I just got back from the Streets of Willow where we conducted a comparison test between the Falken Tire RT 615 and the new and improved RT 615K. We used two cars to help us conduct this test, 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 and the 2010 Nissan 370Z. Both cars are awesome but so different at the same time, which is why they were perfect for our test.
I ran through a set of the RT 615 on the Ford Mustang 5.0 and the Nissan 370Z. I went all out in each car to lay down a bench mark time to compare against the new RT 615K. Both cars were quick but in different areas of the track. We then slapped on the new RT 615K, which look exactly the same as the RT 615 but have an improved compound that retains the 200 UTQG that it had before.
From the minute I left the pits, I could feel a huge increase in the level of grip. As I started to pick up the pace I noticed that it still had those great features of the RT 615, which is very predictable and user friendly. After I laid down my 3 timed laps in each car I was blown away at the change in grip! It’s pretty cool to see how one variable has such a big effect on the feel and performance of your car.
For those of you that own or have owned a set of RT 615, you will be so impressed with the level of grip that the RT 615K has over the RT 615. If you have never driven on the RT 615, I promise that you will be blown away with the performance of the RT 615K! Stay tuned to www.falkentire.com for a full video and results from our test
A tire test is not complete without some drifting! Can’t wait to use these in the 2010 Formula D Championship!
dear tyler, pls tell us how much your lap times changed with the new RT615k.
also, driving impressions on the new 5.0 vs the 370?
Did you have a chance to evaluate steering feel? If so, how is the torque build up and yaw response on center (+/- 5 degree)? Used to daily on the RT615 so thinking about this tire as well as the Dunlops.
Times would be great
Petite and Jon-
I can tell you that when I did the 3 laps on the 615k, I knew before I even came into the pits that I had gone a lot quicker!It was a huge improvment on the clock but I can’t tell you the exact time and you’ll have to wait for the video to come out with the results. Sorry but it should be out very soon.
KBank-
I did the development driving for the 615k and I also did all the development driving when I was at Hankook for the RS2 and RS3. I’ve tested every UHP tire on the market and I think the 615 was one of the most perdictable and user friendly on the market. But its been out on the market a while so over the last couple of years it started to fall behind on grip. I think its important the tire keep its feel but gain grip. The construction and how the belt was laid in the 615k is exactly the same as the 615. The only thing that was changed was the compound. So the overall feel was the same but it gained a crap load of grip so because of that, the yaw or what I call slip angle decreased in all areas. Turn in was much sharper and required less steering mid corner which reduced scrub. the exit of the corner was amazing with getting the power down. It truly felt like a different car!I didn’t notice a change in torque just off center but keep in mind that can changer with tire size and rim width, which can effect how the sidwall works with load. The constrution of the tire still deals with load change the same but the compound helps it respond to the load change faster.
Wich I could give you guys the times!If it means anything, I’m VERY excited to be driving on the 615k’s this year in Formula D!!! Hope this made sense cause I’m spent…
What rims are on the 5.0 Mustang?
As far as predictability goes, what tires are you comparing with? Of all the tires I’ve raced on, I’ve never found one that was harder to push to the limits than the RT-615, particularly because of how unpredictable it is.
When driving with the old RT-215 and RT-615, I used to spin my car frequently at autocrosses. Then I switched to the RE-01R and now RE-11. I have *yet* to spin the car on these tires.
What about wet climates like Vancouver, BC or Seattle, WA? Are these tires a bad idea or is wet grip improved with the 615k model?
[...] Tyler McQuarrie Tire Test: Falken Azenis RT615 VS. ?NEW? RT 615K Breaking Drift News Falken came out with a new compound for the RT615. [...]
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