Tires Nexen or BRIDGESTONE

Currently running Bridgestone RE760 Sports. Classified as "Ultra High Performance" I have found them to be a great summer tire on a DD.

Absolute best grip in that size will be the Bridgestone Potenza RE71-R. That would be the 'autocross special' tire. It's a 200 treadwear rated tire, so it's legal in the SCCA Street classes, but it's very soft and extremely grippy.

Been using 225/45R-17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS80's...they have been great last 2 winters.

I have a set of 265/30/R18 Bridgestone RE71Rs I autocross them and daily drove them for a while. But pricey but worth it for performance. I've heard people refer to these as one step down from slicks

I agree, very quiet compared to my Bridgestone Ecopia 422 plus H, better traction wet and dry...better handling too. Expansion joint crossings are quieter than my Bridgestones as well.

Spend the money on a really good set of fronts. Nexen SUR04

Get some Blizzak's from Costco while they are on sale. They have been a huge upgrade on my Mazda.

I've been running Blizzaks for a few years now. Love them.

I got about 6 tracks days from my RE-71R tires last season. They were great for about the first 15 minutes, but fell off after that. They also got shredded pretty quickly.

Nexen tires are cheap for a reason. While they may serve you just fine to putt down the highway they are inferior in about every measurable category to most reputable tires, lateral grip, braking, acceleration.