PhilGraulty

After a very long period of indecision on wheel choices, I finally decided on 18" RS4 replicas from Hartmann Wheels. I was forced to act fast after getting a flat last weekend.

Bill from Hartmann gave me a great deal on a package with Yokohama Parada spec 2's. These RS4's are apparently Euro-spec with a thinner spoke design than the wheels used on U.S. ALMS TT's and Ultra Sport A4's.

Total price, including shipping, lugs, OEM caps, etc came out to $1250. Even better, they arrived in 3 days time. Excellent service and an even more excellent wheel. Thanks Bill.

Here is one wheel with some new mintex pads.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55189/spring2004_080.jpg">
A nice shot of the awesome tread.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55189/spring2004_083.jpg">
Pre-installation with my spare and bald stocks.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55189/spring2004_086.jpg">
Looking good!
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55189/spring2004_089.jpg">

Another sweet shot.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55189/spring2004_090.jpg">

That crazy tread pattern again.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55189/spring2004_091.jpg">

The offset is perfect IMO. No need for spacers anymore.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55189/spring2004_099.jpg">

4x4 stylin! Next up is new suspension.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55189/spring2004_100.jpg">

dannyTTnyc

looks great

(time to lower her now

TTear

A more appropriate tire for the TT would be a Y rated one IMO. They have a unique tread pattern though.

PhilGraulty

I really wanted Falkens. However, I don't think I'll be driving fast anytime soon with my recent speeding ticket for 95mph.

InTTruder

When Z-speed rated tires were first introduced, they were thought to reflect the highest tire speed rating that would ever be required, in excess of 240 km/h or 149 mph. While Z-speed rated tires are capable of speeds in excess of 149 mph, how far above 149 mph was not identified. That ultimately caused the automotive industry to add W- and Y-speed ratings to identify the tires that meet the needs of new vehicles that have extremely high top-speed capabilities.

W 168 mph 270 km/h Exotic Sports Cars
Y 186 mph 300 km/h Exotic Sports Cars

While a Z-speed rating still often appears in the tire size designation of these tires, such as 225/50ZR16 91W, the Z in the size signifies a maximum speed capability in excess of 149 mph, 240 km/h; the W in the service description indicates the tire's 168 mph, 270 km/h maximum speed.

225/50ZR16 in excess of 149 mph, 240 km/h
205/45ZR17 88W 168 mph, 270 km/h
285/35ZR19 99Y 186 mph, 300 km/h

Most recently, when the Y-speed rating indicated in a service description is enclosed in parentheses, such as 285/35ZR19 (99Y), the top speed of the tire has been tested in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h indicated by the service description as shown below:

285/35ZR19 99Y 186 mph, 300 km/h
285/35ZR19 (99Y) in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h

As vehicles have increased their top speeds into Autobahn-only ranges, the tire speed ratings have evolved to better identify the tires capability, allowing drivers to match the speed of their tires with the top speed of their vehicle.

InTTruder

Nice look, nice deal

TTear

That's what I mean, not that there's something wrong with the W. Of course it also depends on your driving style. If you're an agressive style driver, then your match is the Y rated tire rather than the W.

TTear

tire option. Like EMDII said, W is just fine

karsoon

What a nice transformation.

MichaelTT

nice transitions in cornering and high grip..and price is right!