They are ST tires...they wont last more than 12k miles...go enjoy them and get the Kooks when you really need more traction.

Data from a local guy who does a lot of track time:

Fair play. Then again, my last set of Kumho XSes was ~2 years old before they started to cord. I guess, if anything, that's an indication that I need to do more track time...

What does that friction circle indicate? Same grip?

Looks pretty similar with the NT01 having a slight edge in ultimate grip. Not bad..most people who switch to an R-comp see at least a second with all else being equal. But for twice the life..RS3 would be a good choice for anyone not chasing plastic trophies.

But thats also a pretty short lap time, so would be interesting to see what track and what power levels he has

Yeah; he has plenty of data from a few other tracks in the South East. That one is a short, local "test and tune" track that some of the local group use as a benchmark since it's the same configuration and easy on street cars (and there are zero walls). The MX-2000 is a non-turbo F20C-powered car. I think it's ~220 - 230 whp, reasonably light, etc.

For comparison, a well-driven 1.6L Spec Miata on 15x8" wheels with 205/50-15 NT-01s ran a 58.1 and a stock-ish AP1 S2000 on 255/40-17 RS-3s ran a 57.43. A bone stock Viper ACR (recent body style) ran a 53.33 on Pilot Sport Cups (same driver as the MX-2000).

So has anyone found another source for these yet?

nope. I hear the are on back order till at least September.

I was told that, if you want them, plan to wait months. I just ended up ordering another set of 205/50-15 XSes as even the Star Specs were on back order. :-/

the fact that dunlop had a rebate running probably affected that

Out of curiosity I sent Brian @ Goodwin an email, and he said that he has 225/45-15 R1Rs in stock.

News!!!!!!
 

Me to Hankook USA:
I currently have 2 sets of your RS-3 tires on order (225/45-15 and 255/40-17) and I was wondering if you could let me know when you have your next shipments going out because I will need tires in the next month or so. Thank you

Them:

Hi Drew: The first size will be available next week. Unfortunately, the second size will not be available until mid October. Sincerely,

So, good news guys!!

Dont worry you can send donations if you feel the need ;-). Just too bad my RSX is gonna have to wait till October unless I get another tire....:vash:

They didn't say how many will be available. They might ship a dozen sets and have 100 on back-order.

Sup Mr. Thorsen? :)

I'm trying to find some of these skins also, keep us posted.

When I ordered my wheels and tires last week from Tirerack, they were still on backorder.

Tire Rack said they'd be available this week and gave me an estimated arrival date at my front door of 8/22. I've also got inquiries into other sources just in case. I need them in a month, so I hope I didn't wait too long... ffffuuuuuuu.

UPDATE: Tire Rack shipped my tires TODAY! YESSSSSSS!!!

AS I said above....:jerkit:

rs3 ftw!!

Has anybody actually gotten tires?

I'd probably order a set if someone wanted some brand new yet 3 year old RA-1s that have been stored in my climate controlled basement for quite some time.

I got some RS3 from Tire Rack a few weeks back. They come next day for me from GA.