car and they are quieter. I took an SPL reading with the Dunlops at 60mph with AC and radio off and had a range of 74.5 to 75.9 on a 0.5 mile section of newly paved interstate. On the same section of highway with the Vredesteins I had readings of 72.3 to 74.5. Basically a 2db reduction. The character of the noise was different as well. A much more consistent harmonic tone with the new tires that was less bothersome than the inharmonic tone of the Dunlops. I did have them Road Force balanced during installation. The fine vibration in the steering wheel I felt with the Dunlops is gone. They do look nice.

 

Who did you buy them from and how much did they cost.

 

I bought them from Performance Plus online. I called to place the order. They were $1043 shipped for the set. They had to get the rears from their distributor, but they were still delivered in less than a week. $120 for mounting, road force balance and TPMS service locally. I have an 800 mile road trip coming up. They should get a good workout.

 

That's the tires I would like to upgrade next on the SL...the Michelin PSS. Hows the tread life? The downside on the PS2 was short tread life....but again it might be owners burning them up quickly.