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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 consistent grip, sharp turn-in response, and predictable handling during track days, autocross, and spirited driving. Wet performance earns positive marks for stability in rain and resistance to hydroplaning at full tread depth, though some note reduced traction as tread wears. Treadwear receives praise for a 200TW tire, with many users reporting multiple track events or seasons of use, though endurance racers highlight faster wear than previous models. The tire's heat tolerance and gradual breakaway characteristics make it a reliable choice for drivers prioritizing balanced performance over outright longevity in extreme conditions.

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Customers Like:

77 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 61 positive
  • 16 negative

Customers praise the Dunlop Direzza ZIII's wet traction, with scores 7-8, noting stable highway performance in heavy rain and predictable handling in damp conditions. Some report reduced grip in standing water and occasional hydroplaning risks, but most find them reliable for spirited wet driving when tread is fresh.

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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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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116 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 115 positive
  • 1 negative

Customers praise the Dunlop Direzza ZIII's dry traction, with many scoring 9-10 for exceptional grip, predictable cornering, and track-ready performance. Reviews highlight "wicked sticky" confidence in autocross and spirited driving, though some note grip drops when overheated. Most praise consistent handling even as tread wears, calling them a benchmark for extreme summer performance.

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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February 22, 2020 (Verified Purchase)

3.6 out of 5 Star Rating
3.6 out of 5

...The consistency, heat tolerance, grip, and predictability of the tires leads to having confidence in turning out fast lap times and not losing control...

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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84 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 59 positive
  • 25 negative

Customers praise the ZIII's treadwear for track use, noting durability through multiple heat cycles and longer-than-expected lifespan in autocross and HPDE events. Some report faster wear during endurance racing, but most view it as a solid performer in its category, with scores reflecting 7-8 range for intended use.

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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January 04, 2020 (Verified Purchase)

3.9 out of 5 Star Rating
3.9 out of 5

...After having driven this tire over 5,000 miles it still has plenty of grip in the canyon and I am just now at the wear bars. You could easily do 2 or 3 hard days at the track with these and still have decent life in them...

This is my weekend car that usually sees action in the canyons and on the track, every once in a while I will take it to work. I am on the stock AP1 16" wheels. In the canyons this is one of the best tires I have ever driven on. It has loads of grip and is communicative.
On the track its a great tire as well, again very communicative and the grip is fantastic. After a 4-5 hot laps the tire does start to get hot and can feel a little greasy but its still predictable, it doesn't suddenly let go you just notice it start to slip a little more.
After having driven this tire over 5,000 miles it still has plenty of grip in the canyon and I am just now at the wear bars. You could easily do 2 or 3 hard days at the track with these and still have some decent life in them.
I am going to try the Bridgestone RE-71R but if I don't like it I will definitely come back to this tire. Very consistent, very surprising, and overall a great benchmark tire.

Vehicle: 2002 Honda S2000
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,100
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: SANTA CLARITA, 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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