Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[electric puha]

Kumho Tyres recently released a new high performance tyre, the Ecsta PS91. They are designed for super cars and high end performance cars, e.g. BMW M3/5, along with glorified Volkswagons, I believe they are called Porsche

http://www.ecstaps91.com.au/ Quote Kumho: The Ecsta PS91 is said to incorporate Kumho’s motorsport experience. This facilitates a marked improvement in high-speed driving safety and cornering. The Ecsta PS91 delivers “enhanced grip, braking ability, high-speed durability and uniform ride qualities.”

The new range is available in eight sizes for 19 and 20-inch rim diameters with a speed rating over 300km/h

Different Front/Rear Pattern Design
-Immediate handling response by wide shoulder and rib-type center block design
-Maximized tyre grip and block stiffness of rear tyres with optimized*groove pattern design and improved NG%



(Y) Speed Rating
-Stable durability and running performance at over 300km/h** (Y) Speed rating = the highest speed rating for tyres*with speed capability over 300km/h.

High Speed Stability
-Three dimensional block (C-Cut 3D) and the high-stiffness*advanced belt package for PS91 are applied for securing*high speed stability



I was in the market for replacement tyres on the rear, for some reason, and was initially looking at Nitto NT05. The closest are the 275/35ZR in 19” for the rear. I wasn't a) interested in increasing the width at all and b) they're rubbish in the wet, so used Google to help. Up popped Kumho Ecsta PS91. I didn't know Kumho made high performance tyres so did a bit of research. Ahhh, okay. Not much out there. In fact I haven't found a single review, outside of the trade reporters, and they only wrote what is on the Kumho Ecsta PS91 website. I asked around my local Kumho tyre shops and no one had sold any and to my knowledge, my M3 is possibly the only one with PS91's in Australasia (Australia and New Zealand, to those that don't know their geography). I took the plunge and ordered a set, front and rear, with the intention of going back to the Michelin's if the PS91's didn't do the business.

Tyre sizes:


No doubt, some muppet will accuse me of “astroturfing” so to them, I say, build a bridge, sweetheart. I ordered through Tyre Shop Online, Hastings. Great service and more than happy to import them from Australia for me. My hesitation was regarding fitment, as I wanted them done locally. I guess this is always a concern buying tyres over the internet. Thankfully, they recommended an Indy tyre shop, All Tyre Services. They tyres were delivered there and fitment was organised. An hour later, Zac had done a great job and I was out of there.

First visual impression: the tread pattern is quite similar to the semi-slick Michelin Pilot Super Sport, with the exception of the chequered flag on the outside of the tread and the different coloured bands running around the circumference, denoting front (twin white) and rear (orange & green) tyres.

First driving impressions at 0 miles/km:

Vehicle: 2009 BMW M3 (Test Pipes and Stage-2 BPM Tune – 383 rwp/340 lb-ft)

Type of tyre/size: front – 245/35ZR19; rear – 265/35ZR19

Dry Grip: 7/10
Wet Grip: N/A
Road Feedback: positive feedback, particularly cornering and under braking 8/10
Progressiveness: given they were brand new, I didn't push them through corners. Appeared to hold better than well scrubbed PSS's (down to ~3mm) 8/10
Wear: N/A
Comfort/Road Noise: surprisingly comfortable to drive with minimal road noise. This greatly surprised me given I encountered tarmac and chip and seal roading. I was almost expecting a 4WD sound, but nope. Nothing. 9/10

Conclusion: for brand new, straight-out-of-the-box high performance tyres, they performed exceedingly well. I enjoyed the positive road feedback they provided and the distinct lack of noise. Grippy traction through hairpins



Rear


Front





100mi/160km:

Dry Grip: 9/10
Wet Grip: water dispersion is a substantial improvement on the PSS 9/10
Road Feedback: 9/10
Progressiveness: 8.5/10
Wear: I live at the top of a long hill, with multiple hairpins, so expect some probable wear on the shoulders. 9.5/10
Comfort/Road Noise:9/10

Conclusion at 160km: these have got through the scrubbing stage and there is now no 'oily' rubber on the tread surface. The main thing that strikes me is lack of road noise over all road surfaces, which I can only put down to the block configuration. Presumably, the block spacing is integral to this. The grip and handling is outstanding in both the dry and damp and I can accelerate with assurance. They predictable in wet, rainy conditions even when getting enthusiastic with the throttle. Applying liberal throttle out of corners does make the traction control light flicker, but it's doing it from a higher entry and exit speed. Again, very progressive. The tyres just don't like letting go. The feedback again, is still very positive, especially hard on the brakes entering tight downhill turns, and through hairpins. I suspect this is because the sidewalls on the PS91's may just be that bit stiffer than the PSS's? Early days, so it'll be good to see how they progress.

Front after 160km:


Rear after 160km:


I'll update at 1000 miles/1600 km

[MasterP]

May be comparable to PSS. Doesn't look like they are available in the US.

[electric puha]

Originally Posted by TrakBch

May be comparable to PSS.

Seem to be thus far, albeit early days. Once I've put it on the track, I'll have a better indication of where they are at. Half the price of PSS so I'm not complaining ... yet

Doesn't look like they are available in the US.

I've just noticed that. Europe and Australia by the looks of it.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by electric puha

Kumho Tyres recently released a new high performance tyre, the Ecsta PS91. They are designed for super cars and high end performance cars, e.g. BMW M3/5, along with glorified Volkswagons, I believe they are called Porsche

Tire Rack has these in stock now, and in the GTS sizes (255/35R19, 285/30R19). Only $850 for the four, which is a fucking steal...that's like HALF a set of PSS. Worth noting that their tread depth is 7.8/32" versus PSS's 10/32", and there's no mileage warranty.

Any updates, OP? Have you had them on the track?

[JsL]

Thanks for the detailed review.

Is is me, or do they look like PSS?

Edit: OP mentioned the similarity already in the review.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by JsL

Is is me, or do they look like PSS?

Yep, very similar tread design.

[JsL]

Here they are side by side.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by dparm

Tire Rack has these in stock now, and in the GTS sizes (255/35R19, 285/30R19). Only $850 for the four, which is a fucking steal...that's like HALF a set of PSS. Worth noting that their tread depth is 7.8/32" versus PSS's 10/32", and there's no mileage warranty.

Any updates, OP? Have you had them on the track?

treadwear rating is lower, but at that price it shouldn't really matter when compared to pss. i would try these out if they had them 18's.

[vsix]

I love Kumho Exsta's!

Had them on my previous high powered cars and never regreted my decision.
Thank your for such an honest and detailed review!!!!!!

[///M Kidding]

I wouldn't recommend Kumho tires, they don't have a good reputation in Asian which is where they originated. Remember "you get what you paid for".

[dparm]

Originally Posted by ///M Kidding

I wouldn't recommend Kumho tires, they don't have a good reputation in Asian which is where they originated. Remember "you get what you paid for".

Yeah that must be why they're a huge OEM supplier of tires with over $3.5B in revenue.

That's a ridiculous blanket statement. Go read the test results and owner reviews on Tire Rack's site. They make plenty of good tires, plenty of mediocre tires, and plenty of bad tires...just like all the other manufacturers.

Can we get back on topic now? I was curious for OP to provide an update on how the tires have held up, and if he had taken them to the track. If I want opinions on the Kumho brand, I'll ask for them.

[RoundelObsession]

These are pretty heavy compared to the PSS and only start out with a 7.8/32 tread depth.

[Ant Man]

Originally Posted by ///M Kidding

I wouldn't recommend Kumho tires, they don't have a good reputation in Asian which is where they originated. Remember "you get what you paid for".

I believe official BMW race cars are using Kumho tyres in a number of championships.

[Ant Man]

Thanks for the detailed review electric puha.

Does anyone know the actual weights of the 245 & 265 35 19s? I know the PSS are very light.

[dparm]

According to Tire Rack: (PSS in parentheses)

245/35R19 = 26 lbs (23 lbs)
265/35R19 = 29 lbs (25-27 lbs)


255/35R19 = 28 lbs (24 lbs)
275/35R19 = 30 lbs (26-27lbs)
285/30R19 = 30 lbs GTS size (unavailable in PSS)


So yes, the PSS is lighter.

[ash4390]

Have that 1600km update?

[JsL]

Anyone else try these yet?

[/Rock//It///M]

Originally Posted by ///M Kidding

I wouldn't recommend Kumho tires, they don't have a good reputation in Asian which is where they originated. Remember "you get what you paid for".

Have you tried them before ? I have used thd kumho mx and xs lines in the past. They performed extremely well for DD. And used them at the drag strip with 60ft times in the 2.2's.

Also check tire rack's reviews to see others with similar results.

[Agent-GHQ]

I'm still on my original tires and plan on getting mpss until these came along. Decisions decisions ...

[nodemgr]

These tires came on a car I just bought a few weeks ago - they were newly mounted for the sale. Unfortunately I don't have any reference as I've never driven another E92, but so far they seem adequate for daily driving and the road noise is fine. I've put probably 700 miles on them so far. I probably won't take this car to the track, so it would just be canyon type driving. I'll post more when I have more to share.

[aus]

Can anyone else comment on road noise?
I need new tires and was going to get V12evo2, but I'm now considering these.
.

[Bx Tpr]

Originally Posted by aus

Can anyone else comment on road noise?
I need new tires and was going to get V12evo2, but I'm now considering these.
.

I just ordered a set of PS91's to replace the V12evo2's. They were great tires for the first few thousand miles before turning into complete crap. IMO just go with the Kuhmo's.