Dunlop are known for their production of premium
performance tyres, manufactured for many vehicle types such as passenger cars,
4x4s, and
motorcycles.
Their ever popular SportMaxx tyre series, a model line-up that sees
tyres that are designed for maximised performance, has garnered plaudits from customers and industry experts alike.
Two modern tyres from this series are the
SP SportMaxx RT and the
SP SportMaxx RT 2, two ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres that value steering response and handling capability.
To understand the difference between both tyres, we will break down key features, awards/tyre test results, and customer data throughout this article.
SP SportMaxx RT Overview
The first SP SportMaxx RT model is a
premium UHP tyre that has provided motorsport-level grip and braking for over 10 years now.
An innovative tread compound featuring polymers maximises contact between the tyre and road surface, giving enhancing the tyre’s grip and stability making it a durable model for all types of motorists.
Dunlop have engineered ‘Short Braking’ blocks on the SP SportMaxx RT to ensure maximum a shorter braking distance when traveling at high speeds.
The SP SportMaxx RT is designed to be fuel-efficient with a lightweight construction, contributing to a reduction in rolling resistance.
Replacing the SP SportMaxx TT, this Dunlop UHP model has been chosen as an original equipment (OE) tyre for multiple car brands, including
Audi,
BMW, and
Volkswagen.
Buy SP Sportmaxx RT tyresSP SportMaxx RT2 Overview
The Dunlop SP SportMaxx RT2 is also a premium UHP tyre and acted as a direct replacement to the SP SportMaxx RT upon its release in 2016.
Developed to have more rubber-to-road contact, the SP SportMaxx RT2 has enhanced cornering grip on both wet and dry roads.
Dunlop have developed their innovative ‘Noise Shield’ technology to be constructed on the SP SportMaxx RT2, reducing external car noise making for a more comfortable ride.
An increase in block rigidity ensures a shorter braking distance at higher speeds, further highlighting the tyre’s high-performance capabilities.
The Dunlop SP SportMaxx RT2 has been chosen as an OE tyre for notable car manufacturers such as BMW,
Mercedes-Benz, and
MINI.
Buy SP Sportmaxx RT2 tyresTyre Label Ratings
Tyre label ratings are EU regulated performance indicators in key tyre performance categories.
Label ratings may vary between different tyre sizes or manufacturer fitments.
The performance categories and ratings are as follows:
- Fuel Efficiency – Ranked A to E
- Wet Grip – Ranked A to E
- Tyre Noise – Ranked with numbers and A to C/Decibels (dB)
SP SportMaxx RT Label Ratings
- Fuel Efficiency: B – D
- Wet Grip: A or B (275/40 R19 tyres rated C)
- Tyre Noise: 68A – 72B
SP SportMaxx RT2 Label Ratings
- Fuel Efficiency: B – D
- Wet Grip: A or B
- Tyre Noise: 70B – 73B
SP SportMaxx RT Awards
The Dunlop SP SportMaxx has garnered tyre test awards since it was unveiled in 2012.
In a 2012 comparative tyre test against the
Continental SportContact 5, the SP SportMaxx RT outshone the Continental model in both wet and dry performance.
The SP SportMaxx RT also shined in Sport Auto’s 2013 ‘Max Performance Summer Tyre Test’, where the Dunlop tyre finished 1st out of 10 summer tyres for wet and dry performance.
These impressive test wins shows how ahead of its time the SP SportMaxx RT was and highlights how it has stood the test of time even to this day.
SP SportMaxx RT2 Awards
The SP SportMaxx RT2 has also gained many awards and positive tyre test results in recent times.
WhatTyre named the Dunlop SP SportMaxx RT2 their ‘UHP Tyre of the Year’ for 2021 due to the tyre’s 'across the board performance'.
An Auto Express 2018 tyre test underlines its performance amongst competitors like the
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 and
Pirelli P Zero, finishing 2nd out of 10 tyre models.
Much like its predecessor, the SP SportMaxx RT2 has claimed great plaudits from industry experts since its release in 2016.
Customer Reviews
Customers at Blackcircles.com are given the chance to critique their recent purchased tyre model. This review system is powered by DriverReviews.
The four main categories to review tyres are as follows:
- Overall Rating
- Would the customer buy the tyres again
- Does the car feel better to drive
- Were the tyres value for money
SP SportMaxx RT Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the SP SportMaxx RT 2 as follows:
SP SportMaxx RT2 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the SP SportMaxx RT as follows:
SP SportMaxx RT Common Tyre Sizes
SP SportMaxx RT2 Common Tyre Sizes
SP SportMaxx RT Common Car Models
SP SportMaxx RT2 Common Car Models
Price Ranges
Prices for tyres may vary depending on tyre sizes and/or car manufacturer fitment.
Fully fitted prices for the Dunlop SP SportMaxx RT range from £ to £ .
Fully fitted prices for the Dunlop SP SportMaxx RT 2 range from £ to £ .
Frequently Asked Questions
In an EV-ready UHP tyres comparison, does the RT2 outperform the original RT?
Yes, the RT2 is specifically engineered with a more robust carcass and a hybrid compound that manages the high torque and weight of modern electric vehicles far better than the original RT.
Which tyre offers the best wet-grip performance for UK driving conditions?
The RT2 is the benchmark here, with high-angled V-grooves designed to disperse water rapidly, significantly reducing the risk of aquaplaning on rain-soaked British roads.
What makes the RT2 one of the best high-performance tyres 2026 has to offer?
It balances raw mechanical grip with modern requirements like low road noise and high-speed stability, making it a versatile all-rounder for the current enthusiast market.
