that let you test 6 different sets of tires?

After 50k miles, I've just started on my 3rd set (and I threw away the first set early). Anyway, I'm trying to figure out why we have such a different impression of the S-03.

With 30k miles from a set of S-03's, including ~2000 track miles, treadlife was obviously excellent. I never had ANY tramlining. The ride with a 255/35-20 was a bit firm, but what was more noticeable was an impact thump driving over tarstrips or cracks in the highway. They were great on track, especially under braking; but on anything except cold or rainy days, they quickly overheat and usually after only three laps. I've hit 240 oF tread temperatures at Mid-Ohio on a sunny 90 oF day, at which point they're very greasy. Before overheating, though, they ran a 1:50 lap, matching the Mid-Ohio School instructor driving an Acura NSX in the "In the Driver's Seat" video ... so even though they're heavy, how bad can they be :-) BTW: I was running the stopwatch that session, not driving :-(

I don't know what explains our almost 180 degree difference of opinion on the S-03's. Is their behavior on an S4 and an S8 that different?

And last but not least, thanks for your write-up!

2001 Audi S8
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser