The RS4 page says available March 16th, and the email purchase confirmation I got says March 18th. I would assume mid-march is more correct than where ever says available.

I may be able to get a durometer reading on both when they come in. I've got worn RS3's, but I don't know how durometer would change over heat cycles. They've been used for 2 summers of street driving, and 1.5 hours of track time.

I used to use one all the time, but found that you have to be VERY consistent on ambient temperature for it to be useful. Further, tread depth also had an impact. A brand-new tire shaved to 3/2nds will read harder than a brand-new same tire at full tread. Think about how a durometer works and you'll understand why.

Durometers are great for checking one new tire vs. another new tire at the same time, but beyond that I'm not sure how useful they are. I have one but haven't touched it in a couple of years.

So you're saying you'll give us some data when your's comes in? 😀

What Andrew and Andy are saying is put away your durometers. There is no useful data to be gleaned by comparing the durometer of a sticker anything to another brand sticker or used anything.

The usage of a durometer is to compare one set of a brand and model of tire to another set of the same brand/model on the same day.

Tire Test! Toyo R888R, and Hankook RS4 vs BFGoodrich Rival-S 1.5 ? tracktuned

Dixie Tour test course. R888R vs Rival-S 1.5 vs RS4

Final Synopsis
"The biggest difference between the tires was how well they worked cold. The Hankook was terminally pushy for the first half of each run where the BFG exhibited much milder push which only lasted for the first one or two turns. The Hankook had a fair bit worse turn in and was harder to place the car. Overall my impression was that for autocrossers in hot climates the Hankook may work well, but given it’s shortcomings and lack of contingency I doubt Hankook will be upsetting the applecart this season."

Hmm.

Sounds like maybe the RS-4 will still be a less-grippy, longer wearing option.

One can only hope.

That was the first feedback I have seen on the R888R's too. I just got some 205/50 Conti EC sports for my 15x8's and I will be needing some 225/45 for my 15x9's before the end of the year, so it will be interesting to keep track of all these new tires. They need to be a big step up from the Contis and will be for the track.