I just received my November '07 issue of Consumers Reports that included a section on all-season ultra high performance (UHP) radials and summer UHP radials. They tested 15 sets of all-season and 22 sets of summer radials using an Audi A3 3.2L test vehicle equipped with 225/40ZR18 tires. Here are the top six all-season and their overall score w/ listed price:

1. Falken ZE-912 (85) - $126
2. Nitto Neo Gen ZR (85) - $92
3. Yokohama Advan S4 (75) - $170
4. Falken Ziex ZE-512 (73) - $96
5. General Exclaim UHP ((73) - $80
6. Continental ContiExtremeContact (72) - $106

Top six summer UHP radials:
1. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (85) - $209
2. Pirelli P-Zero (84) - $234
3. BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW2 (78) - $141
4. Bridgestone Potenza RE 50A Pole Position (77) - $167
5. Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 (76) - $158
6. Continental ContiSportContact 3 (76) - $182

CR based their ratings on the following characteristics/categories:

All-season:
* Braking (wet & dry)
* Handling (wet & dry)
* Hydroplaning
* Snow Traction
* Ice Braking
* Noise(both smooth and rough pavement)
* Rolling resistance

Summer:
* Braking (wet & dry)
* Handling (wet & dry)
* Hydroplaning
* Noise (both smooth and rough pavement)
* Rolling resistance

and finally, treadlife (both categories) over a 12,000-mile mixed driving run.

FYI, noisiest tire of those listed (and tested!): BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW2.