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Dunlop Direzza ZIII
  • Dunlop Direzza ZIII
  • Dunlop Direzza ZIII
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The Direzza ZIII is Dunlop's Extreme Performance Summer tire designed for the drivers of sports cars, performance sedans and track day vehicles who are looking for near motorsports levels of traction and handling in a tire that can be driven on the street, in addition to autocross, drifting and track day events. Tuned for maximum performance in warm, dry and damp conditions, the Direzza ZIII is not intended to be serviced, stored, nor driven in near- and below-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

Continuing the evolution of Dunlop's Extreme Performance Summer tire line, the Direzza ZIII utilizes the company's latest high-performance compound, which features motorsports-derived polymers that accomplish the normally conflicting goals of enhanced grip and enhanced wear characteristics. The updated tread pattern features a wider center rib and lower void ratio to put more rubber on the ground in the contact patch, and the reshaped tread profile changes the shape of the footprint to ensure more uniform contact pressure while turning, aiding grip and improving wear. The two main, circumferential grooves allow water to flow through the footprint to resist hydroplaning, but heavy rain and standing water may still present challenges to longitudinal and lateral hydroplaning resistance, so drivers should take care and drive cautiously at reduced speeds in these conditions.

The internal construction of the Direzza ZIII is designed for optimized durability and maximum handling response. The two-ply polyester casing sits beneath two wide, high-strength steel belts, which help stabilize the footprint. Two polyamide cap plies provide reinforcement for enhanced control of the contact patch and high-speed durability.

Note: Tires exposed to temperatures of 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) or lower must be permitted to gradually return to temperatures of at least 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) for at least 24 hours before they are flexed in any manner, such as by adjusting inflation pressures, mounting them on wheels, or using them to support, roll or drive a vehicle.

Flexing of the specialized rubber compounds used in Extreme Performance Summer tires during cold-weather use can result in irreversible compound cracking. Compound cracking occurs as the result of improper use or storage, and Dunlop's warranty specifically excludes tires exhibiting this condition from coverage. Any tires exhibiting compound cracking must be replaced.

Tire Rack Test Results Dunlop Direzza ZIII

Tire Rack Road Course Test: Extreme Performance Summer Tires 2022 (11:17)

Tire Rack’s testing program has provided expert advice on tires since 1995. In 2022, we added a new element to our annual calendar – testing on a 2.1-mile road course in southwest Michigan! So, sit back and enjoy the first of many Tire Rack track tests, this time, with customer favorite, Extreme Performance Summer tires.

Read the Full Test Report

Ratings Charts & Reviews Dunlop Direzza ZIII

Tire Category: Extreme Performance Summer

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Dunlop Direzza ZIII
Good
96%
497K
8.7 - Excellent
7.1 - Good
7.0 Hydroplaning Resistance
7.2 Wet Traction
9.3 - Excellent
9.3 Corner Stability
9.3 Dry Traction
9.3 Steering Response
N/A
N/A Light Snow Traction
N/A Deep Snow Traction
N/A Ice Traction
7.6 - Good
7.8 Ride Quality
7.4 Noise
7.2 - Good

Customers Say

Customers praise the Dunlop Direzza ZIII for exceptional dry traction, with many highlighting its sharp turn-in, predictable handling, and confidence-inspiring grip during track days, autocross, and spirited driving. Wet performance earns positive marks for stable hydroplaning resistance and reliable rain grip, though some note limits in standing water. Treadwear receives mixed feedback-enthusiasts appreciate its consistency through heat cycles for a 200TW tire, but rapid wear on track or aggressive setups leads to shorter lifespan than expected. While daily drivers report acceptable longevity, competitive users stress these prioritize grip over endurance, making them ideal for focused performance use despite tradeoffs in tread life.

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Customers Like:

78 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 61 positive
  • 17 negative

Reviewers scoring 7s and 8s highlight the ZIII's strong wet traction, with many noting stable performance in heavy rain and confident hydroplaning resistance at full tread depth. While some recommend caution in standing water, drivers praised predictable grip and reassuring stability during spirited wet driving, aligning well with its Extreme Performance Summer focus.

July 06, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...Solid in the wet, fantastic in the dry. If I can get them to break free, they're controllable and easy to catch, with a controllable and predictable slide...

These are my first non-Potenza tires and they’ve been great. Solid in the wet, fantastic in the dry. If I can get them to break free, they’re controllable and easy to catch, with a controllable sand predictable slide. I’m pleasantly surprised by them and would definitely consider a second set.

Vehicle: 1999 Mazda Miata Sport Pkg
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CEDAR SPRINGS, MI
Driving Style: Spirited
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April 28, 2021 (Verified Purchase)

4 out of 5 Star Rating
4 out of 5

...Great grip in the Florida rainy season...

I like these tires a lot for my '05 Toyota MR2 Spyder. Great grip in the Florida rainy season. DZIII 215mm R and 195mm F on stock rims. My only complaint is I wished they were a slightly harder compound. I had trouble getting 30k miles out of the rear set. The fronts go longer. I also had to wait 2 months for this set (Made In Japan)? Pretty happy overall.

Vehicle: 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
Miles Driven on Tires: 26,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: BRADENTON, FL
Driving Style: Average
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June 01, 2018 (Verified Purchase)

4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...Driving in heavy rain at highway speeds is surprisingly stable at full tread depth... I expect hydroplaning resistance to drop in relation to tread wear, but this tire is performing better in heavy rain than other extreme performance tires that I have driven.

Recently purchased these tires for my track car, a 2000 Miata. In addition to on-track duty it is also driven to and from various track events on the highway. On track performance is very good. Grip on dry pavement and steering response are both excellent. If anything could be improved in the dry, I think the steering feel could be improved a bit but feel is still quite good. The tires will give some (but not alot!) of audible warning prior to breaking loose, which is helpful when trying to drive at the limit. Wear after two track weekends (about 1600 miles of driving and over 5 hours of track time) is quite good and I fully expect to get 16 to 20 track days (8 to 10 weekends) out of this set before they call it quits. Grip on a damp track is also quite good, however I have not driven these tires on track in actively wet/raining conditions.

Highway driving characteristics are "fine". Noise and comfort levels are typical for, or better than expected for this performance category. Driving in heavy rain at highway speeds is surprisingly stable at full tread depth. I expect hydroplaning resistance to drop in relation to tread wear (obviously), but this tire is performing better in heavy rain than other extreme performance tires that I have driven.

Vehicle: 2000 Mazda Miata LS
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,500
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: AUDUBON, PA
Driving Style: Spirited
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117 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 116 positive
  • 1 negative

Customers praise the Dunlop Direzza ZIII's dry traction, with many scoring 9s and 10s for its "wicked sticky" grip, precise cornering, and track-ready performance. Reviewers highlight exceptional responsiveness, predictable handling at the limit, and confidence during autocross, HPDE, and spirited canyon driving. While optimized for extreme performance, some note rapid treadwear-expected for the category-but emphasize the tire's ability to deliver consistent lap times and "glue-like" adhesion on dry pavement.

85 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 59 positive
  • 26 negative

Customers praise the Dunlop Direzza ZIII's treadwear, with many scoring 9s and 10s for its ability to handle multiple track days and heat cycles while maintaining consistent grip. Several note achieving 15-20 track events or 30,000+ street miles, highlighting longevity for an extreme performance tire. While some report faster wear during aggressive track use, most view this as expected trade-off for its dry-track prowess.

February 18, 2020 (Verified Purchase)

2.1 out of 5 Star Rating
2.1 out of 5

Great predictable racing tire that turns in fast consistent lap times. I keep looking for a better tire to use in our race league but I have not found one.

Great predictable racing tire that turns in fast consistent lap times. I keep looking for a better tire to use in our race league but I have not found one.

Vehicle: 1999 Dodge Neon Sedan R/T
Miles Driven on Tires: 300
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: JACKSON, MI
Driving Style: Spirited
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March 01, 2019 (Verified Purchase)

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...So far I have done 6 track days on this set of tires, plus 3500 street miles and no autocross events. They have 6/32 remaining tread, which is excellent. I got 13 days out of my previous set of ZII Star Specs, and it looks like these new tires should match that lifespan or at least come close...

I value tread life more than outright speed for my track tires, and Dunlop's tires deliver long life. So far I have done 6 track days on this set of tires, plus 3500 street miles and no autocross events. They have 6/32 remaining tread, which is excellent. I got 13 days out of my previous set of ZII Star Specs, and it looks like these new tires should match that lifespan or at least come close.

These tires are predictable at their limit and deliver a good amount of grip. They are not as grippy as a set of r-comp tires that I have, but they are close enough for my needs. I am not racing or time trialing. They are far more livable as a tire for daily use with a smoother ride and far less noise than the r-compsw. These tires are fine in the rain.

Vehicle: 2015 Volkswagen Golf R
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,500
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: LIVERMORE, CA
Driving Style: Spirited
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February 22, 2020 (Verified Purchase)

3.6 out of 5 Star Rating
3.6 out of 5

...Treadwear is better than most competitors...

I use the ZIIIs for autocross and time attack/track days. The consistency, heat tolerance, grip, and predictability of the tires leads to having confidence in turning out fast lap times and not losing control. There are faster tires, but these are a good value and very reliable. Treadwear is better than most competitors.

Not the best tire for autocross, but still within the top 5 choices.

Vehicle: 2015 Nissan 370Z Coupe Nismo
Miles Driven on Tires: 100
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: HEREFORD, AZ
Driving Style: Spirited
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Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

Testing Extreme Performance Summer Tires 2019: Dunlop Direzza ZIII (01:17)

The world is waiting to find out how the newest competitor in Extreme Performance Summer compares to the best in the category.

The Dunlop Direzza ZIII is a well-known, top performer in Extreme Performance Summer, so we tested it against the newest and best to see where it stands.

Read the Full Test Report

Comparing the Newest and Best Extreme Performance Summer Tires (05:28)

Today's Extreme Performance Summer tires deliver traction and handling that just a few years ago was only matched by true race tires. The category continues to expand, but it seems we have reached a performance plateau. To see if one of the two new Extreme Performance Summer tires can leapfrog the established leaders, we put them to the test.

Read the Full Test Report

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