Pirelli P6000 N2 NLA in 195/65R15?

[teenchy]

Late last September I replaced my aging (8 years) and NLA Bridgestone RE960AS in 195/65 with a set of the fairly well recommended (if not the most aesthetically pleasing), endorsed by Porsche Classic, and reasonably priced Pirelli P6000 N2 in the same size, which I bought from Tire Rack. I run 7s all around and wanted to stick with 195/65 as I thought 215/60 would be more likely to rub and 185/70 would be a bit too stretched on the 7s. Here's a pic of them on my car for reference.



After reading and responding to this thread http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...XWX-s-worth-it out of curiosity I checked Tire Rack's website last night for availability and price. I was surprised to see that they were no longer listed on the site. I sent an email to Tire Rack's customer service and got this response earlier this morning:

Thank you for your email. Yes, that is a discontinued tire, no longer available from Pirelli. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Besides the aggravation of having tires that I bought brand new just eight months ago now NLA, I'm rather surprised that demand has dropped off to the point that Pirelli discontinued the size, especially with Porsche's endorsement of the size. Unless someone can confirm that the P6000s are still being made in 195/65 and offered via other channels, I guess I'll be back in the hunt for yet another different set in a couple of years or sooner.

[Arne]

Looks like the entire P6000 lineup has been discontinued, not just the 195/65-15 size. That being the case, Pirelli may offer a similar (even more modern looking) replacement at some point.

[Jim Breazeale]

I wish all the time that Bridgestone would re-release those "Bridgestone RE960AS in 195/65". Those things were great tires.

Regards

Jim

[Eminence Gris]

I know of a pair of 215/60 15 P6000s that were removed after 12 miles for interference with a previously damaged quarter panel. (they didn't interfere with the undamaged panel) They're available.

[teenchy]

I wish all the time that Bridgestone would re-release those "Bridgestone RE960AS in 195/65". Those things were great tires.

Weren't they though, Jim? Much better in the wet than these Pirellis and not unhappy at temperatures below 50F. They looked a bit more balloony than the P6000s but not ridiculously so. Compare this pic from the days of sugar scoops.

[Arne]

Prior owner of my car put a set of 195/65HR15 Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 on it before I bought it. I don't have enough time behind the wheel to say for certain, but they seem OK so far.

And they make a 215/60HR15 in that tire as well.

[teenchy]

I know of a pair of 215/60 15 P6000s that were removed after 12 miles for interference with a previously damaged quarter panel. (they didn't interfere with the undamaged panel) They're available.

Thanks Bill, but with less than four months' driving time on these I can't say I'm in the market. I'll be keeping an eye out for what, if anything, replaces the P6000 in 195/65 a couple of years from now, or else plan to adapt suspension settings and ride heights (no plans for flares, intend to stay narrow-bodied) to other sizes.

[csbush]

Well Pirelli does make the CN36 which is a superior option anyway-just pricey.

[Arne]

CN36 is not made in the in-between size of 195/65-15 which the OP prefers to use on his 7" wheels.

[Veronica87911]

Those were great tires; I had them om my WRX wagon until I went to 17s.

I wish all the time that Bridgestone would re-release those "Bridgestone RE960AS in 195/65". Those things were great tires.

Regards

Jim