Nitto NT555 G2 Review: The Summer Tire That’s Changing the Game for Muscle Cars

The Nitto NT555 G2 is a high-performance summer tire designed for sports cars, muscle cars, and powerful sedans. This ultra-high-performance tire delivers exceptional grip, precise handling, and impressive traction on dry and wet roads. Nitto engineered the NT555 G2 to provide an exhilarating driving experience for automotive enthusiasts who demand the utmost in terms of performance, responsiveness, and driving pleasure.

Aimed at drivers of powerful rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the Nitto NT555 G2 caters to those seeking a tire that can harness the full potential of their high-powered machines. Whether you’re carving through winding roads or launching from a standstill, this tire promises to deliver the grip and control you need to enjoy every mile to the fullest. With its advanced compound and tread design, the NT555 G2 strikes a balance between outstanding dry traction and respectable wet performance, making it a versatile choice for spirited driving in various conditions.

Don’t know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!

Design and Construction

The Nitto NT555 G2 features an aggressive directional tread design optimized for high-performance driving. The tread pattern incorporates wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches to evacuate water effectively, providing enhanced hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. The tread blocks are siped with 3D adaptive sipes that interlock under cornering forces, maximizing grip and stability.

Nitto employs a specialized silica-reinforced compound that delivers exceptional dry traction and responsive handling characteristics. This compound is engineered to maintain its flexibility across a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent performance in varying conditions.

Beneath the tread, the NT555 G2 utilizes a twin-layer construction with a high-grip outboard shoulder for cornering stability and a more pliable inboard shoulder for ride comfort. The internal structure incorporates a twin steel belt package reinforced with spirally wrapped nylon for improved strength and uniformity at high speeds.

Additionally, Nitto incorporates their Variable Pitch Technology, which varies the groove circumferential pitches to minimize pattern noise and enhance ride quality. The tire’s sidewall is designed with a sporty, asymmetric profile, complementing the aggressive tread pattern and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Performance Capabilities

The Nitto NT555 G2 is engineered to deliver impressive all-around performance, excelling in various driving conditions. Its advanced tread compound and unique tread pattern design work in harmony to provide exceptional grip and traction.

Dry Performance: On dry pavement, the NT555 G2 shines with its responsive handling and precise steering feel. The asymmetric tread pattern features a continuous center rib that enhances stability and cornering precision, allowing for confident maneuvering at high speeds. The solid shoulder blocks and optimized siping ensure reliable grip during hard acceleration and braking.

Wet Performance: Wet traction is a strong suit of the Nitto NT555 G2. The tread design incorporates wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that efficiently evacuate water from the contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. The silica-enriched tread compound maintains its flexibility in wet conditions, providing reliable grip and shorter braking distances on slippery surfaces.

Off-Road Capabilities: While primarily designed for on-road use, the NT555 G2 offers respectable off-road capabilities for light-duty adventures. The tread pattern features alternating shoulder blocks that enhance traction on loose surfaces like gravel or dirt. The reinforced internal construction and robust sidewalls provide resistance against cuts and punctures, ensuring durability when venturing off the beaten path.

Handling and Traction: The NT555 G2 delivers responsive and predictable handling, thanks to its optimized contact patch and well-balanced tread design. The tires maintain a strong grip during cornering maneuvers, inspiring confidence in the driver. Additionally, the traction capabilities are impressive, allowing for swift acceleration and effective braking, even in challenging conditions.

Overall, the Nitto NT555 G2 strikes an excellent balance between performance and all-season versatility, making it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a tire that can handle a wide range of driving scenarios with confidence and control.

Ride Comfort and Noise

The Nitto NT555 G2 delivers an impressive balance of ride comfort and low noise levels, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth and quiet driving experience. Engineered with advanced tread designs and specialized compounds, this tire excels in minimizing road noise without compromising performance.

On the road, the NT555 G2 provides a plush and compliant ride, effectively absorbing impacts from bumps and road imperfections. This results in a comfortable and controlled driving experience, even on rougher surfaces. The tire’s unique tread pattern and optimized siping help to reduce road noise, ensuring a serene cabin environment even at higher speeds.

Additionally, the NT555 G2’s advanced tread compound contributes to its exceptional noise-damping capabilities. The compound is designed to minimize the transmission of vibrations and road noise into the vehicle’s cabin, resulting in a remarkably quiet and refined ride quality.

Overall, the Nitto NT555 G2 offers an exceptional blend of ride comfort and low noise levels, making it an ideal choice for drivers seeking a smooth and peaceful driving experience without sacrificing performance or handling capabilities.

Durability and Treadwear

The Nitto NT555 G2 is designed to offer exceptional durability and long-lasting performance. With its advanced tread compound and reinforced construction, this tire delivers impressive treadwear resistance, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

One of the standout features of the NT555 G2 is its impressive tread life. The tire’s unique tread pattern and optimized rubber compound are engineered to withstand the rigors of everyday driving, providing consistent performance even as the miles rack up. Many drivers report getting well over 40,000 miles out of a single set of these tires, with some even reaching the 60,000-mile mark before needing a replacement.

In addition to its impressive treadwear resistance, the NT555 G2 also boasts a high level of resistance to punctures and other types of damage. The tire’s reinforced sidewalls and bead area provide added protection against curb damage, while the robust tread compound helps to deflect road debris and minimize the risk of punctures. This added durability not only enhances safety but also contributes to the tire’s overall longevity, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment.

Overall, the Nitto NT555 G2 is a tire that is built to last. Its combination of advanced tread design, reinforced construction, and durable rubber compound make it an excellent choice for drivers who demand long-lasting performance and reliable durability from their tires.

Sizing and Fitment

The Nitto NT555 G2 is available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate various vehicle types and driving needs. From compact cars to full-size trucks and SUVs, this versatile tire offers a multitude of fitment options. The size range spans from 15-inch to 24-inch rim diameters, ensuring compatibility with most modern vehicles.

One of the notable strengths of the NT555 G2 is its ability to cater to different vehicle platforms. Whether you drive a sports car, performance sedan, or a capable off-road machine, Nitto has designed this tire to deliver optimal performance and handling characteristics. The tire’s construction and tread pattern allow for a smooth transition between various driving conditions, making it a versatile choice for daily commuting, spirited driving, and even light off-road adventures.

When selecting the appropriate size for your vehicle, it’s essential to consult with your tire professional or refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Proper fitment ensures optimal tread life, handling, and ride quality, while also maintaining the vehicle’s safety and stability. Nitto provides detailed sizing information, load ratings, and speed ratings to assist in choosing the right tire for your specific application.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent dry and wet traction due to the advanced tread compound and pattern design
• Responsive handling and steering feel, making it a great choice for enthusiast drivers
• Relatively quiet and comfortable ride for an ultra-high-performance tire
• Impressive cornering grip and stability at higher speeds
• Available in a wide range of sizes to fit many sports cars and high-performance vehicles

Cons

• Treadwear may be somewhat lower than some touring tires due to the soft tread compound
• Not intended for winter driving or use in snow and ice conditions
• Road noise can be noticeable, especially on rougher road surfaces
• Prices are on the higher end compared to some other max-performance summer tires
• Tread life may suffer if the tires are driven aggressively or exposed to excessive heat

Competitor Comparison

The Nitto NT555 G2 faces stiff competition from other high-performance all-season tires in the market. One of its closest rivals is the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+, which is known for its excellent dry and wet traction, as well as its comfortable ride quality. While the Michelin tire may have a slight edge in terms of wet performance, the Nitto NT555 G2 outperforms it in terms of treadwear and overall durability.

Another notable competitor is the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS. This tire offers impressive dry handling and responsive steering, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. However, the Nitto NT555 G2 tends to provide better traction in wet conditions and has a more aggressive tread pattern, which translates to improved performance on light off-road terrains.

The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 is another contender in the high-performance all-season category. While it excels in wet and dry traction, it may not match the Nitto NT555 G2’s level of cornering stability and responsiveness, especially at higher speeds.

Compared to its competitors, the Nitto NT555 G2 strikes a balance between performance and durability, making it a versatile choice for drivers who demand a combination of sporty handling, all-season capability, and long treadlife. Its unique tread compound and design allow it to excel in a variety of driving conditions, from dry highways to light off-road adventures.

Price and Value

The Nitto NT555 G2 tires offer excellent value for their performance capabilities and durability. While not the cheapest option on the market, their cost is reasonable considering the quality construction and advanced compound technology used.

For most vehicle sizes, a set of four Nitto NT555 G2 tires will typically range from $600 to $800 before taxes and installation fees. This places them in the mid-to-upper price range compared to rival ultra-high performance summer tires from brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental.

However, the NT555 G2’s impressive dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and long treadwear make them a worthwhile investment for driving enthusiasts. Many owners report getting 30,000-40,000 miles out of a set before needing replacement, providing good longevity for the cost.

Overall, the Nitto NT555 G2 delivers strong bang for your buck in the max performance summer tire category. While pricier than some budget options, the blend of grip, steering feel, and durability justifies the premium for those seeking an exhilarating yet daily-drivable tire.

Recommendations and Final Thoughts

The Nitto NT555 G2 is an excellent ultra-high performance summer tire that delivers impressive dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride for a max performance tire. Its advanced compound and tread design allow it to really shine on the street and track. While it has a relatively short treadlife compared to touring tires, the grip and driving enjoyment make it well worth the investment for enthusiasts.

For street performance driving, track days, autocross, or any enthusiast looking for maximum grip in warm, dry conditions, the NT555 G2 is an easy recommendation. It inspires confidence with outstanding dry road handling and traction. The wet traction is also very capable, though there are tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S that have a slight edge in sustained wet grip.

Overall, the Nitto NT555 G2 hits an excellent sweet spot of performance, comfort, and value for driving enthusiasts. It may not be the absolute longest-wearing tire, but it more than makes up for it in real-world performance. Nitto has truly delivered a winner with this latest generation ultra-high performance summer tire.