Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R vs Toyo Proxes R888R: Ladies and Gentlemen, gear up for the ultimate showdown in the realm of Streetable Track and Competition tires—Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R versus Toyo Proxes R888R! These two titans are engineered for the racetrack, built to satiate the thirst of driving enthusiasts, and honed to offer a seamless transition from the road to the track. When it comes to supreme handling, phenomenal grip, and jaw-dropping lap times, these two are the gladiators in the arena, and they’re here to set new standards.
Emerging from the lauded lineage of the Proxes R888, Toyo’s Proxes R888R takes the game to a new level. Geared specifically for high-octane track days, road racing, and high-performance driver education events, this tire is a beast that craves speed. Engineered with an R-compound tread, it reaches its optimal operating temperature rapidly, offering high grip levels that make cornering a treat. Its asymmetric tread pattern featuring massive outboard shoulder blocks ensures you get the lateral grip you demand on the racetrack. Internally, a two- or three-ply Rayon casing supports two wide, high-tensile steel belts fortified by a spirally-wound nylon reinforcement ply, adding to its high-speed stability and durability.
On the other corner, born and bred on the track and originally developed for the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R is a masterpiece in tire engineering. Utilizing groundbreaking tread compounds—polymers and resins from racing slicks—this tire is the epitome of world-class handling. It doesn’t just talk the talk, but walks the walk with its computer-optimized asymmetric tread pattern. The outboard shoulder is designed to provide extreme levels of lateral grip, while the rigid, notched center ribs offer uncanny steering precision. In terms of construction, it’s light as a feather yet strong as steel, featuring a two-ply rayon casing and a single, polyamide reinforcement ply.
Both tires come with a fair warning: they meet D.O.T. requirements but are not recommended for wet conditions where standing water might present hydroplaning risks. These are track beasts that demand respect. So when you’re up for hitting apexes, burning rubber, and clocking record lap times, you know you have two champions to consider.
So who will be the king of the asphalt—the Toyo Proxes R888R or the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R? It’s not just a choice; it’s a declaration of your driving ambitions. Let the duel begin!
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Results: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R vs Toyo Proxes R888R
Results below were taken from Tire Rack’s Testing Extreme Performance Summer Tires 2023 Test. A total of 2 tires were tested this time and it took place on a 2.1 mile, 11 turn road course in southwestern Michigan.. The graph below shows the comparison between Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R vs Toyo Proxes R888R based on the relevant performance category. The Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Both tires are primarily designed for track day use, so the testing focuses exclusively on dry handling, which is a crucial aspect for these types of tires.
The tire size of interest is a 245/40R17 which is a common tire size for Acura NSX. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a powerful 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited.
Dry
When it comes to dry performances, both the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R and the Toyo Proxes R888R are designed to offer exhilarating experiences, but they bring unique strengths to the asphalt. Analyzing the lap times, the Eagle F1 Supercar 3R comes in at a sizzling 106.05 seconds, while the Proxes R888R trails slightly with a lap time of 108.37 seconds. Though both tires excel in dry conditions, the lap time does indicate a slight edge for the Goodyear tire in dry handling capabilities.
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R, with its state-of-the-art polymers and resins, offers extraordinary lateral grip thanks to its low-void outboard shoulder. This extreme grip provides not just faster cornering but also allows for more precise steering. When you’re driving at the limit, every fraction of a second counts, and here, the Eagle F1 Supercar 3R asserts its dominance.
On the other hand, the Toyo Proxes R888R features an R-compound tread designed to reach optimal temperature quickly. This brings us to the importance of “warming up” a competition tire—a critical factor often overlooked by amateurs. Tires like the Proxes R888R are engineered to deliver their best performance at a certain operating temperature. For instance, at lower temperatures, the rubber is relatively hard and doesn’t provide as much grip. However, as the tire warms up—say after a lap or two—the rubber softens, increasing its contact patch with the road and offering higher grip levels for maximum cornering traction. Reaching this ‘sweet spot’ in temperature is crucial for extracting the best performance out of the tire.
Here are highlights from the driver’s subjective feedback on dry handling:
Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R:
After taking the Eagle F1 Supercar 3R through its paces, it’s safe to say that this tire is a game-changer. Right off the bat, the turn-in felt razor-sharp, giving the car a strong sense of direction and agility. The tire seemed to read my intentions, responding linearly from the moment I touched the steering wheel up to mid-corner. This seamless interaction allowed for robust lateral grip that kept the car on the intended path even through demanding turns. Although there was a bit more understeer during corner exits than I’d like, this was a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar performance. I was especially impressed by the braking traction, which filled me with confidence every time I had to decelerate. All in all, the Eagle F1 Supercar 3R delivered a fast, fulfilling, and deeply satisfying driving experience.
Test driver feedback on Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R
Proxes R888R:
The Toyo Proxes R888R offered a unique and commendable driving experience in its own right. From the get-go, it felt substantial and purposeful on the track. The steering was noticeably weightier compared to the Goodyear, demanding more input but delivering arguably greater precision. This tire had a steadfast, grounded feel throughout each lap, radiating stability without ever becoming fidgety.
However, it couldn’t escape the reality that it lagged in traction compared to the Goodyear. Braking felt robust, yet there was a palpable need to start slowing down earlier than with the Eagle F1 Supercar 3R. Cornering speeds had to be moderated, and throttle application had to be more calculated and delayed, especially when aligning the car for straights. As a result, it clocked lap times that were roughly 2 seconds slower on average.
In sum, the Toyo Proxes R888R offered a stable, precision-oriented drive, but it just couldn’t match the outright speed and responsiveness of the Goodyear tire. Still, its own set of virtues make it a very solid choice for drivers who value control and predictability over sheer speed.
Test driver feedback on Proxes R888R
Summary
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R, thanks to its sophisticated tread compound and optimized tread pattern, appears to be a bit quicker on the draw in dry conditions. However, the Toyo Proxes R888R’s strong suit lies in its ability to warm up quickly and provide high grip levels, especially during prolonged track activities.
So, if you’re looking for a tire that might give you the edge in a short, intense sprint, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R seems to be the frontrunner. But if you’re in for the long haul, with lap after lap of consistent performance, the Toyo Proxes R888R offers its own set of compelling virtues.
Both these tires demand a deep understanding of their characteristics to be driven at their full potential. Once you recognize the importance of optimal operating temperatures and how to get there, you unlock a new realm of driving performance. Whether you lean towards the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R for its immediate dry performance or opt for the Toyo Proxes R888R for its quick-warming and high-grip capabilities, one thing’s for sure—either choice puts you in the lap of high-performance luxury.
Proxes R888R:
- -2.1% in dry handling (lap time)
UTQG rating
When examining the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) values, both the Goodyear Potenza Race and the Toyo Proxes R888R score equally in the treadwear department, each earning a rating of 100. This suggests that these tires should offer similar levels of durability, although it’s crucial to note that these figures are not absolute but rather comparative within the brand’s lineup. Because these tires are designed for high-performance driving and track use, neither comes with a mileage warranty.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodyear | Potenza Race | All | 100 | A | A |
| Toyo | Proxes R888R | All | 100 | AA | A |
However, the UTQG does reveal a notable difference in the traction category. The Toyo Proxes R888R scores an “AA” indicating that it should offer exceptional traction on wet pavement. The Goodyear Potenza Race, on the other hand, receives an “A” in the traction category, which while still strong, places it a notch below the Toyo tire in this particular aspect according to the UTQG standards.
Both tires rate “A” in the temperature category, implying that they can effectively dissipate heat and maintain performance under high-speed conditions.
So, in summary, while both tires offer similar treadwear and temperature resistance, according to UTQG ratings, the Toyo Proxes R888R seems to have a slight advantage in wet traction. Nevertheless, it’s worth emphasizing that these ratings are general guides and that real-world performance can be influenced by a multitude of factors including driver skill, vehicle setup, and specific track conditions.
Price
When it comes to pricing, there’s a noticeable difference between the two high-performance tires for the 245/40 R17 size. The Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R is priced at $259 per tire, while the Toyo Proxes R888R comes in at $236 per tire. The Proxes R888R is approximately 10% cheaper than the Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R.
This price difference could be a significant factor for consumers, especially those looking to outfit an entire set of four tires, where the overall savings could be substantial. The price gap essentially means that you could potentially save around $92 on a full set if you opt for the Proxes R888R over the Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R.
Tire size: 245/40 R17
- Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R: $259
- Proxes R888R: $236
Difference: +10% more cheaper for Proxes R888R.
While both tires are engineered for exceptional performance on the track, the difference in price points may steer some budget-conscious consumers towards the Toyo Proxes R888R. However, it’s important to consider that pricing is just one aspect of the overall package; the ultimate choice should also factor in specific performance characteristics, UTQG ratings, and personal driving preferences.
Conclusion: Performance vs Cost
In the high-octane duel between the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R and the Toyo Proxes R888R, both tires demonstrated remarkable attributes that would excite any driving enthusiast. However, when we line up all the cards—performance, UTQG ratings, and real-world experiences—the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R emerges as the more compelling choice for those seeking the pinnacle of speed and responsiveness.
With a lap time advantage in dry conditions, superior lateral grip, and quick, linear response to driver inputs, the Goodyear tire showed a slight but discernible edge. Its state-of-the-art polymers and resins, along with its optimized tread pattern, provided that extra burst of performance that makes a world of difference on the track.
That said, the Toyo Proxes R888R did offer unique merits, particularly in the UTQG traction ratings and a weightier, more grounded driving feel. But ultimately, it lagged behind in outright speed, resulting in slower lap times. For those who prioritize precise control and a sense of steadiness, the Toyo remains a respectable option.
When it comes to cost, the Toyo Proxes R888R is approximately 10% cheaper than the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R. For those operating on a tighter budget, this could translate into considerable savings, especially when purchasing a full set. But while cost is an important factor, it shouldn’t overshadow the performance considerations, especially for a tire designed to deliver on the racetrack.
In summary, if you’re seeking the top echelon of track-day performance, the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R stands as the victor in this high-stakes duel. However, if budget constraints are a major concern and you’re willing to make minor compromises on absolute speed, the Toyo Proxes R888R offers a compelling, more affordable alternative.
Dr. Edwin Pang
Ex R&D Tire Engineer