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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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July 19, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...EXCELLENT ON DRY ROADS, GOOD ON WET ROADS...

THIS IS MY SECOND SET OF THESE TIRES. WHEN YOU DRIVE SPIRITED, YOU CAN COUNT ON THIS TIRE TO HOLD YOU ON THE ROAD. EXCELLENT ON DRY ROADS, GOOD ON WET ROADS. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A MILAGE TIRE, THIS ONE IS NOT FOR YOU. BUY THIS TIRE IF YOU WANT TO FEEL CONFIDENT WHEN YOU GO AROUND A CORNER, YOU WILL STAY IN THE CORNER AND ON THE ROAD.

Vehicle: 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster 2.3
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,500
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: DALLASTOWN, PA
Driving Style: Spirited
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June 24, 2018 (Verified Purchase)

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...These tires have excellent grip on both dry and wet roads...

Great super performance tire for road and track. Great response on corners and straights. Excellent grip on both dry and wet roads. Much better than my original PS2's.

Vehicle: 2004 BMW M3 Coupe
Miles Driven on Tires: 500
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: GAITHERSBURG, MD
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.

January 14, 2019 (Verified Purchase)

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

...Does wear a little fast but that is expected with the type of soft tire. Also has great traction.

Great soft tire. Does wear a little fast but that is expected with the type of soft tire. Also has great traction.

Vehicle: 1986 BMW 325es
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: PLANTATION, FL
Driving Style: Spirited
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September 29, 2019 (Verified Purchase)

4.1 out of 5 Star Rating
4.1 out of 5

...On the positive they seem to require very little warm up time on days with temps in the mid 60's or higher, turn in is quick and precise and feels sharper than the Z2...

I previously had Dunlop Z2 non Star Spec for 6 years on my 'just coil overs n stuff' 00 Celica GTS, I used about 2/3 of the tread depth on that set and enjoyed them a lot. I drove about 30,000 miles over that 6 year period and was impressed by how well they stood up to daily use as well as spirited driving. On that positive note I decided to go with the 'new' Z3 iteration of the tire. There are some differences between the Z2 and Z3 both positive and negative. On the positive they seem to require very little warm up time on days with temps in the mid 60's or higher, turn in is quick and precise and feels sharper than the Z2. On the negative they do ride a bit harder than the Z2 did, they don't take up highway joints as nicely but that's forgiveable given the performance category they're in obviously. One thing they do which some may dislike but I find hilarious, they make cartoonish sounding suction cup popping sounds over smooth roads like worn cement or tar road repairs or similarly worn smooth surfaces. The Z2 did this as well so it's no surprise that the Z3 also have this characteristic however the volume and ease at which the sound is produced is much much greater. I laugh, some may cringe. I've changed my alignment so I'm not expecting 30,000 miles from these Z3, I'll be sure to update my review as time and miles stack up.

Vehicle: 2000 Toyota Celica GTS
Miles Driven on Tires: 200
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: HAZEL CREST, IL
Driving Style: Spirited
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June 11, 2018 (Verified Purchase)

4.1 out of 5 Star Rating
4.1 out of 5

...The first day I had these on my 135i it transformed the car! I am running 255/40/17 Square with -2.8F camber and rear maxed out (-1.8). Initial impressions were VERY positive with this tire...

I bought these for Track Days but run them on the street a little driving to closer events, while I swap at the Track for longer events. The first day I had these on my 135i it transformed the car! I am running 255/40/17 Square with -2.8F camber and rear maxed out (-1.8). Initial impressions were VERY positive with this tire. I posted some very good lap times in a car with moderate mods. Excellent traction.

On grippier tracks (NYST), I was having trouble with tire pressure/heat/grip combos and I noticed a tremendous amount of wear on the shoulders, but also on the tread blocks. These tires were driven very hard and at NJMP Thunderbolt as well as NYST I managed personal best lap times and was our running friends who I normally am pretty even with.

The downside is with 4 track days, the tire shoulders are toast although they are OK for the street.

Overall, I don't think these tires like getting over driven and have funny wear characteristics with my set-up. I ended up at 31psi hot to get my best lap times, but less air in the tires means less density to cool. I get it, not my first rodeo.

So the big question- is this tire better than the RE71? I don't think so. In the rain they were OK, but I couldn't keep pace with my friends on their RE's. Overall, I might buy again but I think it's more of a choice of giving up some ultimate grip for better wear (budget) and grabbing the RS4's, or going with a little bit better tire that's very proven RE71. I don't do AutoX so I can't comment there.

For the street, these tires will change your life. VERY grippy, warm up quickly and just STICK! Would think AutoX would be a better place than open track. 135i, Full bolt ons, race pads, sway bars, 360whp.

Vehicle: 2012 BMW 135i Convertible M Sport Pack
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: RADNOR, PA
Driving Style: Spirited
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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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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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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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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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