Nitto NT01 Review: How Do They Handle on the Track?

Nitto is a well-known Japanese tire manufacturer that was founded in 1949. The company has a strong reputation for producing high-performance tires optimized for enthusiasts.

The Nitto NT01 is one of Nitto’s most popular ultra-high-performance summer tires. It’s designed for sports cars and high-powered vehicles.

The NT01 delivers exceptional grip and handling, along with good high-speed stability.

This tire utilizes Nitto’s advanced technologies to provide precise and responsive steering, excellent traction in dry and wet conditions, and durable performance.

The NT01 is engineered for drivers who want a tire that can handle high speeds and demanding cornering.

The NT01 has been tested and approved for use on some of the world’s most iconic sports cars. It provides the grip and performance demanded by discerning drivers.

In this review, we’ll take a close look at the features and real-world performance of the Nitto NT01.

NT01 Highlights

The NT01 is Nitto’s ultra high-performance summer tire designed for sports cars and coupes.

It delivers exceptional dry traction and steering response while still providing good wet weather performance. Some key highlights of the NT01 include:

• UTQG Treadwear Rating of 200 – This treadwear grade means the NT01 should last around twice as long as a tire with a treadwear grade of 100 before needing replacement. So it offers excellent longevity for an ultra-high-performance tire.
• Traction Grade of AA – The NT01 earns Nitto’s highest traction rating for acceleration, cornering and braking grip in dry conditions. The asymmetric tread pattern features large outer shoulder blocks to enhance grip during hard cornering.
• Temperature Grade of A – This grade indicates the NT01 is resistant to heat buildup at high speeds. The tire stays stable and avoids rapid tread wear when driven aggressively for prolonged periods.

Overall the NT01 delivers an impressive balance of dry grip, steering response, longevity and high speed stability to match the capabilities of modern sports cars.

The tire lives up to its ultra-high-performance branding.

Tread Design

The Nitto NT01 features a directional tread pattern designed to channel water away quickly for superior wet traction.

The tread blocks have multiple edges to grip the road, with larger blocks on the outside and smaller blocks on the inside of the tire.

Deep siping cuts across the tread blocks to further enhance wet grip. The sipes allow the tread blocks to flex and conform to the road surface, increasing the tire’s contact patch for better traction. The siping is especially useful when driving on wet pavement or light snow.

Overall, the directional tread with aggressive siping gives the NT01 strong wet weather performance.

Drivers praise the tire’s ability to find grip even in heavy rain storms. The tread design provides sports car levels of traction without compromising ride quality.

Performance of Nitto NT01

The NT01 is designed for exceptional performance on both dry and wet roads. The asymmetric tread pattern features large outside shoulder blocks that provide a confident cornering grip and stability when driving aggressively.

In dry conditions, the NT01 sticks to the road incredibly well. The stiff outside blocks remain stable under hard cornering without deforming or folding over.

This allows the tire to maintain its contact patch and maximize grip through turns. Even at higher speeds, the NT01 feels planted and secure.

The silica-infused compound also enhances dry traction. The added silica provides a strong mechanical grip while resisting overheating.

Test drivers report the NT01 delivers very responsive, precise steering on dry roads. The tire reacts immediately to driver inputs without lag or delay.

Wet weather performance is similarly impressive for an ultra-high-performance tire. The angled sipes and grooves effectively channel water away from the tread to prevent hydroplaning.

This gives the NT01 excellent wet traction and braking capabilities. While most UHP tires struggle in heavy rain, the NT01 maintains composure and road holding ability.

Reviewers say the NT01 offers superb braking across various conditions. The rigid tread blocks and sticky rubber allow the tire to stop quickly in both wet and dry conditions.

The brakes inspire confidence and perform consistently in panic stopping scenarios.

Overall, the NT01 delivers elite levels of grip and control in dry and wet conditions. It provides precise, responsive handling along with strong braking performance.

For drivers who want a tire focused on high-speed stability and traction, the NT01 is an excellent choice.

Ride Comfort of Nitto NT01

The Nitto NT01 tire shines when it comes to ride comfort and refinement. The tire produces very low noise levels, even at highway speeds, thanks to its unique tread pattern that minimizes air pumping.

Vibration is also extremely well dampened, with none of the shake and rumble often associated with performance tires.

Ride smoothness is exceptional as well. The tire absorbs small bumps and imperfections in the road while still providing responsive handling.

This gives a very refined and luxurious ride quality not always found in high-performance tires.

The silica-infused tread compound provides a soft sidewall that further enhances comfort on rough roads.

Overall, the NT01 offers a supremely comfortable and quiet ride that belies its aggressive appearance and sports car intentions.

Drivers seeking a performance tire without the harsh ride will appreciate the NT01’s blend of grip and compliance.

The tire remains comfortable even after many miles of aggressive driving.

Available Sizes

The Nitto NT01 is available in a wide range of sizes to fit most vehicles. From small 13″ wheels all the way up to 18″ wheels, there’s an NT01 to match your needs.

Some of the most common sizes available include:

• 13″ wheels
• 14″ wheels
• 15″ wheels
• 16″ wheels
• 17″ wheels
• 18″ wheels

Whether you drive a small compact car or a larger sedan, truck or SUV, Nitto has ensured the NT01 comes in sizes to fit your wheels.

The full range of sizing makes the NT01 a very versatile high-performance tire choice.

Warranty

The Nitto NT01 comes with a standard manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.

The warranty period is 3 years from the date of purchase or 4 years from the date of manufacture, whichever comes first.

The warranty covers issues like tread or sidewall separation, belt edge separation, or cracks in the tread or sidewall that expose the belt material.

Cosmetic issues like irregular wear or damage from road hazards are generally not covered.

To make a warranty claim, you’ll need to provide proof of purchase and date of purchase. You’ll also need to submit photos showing the defect or damage.

If approved, Nitto will either repair or replace the tire at no charge, excluding any labor costs. The replacement tire will be covered under the original warranty terms.

The Nitto NT01 warranty only applies to the original purchaser and is non-transferable if the tires are sold to another party.

The warranty is void if the tires have been used in any competitive events or for commercial purposes like taxi, delivery, or ride-sharing services.

Normal wear and tear or improper maintenance can also void the warranty.

Overall, the Nitto NT01 warranty provides reassurance against premature defects but has limitations in coverage.

As with most tire warranties, regular rotation and alignment are key to maximizing the usable tread life.

Price

The Nitto NT01 is competitively priced for the premium tire category, ranging from around $150 up to $250 depending on the size.

Here’s a quick breakdown of sample pricing:

• 215/45R17 – Around $150
• 225/45R17 – Around $170
• 245/40R17 – Around $190
• 255/35R18 – Around $220
• 265/35R18 – Around $240
• 275/35R18 – Around $250

The NT01 sits at the upper end of summer performance tire pricing, but the advanced engineering and impressive test results make it worthwhile for driving enthusiasts or autocross participants looking for maximum grip and response.

While not the cheapest high-performance summer tire, the NT01 delivers on its promises.

Pros and Cons

The Nitto NT01 tire offers a number of strengths along with some potential drawbacks to consider:

Pros

• Excellent dry grip and handling from the asymmetric tread design
• Confident wet weather performance thanks to the large tread blocks and grooves
• Quiet ride quality compared to other high-performance summer tires
• Impressive high-speed stability and balanced feel
• Good expected treadlife from the 100 treadwear rating

Cons

• Prone to tramlining on grooved pavement
• Not optimized for cold weather or snow driving
• Higher rolling resistance than touring tires
• Can be prone to wear on the inside shoulder
• More expensive than comparable tires from other brands

Overall, the NT01 provides sports car levels of grip and response while still being streetable for daily driving.

The tire is best suited for drivers prioritizing performance in warm, dry conditions over all-weather versatility or maximum treadlife.

Weigh the key strengths and limitations based on your specific needs and driving style.

Conclusion

Overall, the Nitto NT01 tire is an excellent high-performance summer tire that provides a thrilling driving experience.

It offers sharp handling, responsive steering, and impressive grip on both dry and wet roads.

The unique tread design utilizes large, rigid blocks in the center for stability and smaller, sipes along the shoulders for increased grip during cornering.

While ride comfort is firmer than your average tire, the precise and agile handling is worth the tradeoff for driving enthusiasts.

The NT01 is offered in a wide range of popular sizes to fit most sports cars and performance sedans on the market today.

Nitto backs the tire with a 30,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is fairly standard for a summer performance tire.

For drivers looking for a maximum performance summer tire that can handle both the track and the street, the Nitto NT01 is an excellent choice.

The precise and athletic handling capabilities make this a top pick for autocross, track days, or spirited canyon driving.

While not ideal for daily commuting, the NT01 delivers an exciting and dynamic driving experience for those seeking the ultimate high-performance tire.