Nitto NT555 G2 Review: The Ultimate Summer Performance Tire?

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

The Nitto NT555 G2 is a high-performance all-season tire designed for sports cars, muscle cars, and performance-oriented vehicles. This tire is the successor to the popular Nitto NT555 model and aims to provide enhanced dry and wet traction, improved handling, and a comfortable ride.

As an ultra-high-performance all-season tire, the NT555 G2 is intended for drivers who demand exceptional grip and responsiveness in various weather conditions. Whether you’re carving through twisty roads or navigating inclement weather, this tire promises to deliver a thrilling driving experience.

Key features of the Nitto NT555 G2 include:

1. Advanced tread compound: The tire features a specialized silica-reinforced compound that enhances traction on both dry and wet surfaces while improving treadwear.
2. Optimized tread pattern: The asymmetric tread design with a continuous center rib and lateral grooves provides excellent water evacuation and increased cornering stability.
3. Reinforced construction: The tire’s internal structure is reinforced with twin steel belts and a polyamide reinforcement layer, ensuring high-speed stability and improved handling.
4. Enhanced sidewall design: The sleek and stylish sidewall design not only adds to the tire’s sporty appearance but also contributes to improved steering response and cornering grip.

With its blend of performance, all-season capabilities, and stylish aesthetics, the Nitto NT555 G2 aims to cater to enthusiasts seeking a tire that can tackle various driving conditions without compromising on the thrill of the ride.

Tire Construction and Compound

The Nitto NT555 G2 is a high-performance summer tire designed for sports cars, muscle cars, and sporty coupes and sedans. It features an advanced construction with a reinforced casing for improved durability and handling stability at higher speeds.

The tire’s internal structure utilizes a twin steel belt package reinforced with spirally wound nylon overlays. This design enhances the tire’s strength and resistance to centrifugal forces, allowing it to maintain its shape and provide precise steering response during hard cornering maneuvers.

The NT555 G2’s tread compound is a proprietary silica-enhanced rubber mixture optimized for exceptional dry grip and traction. Nitto’s engineers have carefully balanced the compound’s traction properties with wear resistance, ensuring both impressive performance and extended treadlife.

The tire’s asymmetric, directional tread pattern features a continuous center rib for enhanced straight-line stability and rapid water evacuation. The outboard shoulders are equipped with larger, more rigid tread blocks to maximize cornering grip and lateral traction during spirited driving.

Overall, the Nitto NT555 G2’s construction and compound are tailored for high-performance driving enthusiasts seeking a tire that delivers superior dry road grip, precise handling, and lasting durability on the street or at the track.

Dry Road Performance

The Nitto NT555 G2 delivers exceptional dry road performance, excelling in areas such as grip, handling, responsiveness, and steering feel. This ultra-high-performance summer tire is designed to provide drivers with a thrilling and confident driving experience on dry pavement.

Dry grip is one of the NT555 G2’s standout features. The tire’s advanced tread compound and unique siping design work together to maximize contact with the road surface, ensuring remarkable levels of traction during hard acceleration, braking, and cornering maneuvers. Whether you’re carving through twisty mountain roads or navigating tight city streets, the NT555 G2 inspires confidence with its tenacious grip.

Handling is another area where the NT555 G2 shines. The tire’s rigid tread blocks and optimized contact patch distribution contribute to precise and responsive handling characteristics. Drivers can expect a direct and communicative feel, allowing them to push the limits with greater control and predictability. Transitioning from one corner to the next feels seamless, and the tire’s ability to maintain its composure under demanding conditions is truly impressive.

Steering feel is also noteworthy with the NT555 G2. The tire’s construction and design elements work in harmony to provide a tactile and linear steering response, allowing drivers to make precise inputs and feel connected to the road. Whether you’re executing a high-speed lane change or navigating through tight corners, the steering feel remains consistent and intuitive, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Overall, the Nitto NT555 G2 excels in dry road performance, delivering exceptional grip, handling, responsiveness, and steering feel. Whether you’re a spirited driver seeking thrills or simply value a confident and engaging driving experience, this tire is sure to impress with its capabilities on dry pavement.

Wet Road Performance

The Nitto NT555 G2 excels in wet conditions, providing exceptional hydroplaning resistance and impressive wet traction. Its advanced tread design features wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that efficiently evacuate water from the contact patch, minimizing the risk of hydroplaning even at higher speeds or during heavy rainfall.

Braking distances on wet surfaces are remarkably short, thanks to the tire’s specialized silica-enhanced compound and optimized tread pattern. The interlocking tread blocks and high silica content work in tandem to maintain a strong grip on wet roads, ensuring confident braking and handling even in challenging conditions.

During our testing, the NT555 G2 demonstrated excellent wet weather performance, inspiring confidence and control in various scenarios, from heavy downpours to light drizzle. The tire’s ability to channel water away from the contact patch and maintain traction on slick surfaces is truly impressive, making it a reliable choice for drivers seeking peace of mind in inclement weather.

Snow and Ice Traction

The Nitto NT555 G2 is designed as an ultra-high-performance summer tire, so its snow and ice traction capabilities are limited compared to dedicated winter tires. However, the tire does feature some design elements that can provide modest traction in light wintry conditions.

The G2’s directional tread pattern includes grooves and sipes that can help evacuate slush and provide some biting edges for improved traction on packed snow. The silica-enhanced tread compound also remains more pliable in colder temperatures than conventional summer tire compounds, allowing the tread to better conform to the road surface.

That said, the NT555 G2 is not intended for driving in heavy snow or on ice. Its summer tire construction lacks the specialized tread design, deep grooves, and soft compound required for reliable winter grip. In harsh winter conditions, the G2 will struggle for traction and braking performance will be severely compromised.

For drivers who encounter regular snow and ice, a dedicated winter tire is highly recommended over the NT555 G2. Winter tires like the Bridgestone Blizzak or Michelin X-Ice provide exponentially better cold-weather grip and handling compared to even the best ultra-high-performance summer tires. Using proper winter tires is essential for safe driving when temperatures drop below 45°F.

Comfort and Noise Levels

The Nitto NT555 G2 delivers a comfortable and relatively quiet ride, striking a nice balance between performance and everyday drivability. On smooth highways, the tire provides a plush ride quality, absorbing minor bumps and imperfections with ease. The advanced tread compound and internal construction help minimize road vibrations, resulting in a composed and well-mannered driving experience.

When it comes to road noise, the NT555 G2 performs admirably, especially considering its ultra-high-performance capabilities. The optimized tread pattern and noise-reducing technologies help keep cabin noise levels pleasantly low, even at higher speeds. While some tire roar is still present, it’s well-controlled and unlikely to become intrusive or fatiguing during long drives.

Nitto has also incorporated advanced noise-insulating materials into the tire’s construction, further enhancing the overall quietness and refinement. This attention to detail ensures that the NT555 G2 not only delivers exhilarating performance but also maintains a comfortable and serene cabin environment, even on extended road trips or daily commutes.

Treadwear and Durability

The Nitto NT555 G2 boasts impressive treadwear and durability, thanks to its advanced tread compound and reinforced internal construction. Nitto rates the tire for up to 60,000 miles of tread life, which is excellent for an ultra-high performance summer tire. Many owners report getting 40,000-50,000 miles out of a set under normal driving conditions.

The tire’s tread compound is formulated with a high silica content, increasing wear resistance while maintaining excellent dry and wet grip. The internal structure features two wide steel belts reinforced by a spirally wrapped nylon cap ply. This rigid casing helps the tire maintain its shape and evenly distribute forces, preventing irregular wear patterns.

Nitto backs the NT555 G2 with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee as well as a limited tread life warranty. If the tire wears out prematurely before reaching 2/32″ of remaining tread depth, you may be eligible for a pro-rated replacement credit towards a new set.

Overall, the Nitto NT555 G2 demonstrates class-leading durability for a max performance summer tire. With proper maintenance and rotation intervals, you can expect these tires to provide many miles of confident driving before needing replacement.

Vehicle Fitment and Sizing

The Nitto NT555 G2 is available in a wide range of sizes to fit most passenger cars, sports cars, crossovers, and smaller SUVs and trucks. Sizes span from 15-inch wheel diameters up to 20 inches, with section widths from 195mm up to a very wide 305mm. This broad sizing allows the NT555 G2 to be properly fitted on everything from compact economy cars to beefy sports trucks and muscle cars.

For most vehicles, it’s recommended to stay close to the factory tire size for optimal performance and ride quality. However, many enthusiasts choose to upsize to a larger diameter and wider tire for improved grip, steering response, and a more aggressive look. The NT555 G2 can often be upsized by 1-2 inches in diameter and proportionally increased width without rubbing or clearance issues on many models.

When upsizing, it’s important to consider your vehicle’s limitations in terms of fender clearance, suspension travel, speedometer accuracy, and increased rotational mass. Going too large can cause clearance problems, rubbing, and potential safety issues. Downsizing is also an option on some vehicles, though this can impact acceleration, braking performance, and handling precision.

Overall, the NT555 G2’s expansive sizing allows it to be a great choice for a wide variety of vehicles from small hatchbacks to powerful sports cars and pickups. Be sure to consult a tire professional or refer to a fitment guide to determine the ideal size for your specific application.

Value and Pricing

The Nitto NT555 G2 delivers a compelling balance of performance and value within the ultra-high-performance all-season tire segment. While not the most affordable option, its pricing is competitive when considering the capabilities it offers. Expect to pay around $150-$250 per tire, depending on the size and retailer.

When evaluating value, it’s essential to consider the cost per mile or treadwear. The NT555 G2 boasts an impressive 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is exceptional for a max-performance summer tire. This translates to a lower cost per mile compared to tires with shorter treadlife ratings within the same price range.

Furthermore, the NT555 G2’s impressive dry and wet grip, as well as its capable all-season traction, justify its premium pricing over more budget-focused all-season tires. Its performance capabilities are on par with more expensive ultra-high-performance summer tires, making it a compelling value proposition for enthusiasts seeking year-round performance without compromising treadwear.

While not the cheapest option on the market, the Nitto NT555 G2 strikes a sweet spot between performance, durability, and cost, offering excellent value for money, especially when considering its well-rounded capabilities and long treadwear warranty.

Competitor Comparisons

The Nitto NT555 G2 faces stiff competition in the ultra-high performance all-season tire category from established rivals like the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+, Continental ExtremeContact DWS06, and Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS. While all these tires offer impressive dry and wet grip, the NT555 G2 stands out with its exceptional steering responsiveness and high-speed stability.

On the dry pavement, the NT555 G2 delivers blistering levels of grip and precise handling that can rival dedicated summer performance tires. Its stiff tread compound and optimized tread pattern provide tenacious lateral grip during hard cornering. In comparison, the Michelin and Continental tires offer slightly better straight-line traction but can’t quite match the Nitto’s razor-sharp turn-in response.

When it comes to wet weather performance, the NT555 G2 is a top contender. Its deep circumferential grooves and lateral notches effectively evacuate water, providing confident hydroplaning resistance and braking on soaked surfaces. The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS matches the Nitto’s wet grip levels, but the Michelin and Continental tires have a slight edge in standing water evacuation.

Where the NT555 G2 falls a bit behind is in the snow traction department. While it performs admirably in light snow, it can’t quite match the winter capabilities of the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ and Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 when faced with deeper snow or ice. However, for most drivers in moderate winter conditions, the NT555 G2 should prove sufficient.

In terms of value, the Nitto NT555 G2 presents an attractive proposition. Its pricing is generally lower than the premium Michelin and Continental rivals, yet it delivers performance that often exceeds their capabilities on dry and wet roads. The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is priced similarly but can’t quite match the NT555 G2’s dynamic handling prowess. For enthusiasts seeking maximum bang for their buck, the Nitto NT555 G2 is a compelling choice.

Professional Reviews

Professional reviewers from reputable automotive publications have generally praised the Nitto NT555 G2 tire for its well-rounded performance and impressive dry grip. Many highlight its predictable handling characteristics and responsive steering feel, making it a great choice for spirited driving.

According to Tire Rack’s testing, the NT555 G2 excels in dry conditions, providing excellent traction and cornering stability. Their evaluation also notes its decent wet traction, though some competitors may have an edge in heavy rain. Overall, reviewers recommend the tire for sports car, muscle car, and high-performance sedan owners seeking a capable summer tire.

While professional tests laud the tire’s dry road capabilities, some reviews mention trade-offs in treadwear and comfort compared to premium touring tires. A few outlets suggest the NT555 G2 may be noisier on the highway than some rivals, though most find the noise levels acceptable given the tire’s performance focus.

Owner Feedback and Experiences

The Nitto NT555 G2 has garnered a lot of positive feedback from owners across various online forums and review platforms. Many drivers praise the tire’s exceptional dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and impressive cornering grip. Several enthusiasts have reported a noticeable improvement in performance compared to the previous NT555 model.

On the positive side, owners frequently highlight the tire’s ability to inspire confidence on the road, even in challenging weather conditions. The NT555 G2’s predictable behavior and excellent feedback have earned praise from driving enthusiasts who value a connected and engaging driving experience.

These tires have transformed the way my car handles,” exclaimed one owner on a popular automotive forum. “The grip levels are phenomenal, and I can push harder into corners without any drama. The NT555 G2s have given my car a new lease on life.”

However, some owners have expressed concerns about the tire’s treadwear and longevity. While the performance is undeniable, a few drivers have reported faster-than-expected tread wear, especially for those with an aggressive driving style or in harsher climates.

I love the way these tires perform, but I’m a bit disappointed with the treadwear,” shared another owner. “I’ve only had them for about 15,000 miles, and they’re already showing significant wear. I expected better longevity from a premium tire like this.

Despite the treadwear concerns, the overwhelming majority of owners seem satisfied with their purchase, citing the NT555 G2’s exceptional performance as a worthwhile trade-off for potentially shorter tread life.

Overall, the Nitto NT555 G2 has received glowing reviews from driving enthusiasts and performance-oriented owners who prioritize grip, handling, and a thrilling driving experience over outright treadwear longevity.