The Nitto NT05 is an ultra-high-performance tire made to match the strength of your vehicle. These Nitto tires was designed following a thorough series of computer simulation modeling and on-track testing. The main objective of the Nitto NT05 is to deliver extreme performance in high-horsepower vehicles.
Table of Contents
Overview
Pros
- Extreme dry traction
- Impressive steering response
- Accurate handling and cornering
- Cheaper than other tires in its class
Cons
- Mediocre wet traction, more concerning for aggressive drivers
- Not for snowy or icy conditions, that's no surprise
- Not the most comfortable ride
Features
Since the tire was designed following extensive on-track testing, it has a semi-slick tread design, similar to that of a racecar. With that said, the tire has enough rubber to properly grip the road while driving aggressively and the tread design also has ample grooves and siping to prevent hydroplaning.
When designing this tire, Nitto had the vision of fitting high-performance vehicles, especially those with high horsepower. While the tires are decently slick, the design allows for optimal contact with the road. The tire has an extra-wide continuous center rib and oversized shoulder blocks to provide enhanced dry traction, grip, handling, rigidity. What’s more, the Nitto NT05 is made with a unique tread compound with reinforced internal construction for maximum stability and durability.
Nitto NT05 Performance Review
Treadwear and Durability
As mentioned above, the unique tread compound with reinforced internal construction leads to excellent tread life. While this depends on your driving habits, tread life is generally quite acceptable with the NT05. Of course, if you accelerate too quickly and are constantly wrecking the tires, they won’t last nearly as long. If you want an ultra-high-performance tire at a decent price (cheaper than the competition) that will last long, the NT05 is for you.
Dry Performance
Those who drive with Nitto NT05 tires can attest to the fact that they perform extremely well on dry surfaces. The continuous center rib is constantly delivering optimal tread contact with the road to enhance dry performance. When looking at the left side of the tire, you’ll notice that the tire is intended to perform best on dry roads, with such wide edges and huge outside shoulder blocks. Regardless of your speed, you can expect extreme dry traction and impressive steering. All in all, the NT05 has great stability and control and will perform above the standard every time.
Wet Performance
Wet traction on the NT05 is okay – while the continuous center rib is in place to grip the road, the circumferential grooves are designed to promote wet traction and prevent hydroplaning. You should feel completely confident driving on wet roads with these tires, but it is clear that they weren’t optimized to be driven in heavy rain. Other drivers claim that these tires have good wet traction, and we haven’t heard any complaints. For a tire that wasn’t meant to be driven in wet rain, it certainly has impressive wet handling capabilities.
Snow Traction and Braking Performance
This tire was created with dry and wet traction in mind, and aren’t recommended to be driven in snowy and icy conditions. If you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing and you expect to have ice and snow on the roads, you will need to switch out your tires.
Comfort & Noise
This tire was designed with dry traction in mind and not top-of-the-line comfort. With that said, these tires are still decently comfortable. In fact, we’d actually claim that the NT05 provides a more comfortable ride than most competing run-flat tires. There is also little road noise produced with these tires, so that can be the least of your worries! We know if you’re buying these tires, comfort and noise aren’t your top priority. With the NT05 you get the best of both worlds -high-performing race-quality tires that are also quiet and comfortable. If you want the tire to be completely silent and extremely comfortable, you might want to consider other options.
Nitto NT05 Tire Sizes & Specifications
Tire sizes available
17″
235/40ZR17 90W BLK
255/40ZR17 XL 98W BLK
275/40ZR17 98W BLK
315/35ZR17 102W BLK
18″
225/40R18 XL 92W BLK
235/40R18 XL 95W BLK
245/40R18 XL 97W BLK
265/35ZR18 XL 97W BLK
275/35ZR18 XL 99W BLK
275/40ZR18 99W BLK
285/35ZR18 XL 101W BLK
295/35ZR18 99W BLK
295/45ZR18 XL 112W BLK
19″
225/40ZR19 XL 93W BLK
235/35ZR19 91W BLK
245/35R19 XL 93W BLK
245/40ZR19 XL 98W BLK
275/30R19 XL 96W BLK
275/35ZR19 XL 100W BLK
335/30ZR19 XL 103W BLK
20″
255/35ZR20 XL 97W BLK
255/45ZR20 XL 101W BLK
275/35ZR20 XL 102W BLK
275/40R20 XL 106W BLK
315/35ZR20 XL 110W BLK
What vehicles will the Nitto NT05 fit?
The Nitto NT05 will fit a variety of high-performance/luxury vehicles including the following:
- Acura RSX, TL
- Audi A4, A6 Quattro, TT, S4
- BMW 525i, 135i, 535i, M5, 740i, M3, Z4
- Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, HHR
- Dodge Viper, Avenger, Stealth
- Ford Mustang, Focus
- Jaguar S-Type
- Lexus GS350, GS430, IS250, SC400
- Maserati Coupe
- Mazda 6
- Mercedes-Benz C230, C63 AMG, CLK320, E320, SL500
- Nissan 350Z, 370Z, Maxima
- Pontiac Trans Am, GTO, Grand Am
- Porsche 911, Boxster
- Saab 9-5
- And more
Conclusion
To wrap things up, the Nitto NT05 is a solid tire on dry roads, even when driving aggressively. You can expect to have a fun time with these tires, getting to drive hard without worrying about losing control. You can expect crisp, sharp turns and superior handling. If you’re interested in a max performance summer tire that comes at a great value, the NT05 may be the one for you. The price varies from $135 to $360 depending on size and vendor, which is one of the best prices you can get on a tire in such a class.