Tested: How does the new Nankang Sportnex CR-S compare?

Are the AO52 and RE71RS the current hotness in autocross?

CyberEric said:

Are the AO52 and RE71RS the current hotness in autocross?

Yes

pgorman70442 said:

Were you able to do any testing in an autocross setting with the tires? I'm curious to see how the New CR-S compares to the A052 in something like back-to-back autocross runs, as I know the old version of the CR-S (which I currently run) needed a good bit of heat to get into its operating window. I will be competing in several muscle car autocross events throughout the year and will be deciding between the new CR-S and A052 as an autocross tire for the year. 

No specific autocross testing, as we lost access to our former site.  That said, our track testing results have always lined up with those around cones, save for the heat characteristics.  And that latter point is the challenge or benefit of the revised CRS.  Cool morning single driver runs could be dicey.  But warm days and lots of back to back, this tire would stay consistently fast. 

We talked briefly after your presentation at the Rolex. The tire tests are great, but the follow up on the forum really adds to the value. 
Thanks so much!

In reply to Floating Doc (Forum Supporter) :

Yes, thank you, Andy, for above and beyond.

Also, Eric, I noticed a set of Nankangs on a certain Lava Orange Miata this past weekend....

David S. Wallens said:

In reply to Floating Doc (Forum Supporter) :

Yes, thank you, Andy, for above and beyond.

Also, Eric, I noticed a set of Nankangs on a certain Lava Orange Miata this past weekend....

Ok, which one?

In reply to Floating Doc (Forum Supporter) :

This one:

For those looking to be first on the block with the new tires, this place in Canada will ship them to you.  Thanks to Kevin Wenzel for the tip.

https://perryautolaval.com/products/nankang-cr-s-competition-tires-2023-compound

And, Eric, I don’t know if the Mazdaspeed was running the new or old Nankangs. But it is quick. 

Looks like these will be the next tires I pick up. Anyone suspect any issues with the 305/30/20 in the rear on OEM wheels for a 981 Cayman GT4? I'd stick with the 295 if that was available, but I'd be curious if anyone has run the 305 on the GT4.

Based on the first article, I went from Rival-S to CR-1. Cold grip of a street tire with traction control data logs to back it. Ran the CR-1 once and tried the RT-660's, just marginally better. I will be back on the BFG's before it gets cold. Wish the A052 came in a 245/40-15.

In reply to otbgt4 :

Slight rubbing on my 718 Spyder with the 305's.  A friend of my said he couldn't use (and had to sell) them on his 981 GT4 because they didn't fit at all; makes no sense to me.  We both had the same shop set up our cars.

In reply to 2XIPA :

Consensus is that a 305 should fit with a bit of camber. How much camber are you running in the rear?

1.9

In reply to 2XIPA :

Apparently you can get into the -2.5 range with shims on the OEM parts. 

ep-tuning has the 2023 tires!  but their sizes are limited though...

Did you guys get a chance to test how this tire holds up during longer sessions? I am more of an HPDE driver, rather than time-attack or autocross, so being able to handle more than two ore three laps is my priority. Thanks!

BatStig said:

Did you guys get a chance to test how this tire holds up during longer sessions? I am more of an HPDE driver, rather than time-attack or autocross, so being able to handle more than two ore three laps is my priority. Thanks!

Yes.  Answered in the story.

In reply to Andy Hollis :

My apologies. I'm a little slow sometimes. I read "Heat buildup slows later laps...", but somehow missed the "So there you have it" paragraph where you mentioned that "...it’s perfect for track days". Thank you!

BatStig said:

In reply to Andy Hollis :

My apologies. I'm a little slow sometimes. I read "Heat buildup slows later laps...", but somehow missed the "So there you have it" paragraph where you mentioned that "...it’s perfect for track days". Thank you!

And when you look at the lap time progression in the story, you see the actual magnitude...not much.

Having now run one set down below 1/32nds (edgy but still quick!)...I can add that consistency gets even better with less tread, though it also needs a bit more time to get to full operating temp.  As you'd expect, given less tread squirm.

Thank you for the review! Any testing in the wet as compared to the a052?

shahzad91s said:

Thank you for the review! Any testing in the wet as compared to the a052?

Only anecdotal on a damp track.  Performance was average.  Only the A052 and RE71RS are standouts in the wet for the 200tw category.

I'm looking into these tires for my CAM-T car, might be a good option. UPDATE: 315/30ZR18's have been ordered

What tire pressure for the A052 did you end up with on the Miata?

In reply to David S. Wallens :

In reply to David S. Wallens :my HQTLAVA is running on the OLD 245/40R15 Nankang's (2022) ...