Tires Recommedations for XK8

I have Yokohama AVS DB series 2 on both the XJS and XJ12 in 225 60 ZR16 and I have been really happy with the wear, noise levels and handling out of this tire. Its more of a grand touring choice maybe, but it fits the cars well. We previously had Pireli P4000s on the XJS and Bridgestone Turanza Zs on the XJ12 and the Yokos blow both of those away.

Yokohama makes other super high performance tires also. In my experience you get a tire thats every bit as good as a Michelin for a third or more less money.

Daniel Arsenault
Lakewood, CA
1994 XJ12 Morocco Red
1995 XJS 4.0 Rose Bronze

I don't think there's that much difference for every day driving, but you will get more life out of the Michlen's. Pirelli's are notorious for poor wear.

there are no free lunch in life: grip = soft rubber = wear...

i love the Pzeros and have them on both the XKR and the E-type... they provide tons of grip and this is how the car's suspension was originally tuned by Jaguar (well XKR / XK8... not e-type obviously :-) )

while it's true that you rarely get a chance to push the car to its cornering limits on the street, the day you need to brake real hard, gripper tires could make the difference between a safe stop and planting your leaper on someone's trunk... ok ok you don't have a leaper on your XK8 (hopefully) but you get my drift :-)

Pascal Gademer
00 XKR
72 XKE

Edited on 2005-05-06 9:08:58

Hi Bruce, Congrats on your XK8....Great car. Personally, I prefer the "MICHLEN PILOT SPORT A/S". Better ride, wear, and traction, than the P-Zero's.....Much better cost, also. You will require "245/50ZR17" in the Pilot's. I installed a set, (5) last November, and paid $979.00, out the door. You might want to have the timing chain's/tensioners inspected, also, as they are a grave concern of XK8 owners, pre 2000. Mike Kreul, Pres. Jaguar Club Of Florida, 1999 XK8, C-16 National #1