Nitto NT555 G2 Review: Ultra-high Performance for Less
After a year’s worth of mileage, it’s time for LS1Tech to render the final verdict on Nitto USA’s most popular street tire.
We here at LS1Tech are proudly comprised of many types of car nerds. And one thing we love to debate on are tires, of course. Which is why we’ve decided to personally weigh in on one of Nitto USA’s finest street performers, the NT555 G2.
First, a little context. I replaced the stock Goodyear F1 Eagle tires that came with my 2018 Camaro SS in April 2019. While I planned to replace the balding tires eventually, I ended up needing replacements after a severe blowout on the freeway. So, I opted for the NT555 G2 model.
My setup is currently 255/35 in the front and 285/35 in the rear (stock is 245/40ZR20 front, 275/35ZR20 rear). Since I am still running factory wheels, I decided to go up just one tire size. For a 20 x 8.5-inch/9.5-inch wheel configuration, this was the max size they can safely handle before you run into issues. I’m also noting that I am running my motor stock, and even though I am perhaps making about 395 to 400 horsepower (dyno pending), this car makes 455 HP/455 lbs-ft. of torque at the crank.
Admittedly, this is not a whole lot of power compared to other hi-po Bow Ties out there but it is certainly no slouch, either.
Specs
Here are the exact specifications, courtesy of Nitto:
255/35ZR20 97W XL
Tread Depth: 11.0
Inflated Dimensions: 27.01
Overall Width: 10.24
Approved Rim: 8.5-(9.0)-10.0
Maximum Load: 1609 lbs @ 50 29.16 PSI
Weight: 29.83 lbs
285/35ZR20 104W XL
Tread Depth: 10.2
Inflated Dimensions: 27.87
Overall Width: 11.42
Approved Rim: 9.5-(10.0)-11.0
Maximum Load: 1984 lbs @ 50 33.07 PSI
Weight: 33.07 lbs
Road Feel with Nitto NT555 G2
I normally drive in Sport mode. And since day one, daily driving has been nothing but pleasant with the NT555 G2s. You’ve got some road noise but it’s nothing crazy. Although when you have what is essentially a “straight-piped” car, you can’t hear much else besides the grumble and rumble of your exhaust, anyway.
‘Steering feedback doesn’t inspire the same exact supreme confidence I’ve had with the Pilot 4S’, but the G2s are arguably better than any other street tire in the same class.’
Aside from navigating through Pothole City (aka Los Angeles), the ride is smoother than the stock F1 Eagles. However, my Camaro has FE3 suspension, so I imagine the difference would be less discernible if I had FE4 (MagneRide).
Traction
Compared to stock, the NT555 G2 tires have lots of grip. Even in wet weather, unless you are hammering the throttle, these tires rarely brake traction with normal acceleration. Of course, this is with traction control on. Oddly, there are times where my traction light comes on while I am simply driving over train tracks, or just randomly while driving straight.
Nitto from a Dig
Nitto has made serious efforts in making their performance rubber a driver’s choice for straight line grip, and it shows. Especially with the NT01.
Of course, the NT555 is clearly a road course tire that wants to be on an autocross or winding canyon road. However, with the TCS system off, launching with these G2s is pure fun. For street tires, they hook decently from a standstill after warming them up some. I’ve never taken my car to the track (because it is a convertible), and while they obviously lack the wrinkle wall mastery of slicks on a sticky track, I imagine they’d do fine in a street tire class drag race. I’ve driven the NT555 and its cousin, the NT05, at the swanky Thermal Club Raceway in Thermal, California, so I’m not exactly concerned.
Putting the Camaro in “Competitive Mode,” the tires have an easier time hooking up. Alas, this mode doesn’t actually turn off TC but rather forces the computer to ease off modulating wheel power. As a result, you launch smoother but you do so more slowly. And between the two, I of course prefer to just turn it all the way off.
Lateral Grip
Cornering isn’t anywhere near a problem with these tires. With or without TC activated. That being said, I’ve been able to push 1.02 g in some intense bends in the Malibu Canyons and Angelus Crest in L.A. County, and Santiago Canyon Road in Orange County. As you can see in the photo above, the twin-ribbed center and tapered, sipe-riddled edges make asphalt grabbing pretty fun with intense turns.
Feedback doesn’t inspire the same exact supreme confidence I’ve had with the Pilot 4S’, but the Nitto G2s are arguably better than any other street tire in the same class.
Price
These tires aren’t terribly-priced, but they will cost you a little change. For my case, I ended up spending just south of $1K, including installation and a couple of other fees.
While not exactly cheap, the Nitto NT555 G2s offer a high level of performance for what they are worth. If we’re being frank, the cost/performance ratio makes it a more accessible option for someone who is budget-minded, but quality-oriented.
What do you all think? Would you be willing to give Nitto NT555 G2 a shot? Let us know in the forums.
Photos for LS1Tech by Derin Richardson
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