Tyre Reviews has released its ultra-ultra high performance (UUHP) summer tyre test for 2026, putting 8 tyres through a comprehensive evaluation in the 235/35 R19 size with a heavy focus on subjective handling. Ten individual disciplines were tested across four main categories: dry, wet, comfort/noise, and economy.
The result: a dominant performance from the new Pirelli P Zero R (★90), which beat the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 in the dry and the Continental SportContact 7 (★100) in the wet — an achievement few would have predicted. Meanwhile, a budget tyre from Kingboss proved dangerously slow in wet conditions.
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Top 3 at a Glance
Winner: Pirelli P Zero R
The Pirelli P Zero R (★90) takes a commanding win. It posted the shortest dry braking distance (31.7 m from 100 km/h), the fastest dry handling time (76.48 s), and — remarkably — also the fastest wet handling time (99.38 s). Its steering has a linear ramp-up with possibly the best overall front-end feel in the group. In wet braking it was barely behind the Continental (24.89 m vs 24.54 m). The only trade-offs: higher rolling resistance (9.8 kg/t) and mid-pack comfort. The biggest limitation is its tiny size range — only 3 non-OE sizes currently available, though more are coming soon.
Pirelli P Zero R
Dimensions: 285/35R22 - 325/40R22
Number of sizes: 2
Number of tests: 1
Strong Second: Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo (★93)
The Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo (★93) earned second place with a thrilling driving experience. Its non-linear steering ramp-up delivers a genuinely exciting feel even at sub-limit pace. In the wet, it was noticeably faster than the Continental with excellent front-end bite and a stable rear end. The Evo version addresses the original Potenza Sport’s weaknesses in rolling resistance and track wear. The only notable downside: it was the loudest tyre on test at 73.7 dB.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
Dimensions: 205/30R17 - 325/55R22
Number of sizes: 105
Number of tests: 5
Third Place: Continental SportContact 7
The Continental SportContact 7 (★100) took third with its familiar recipe of safety and efficiency. It delivered the shortest wet braking distance (24.54 m) and the lowest rolling resistance (8.8 kg/t, tied with Kingboss). Its aquaplaning resistance was second-best. However, subjective handling ranked only mid-pack — the steering showed a slight elasticity around centre that held it back against the more driver-focused tyres at the top.
Continental SportContact 7
Dimensions: 225/25R18 - 345/50R24
Number of sizes: 102
Number of tests: 5
Fourth Place (Tied): Goodyear and Michelin
The Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport was the most comfortable tyre on test (7.25 points) with strong wet handling and the highest subjective wet score. It is starting to show its age though — rolling resistance was worst in test at 10.4 kg/t and braking performance was only mid-pack. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 earned the joint-highest subjective dry handling score (8.75 points) with the sharpest steering reactions and was the quietest tyre (71.3 dB). However, its 80:20 track focus meant tricky wet grip, especially in standing water where the rear became unpredictable.
Wet Braking: The Safety Story
The biggest safety message comes from wet braking. From 80 km/h, the Continental stopped in 24.54 m while the Kingboss needed 31.48 m — a 6.94 m gap (28.3%). At motorway speeds, this difference translates to roughly 4.1 car lengths of additional stopping distance. Dry braking showed a similar pattern: the Pirelli stopped in 31.7 m from 100 km/h while the Kingboss needed 38.92 m — over 7 metres longer.
The Kingboss G866 finished last and was described as having “no useful wet grip.” It was six seconds per lap slower in the dry and over 17 seconds slower in the wet. Despite acceptable rolling resistance and comfort scores, it should be avoided entirely — both for enthusiasts and regular drivers.
The Handling Revelation
Perhaps the most surprising finding was that the Pirelli P Zero R beat the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 in dry handling — a tyre Michelin positions as an 80% track product. The Pirelli was faster by 0.32 seconds per lap and matched the Cup 2’s top subjective handling score. In the wet, the gap was even larger: the Pirelli was nearly 8 seconds per lap faster. For drivers seeking the ultimate performance street tyre, the P Zero R appears to have redefined what’s possible on a road-legal tyre.
Key Takeaway
This test confirms that the UUHP segment has reached extraordinary levels. The top four tyres all delivered wet handling within 5 seconds of each other, while the Kingboss was 17.76 seconds slower. The Pirelli P Zero R’s ability to dominate both surfaces simultaneously is unprecedented in Tyre Reviews testing. For anyone with a compatible car, it is the clear choice — the only question is whether your size is available yet.