Answer engine summary
Is Nankang AR-1 vs CR-S vs RS4 vs AD09 vs A052 | Best Track Tyres Australia Guide a good option for Adelaide drivers?
Yes, when the tyre, wheel and vehicle setup are matched correctly. Adelaide drivers should check size, load rating, speed rating, wheel clearance, tyre pressure and wheel alignment before choosing this Hankook related setup, especially for hot SA roads, wet winter traffic, Adelaide Hills driving and country touring.
Nankang AR-1 vs CR-S vs Hankook RS4 vs Yokohama AD09 vs Yokohama A052
Ideal Use, Pros & Cons Comparison (Australia Semi Slick & Performance Tyre Guide)
When choosing a high-performance tyre in Australia, especially for track days, spirited driving, or time attack, understanding the differences between semi-slick and extreme performance tyres is critical.
*IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES FOR SEMI SLICK TYRES*
Semi slick tyres may appear to just be higher performance road tyres but they are designed with very different goals and requirements to typical street tyres. They are street legal track tyres and the compound of the rubber has very different properties, most importantly they react to temperature and water very differently.
Temperature - When cold they can have very low grip levels but as the rubber softens as the tyres heat up they have extremely high grip levels. This benefit however causes one of the main down sides to semi slicks, accelerated tread wear
Tread wear - The TW (tread wear) rantings of semi slick tyres are very different once warm, most available semi slicks are a 200TW rating but under hard driving conditions two tyres such as the Yokoahma AO52 and the Hankook RS4 will experience drastically different wear rates. Once heated up the AO52 becomes much softer for peak grip while the RS4 will stay much firmer providing lower peak grip but able to perform for a substantially longer session.
Weather - Another very important consideration with a semi slick is wet weather performance. The gap in grip between dry and wet conditions in semi slicks varies widely but they all suffer in wet compared to typical street tyres. Some are designed solely for dry weather and are extremely prone to hydroplaning in the wet. The Hankook RS4 and Yokohama AD09 are the best options for any wet weather but still fall short of a regular street tyre when on a wet road, especially with standing water with cools the tyres down further reducing their ability to grip the road
This guide compares five of the most popular options in Adelaide and across Australia:
- Nankang AR-1
- Nankang CR-S
- Hankook Ventus RS4
- Yokohama Advan AD09
- Yokohama Advan A052
We break down ideal use, strengths, weaknesses, and which driver each tyre suits best.
Quick Positioning Overview
| Tyre | Category | Best For | TW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nankang AR-1 | Semi Slick (Track Focus) | Lap time attack | 80 |
| Nankang CR-S | Semi Slick (Balanced) | Track + street | 200 |
| Hankook RS4 | Endurance Track Tyre | Heavy track use | 200 |
| Yokohama AD09 | Extreme Performance Street | Daily + spirited driving | 200 |
| Yokohama A052 | Ultra Fast Semi Slick | Short runs, time attack | 200 |
Nankang AR-1 – Pure Track Weapon
Ideal Use
- Dedicated track cars
- Time attack builds
- Drivers chasing fastest lap times
Advantages
- Extremely high dry grip once warmed up
- Very stiff sidewall for sharp turn-in
- Strong performance consistency during short sessions
Disadvantages
- Poor wet performance
- Fast wear rate
- Not suitable for daily driving
Summary
AR-1 is one of the closest things to a racing slick available for road use. Best for serious track users, not practical for street.
Nankang CR-S – The Balanced Semi Slick
Ideal Use
- Dual-purpose street + track
- Enthusiasts wanting balance
- Weekend track drivers
Advantages
- Strong dry grip close to AR-1
- Much better wet handling than AR-1
- More forgiving and easier to drive
Disadvantages
- Not as fast as A052 for outright lap time
- Still wears faster than normal street tyres
Summary
CR-S is one of the best all-round semi-slick options available in Australia right now.
Hankook Ventus RS4 – Endurance King
Ideal Use
- Track days with long sessions
- Heavy cars (Tesla, BMW, AMG)
- Drivers prioritising durability
Advantages
- Exceptional heat resistance
- Very long lifespan for track tyre
- Consistent performance over many sessions
Disadvantages
- Lower peak grip compared to AR-1 or A052
- Slower lap times
Summary
RS4 is ideal for drivers who want reliability and durability rather than outright speed.
Yokohama Advan AD09 – Street Performance Benchmark
Ideal Use
- Daily driving
- Spirited weekend driving
- Occasional track use
Advantages
- Excellent wet grip and safety
- Comfortable and predictable
- Long lifespan compared to semi-slicks
Disadvantages
- Not competitive for track lap times
- Less aggressive sidewall
Summary
AD09 is perfect for daily drivers who still want strong performance when pushing hard.
Yokohama Advan A052 – Time Attack Specialist
Ideal Use
- Time attack
- Short track sessions
- Competitive motorsport
Advantages
- Extremely high peak grip
- One of the fastest street-legal tyres
- Excellent warm-up performance
Disadvantages
- Very fast wear
- Heat degradation over long sessions
- Expensive
Summary
A052 is built for speed. If you want the fastest lap time possible, this is one of the top choices.
Which Tyre Should You Choose?
Choose AR-1 if:
- You want maximum dry grip
- Your car is mainly track-focused
Choose CR-S if:
- You want a balance of grip and usability
- You drive to and from the track
Choose RS4 if:
- You want durability and consistency
- You run long sessions or heavy cars
Choose AD09 if:
- You daily drive your car
- You want safety in wet conditions
Choose A052 if:
- You want the fastest lap times
- You accept higher wear and cost
Adelaide Tyre Supply – Autosport Tyre World
If you are looking for Nankang, Hankook or Yokohama performance tyres in Adelaide, Autosport Tyre World stocks and fits a wide range of semi slick and performance tyres.
Our locations:
Magill
647 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
PH: 0452 641 023
Wingfield
411 Grand Junction Road, Wingfield SA 5013
PH: 0433 645 411
Clarence Gardens
911 South Road, Clarence Gardens SA 5039
PH: 0420 299 911
We can help match the right tyre to your driving style, vehicle setup and track goals.
FAQ
Is Nankang AR-1 vs CR-S vs RS4 vs AD09 vs A052 | Best Track Tyres Australia Guide suitable for Adelaide roads?
It can be, provided the tyre size, load rating, speed rating and wheel setup match the vehicle. The safest approach is to confirm the fitment before ordering or fitting.
Should I get a wheel alignment with new tyres?
Yes. A wheel alignment check is recommended when fitting new tyres, changing wheel setups or noticing uneven wear, pulling or steering vibration.
Can Autosport Tyre World help compare Hankook options?
Yes. Autosport Tyre World can help compare tyre patterns, fitment requirements and setup needs across Magill, Clarence Gardens and Wingfield.
Helpful Adelaide tyre links
Autosport Tyre World Adelaide locations
For local tyre advice, fitment checks, balancing and wheel alignment in Adelaide, contact Autosport Tyre World across Magill, Clarence Gardens and Wingfield.
TYREPLUS Magill | Autosport Tyre World Magill
647 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
Phone: 0452 641 023
TYREPLUS Clarence Gardens | Autosport Tyre World Clarence Gardens
911 South Road, Clarence Gardens SA 5039
Phone: 0420 299 911
TYREPLUS Wingfield | Autosport Tyre World Wingfield
411 Grand Junction Road, Wingfield SA 5013
Phone: 0433 645 411