Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Ultra High Performance/UHP Summer Tire for Sportscars in 225/40R18

Ultra High Performance Summer
Older Production Date Tire

Wheel not included

FirestoneFirehawk Indy 500
  • FirestoneFirehawk Indy 500
  • FirestoneFirehawk Indy 500
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Special/Closeout$ 204.80 Per Tire

Set of 4: $819.20

  • Size: 225/40R18
  • Style: Blackwall
  • Eco Focus: N/A
  • Load Range: XL Load Range
Free Road Hazard Protection$80.40 value. Two-year coverage.
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Important Information

Older Production Date Tires

This tire was produced in 2023. Older Production Date Tires are new tires that we offer at a discounted price due to their date of production. Older Production Date Tires have been properly stored and retain their manufacturer's warranty, which begins when they are mounted on your vehicle.

Set of 4: $ 819.20
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The Firehawk Indy 500 is Firestone's Ultra High Performance Summer tire developed for drivers of sports cars, sporty coupes and performance sedans who want to maximize sport driving pleasure through racing-inspired technology. The Firehawk Indy 500 is designed to deliver impressive performance in wet and dry conditions.

Like all summer tires, Firehawk Indy 500 tires are not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

Firestone Firehawk Indy 500The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 uses a new, high-performance, silica-enhanced Long Link Carbon tread rubber compound molded into an aggressive-looking asymmetric tread design featuring large independent shoulder blocks designed to improve cornering and handling in dry conditions. The center circumferential groove features proprietary Pulse Groove Technology to enhance water evacuation, and combined with the new tread compound and two additional circumferential grooves, provides shorter stopping distances in the wet than its predecessor.

The tire's internal structure features a high-turnup polyester casing (2 ply in some sizes) beneath twin high-tensile steel belts and nylon reinforcement to provide responsive handling, stability and high-speed capability.

Indy 500® is a registered trademark of Brickyard Trademarks, Inc., used with permission.

Tire Rack Test Results Firestone Firehawk Indy 500

Best Performance Tires: Ultra High Performance vs. Max Performance Summer Tires – 2024 Test 3(22:06)

Using our new BMW M2 high-performance test vehicle, we ran two Ultra High Performance and four Max Performance summer tires through our litany of tests to find the best performance tire on the market.




Read the Full Test Report

Ratings Charts & Reviews Firestone Firehawk Indy 500

Tire Category: Ultra High Performance Summer

Consumer Surveys

 
Compare
Best in Category
Price
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
Excellent
99%
$205
11M
8.7 - Excellent
8.4 - Good
8.4 Hydroplaning Resistance
8.4 Wet Traction
9.3 - Excellent
9.3 Corner Stability
9.3 Dry Traction
9.2 Steering Response
N/A
N/A Light Snow Traction
N/A Deep Snow Traction
N/A Ice Traction
8.5 - Good
8.6 Ride Quality
8.4 Noise
8.1 - Good

Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Reviews

Ratings highlight excellence in dry traction (9-10 scores dominate) with customers praising sharp cornering and responsive steering, key strengths for a summer tire. Wet traction also impresses, scoring 8-10 with reliable hydroplaning resistance. Comfort earns consistent 7-10 marks for smooth handling, though some note moderate road noise. Treadwear scores 7-10, with many users reporting durable performance even under spirited driving. While a few lower comfort and treadwear scores exist, feedback aligns with the tire's ultra-high performance summer focus, emphasizing grip and control over plushness. Ideal for drivers prioritizing dynamic dry/wet handling in warm conditions.

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Customers Like:

816 reviews mention "Wet Traction"

  • 725 positive
  • 91 negative

Most customers rate wet traction highly, with scores between 8-10 highlighting excellent wet grip and hydroplaning resistance. A few lower scores exist, but the majority praise confident handling in rainy conditions expected from a summer performance tire.

December 03, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

Great traction on wet pavement. If good in the rain excellent on dry pavement...

Great traction on wet pavement. If good in the rain excellent on dry pavement. I’m on my third set of these on my Acura and first set for the mini. Good quality and wear. Worth the money

Vehicle: 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door With Runflat Cooper S
Miles Driven on Tires: 6,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL
Driving Style: Spirited

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September 28, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...While I can't provide many details about wet performance, in my experience, the tires perform well in the wet...

I understand that this tire is or will be out of production soon. Nevertheless, I'm happy to provide my review. This set of tires has provided excellent performance on our 2005 Mini Cooper S R53. A HUGE improvement over the miserable run flats the car came with. While I was researching tires for the Mini, I was frankly turned off by the name of the tire. However, Tire Rack advised these would suit what I was looking for in tires and they have advised me in the past for other tires and cars that we have. They've always got it right and did so on this car. Details - car has stock OEM but refreshed suspension with the exception of a stiffer rear roll bar. Where I live we don't get much rain. While I can't provide many details about wet performance, in my experience, the tires perform well in the wet. Performance (again more experience in the dry than wet)- The tires provide excellent grip in the corners, are very progressive as you approach the limit and communicate well. They don't trammel on grooved pavement. In my case, as the Mini approaches the limit, the car will increasingly understeer. At no time have the tires given me any surprises. Tread wear has been as expected. While the suspension in the Mini is a bit harsh, these tires were vastly more comfortable than the run flats. Finally - while these tires may become unavailable-ask the folks at Tire Rack for advice.

Vehicle: 2005 MINI Cooper S
Miles Driven on Tires: 12,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MENLO PARK, CA
Driving Style: Average

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June 08, 2025
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...wet traction is considerably better than my old Toyo's... I'm highly impressed, especially with traction in very wet conditions...

Genuinely surprised by this tire. I have to admit, I’ve been a long-time Firestone hater. Turns out, I was wrong. These tires have been nothing short of amazing so far. Road noise is average, wet traction is considerably better than my old Toyo’s, and dry traction is consistent and very grippy. The limit of these tires is pretty high but once you do reach the limit, they slip in a very controlled, manageable, and consistent manner. This is unlike any Yokohama, Toyo, or Bridgestone (funny considering Firestone and Bridgestone now share the same parent company) I’ve experienced in the past. Overall, these tires are awesome. I’m highly impressed, especially with traction in very wet conditions. I absolutely recommend.

Vehicle: 2014 Mazda Mazda6 Touring
Miles Driven on Tires: 700
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA
Driving Style: Spirited

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981 reviews mention "Dry Traction"

  • 959 positive
  • 22 negative

Most customers rate dry traction as excellent, with scores of 9-10 highlighting responsive handling and confident grip. High-performance summer design excels in intended conditions, with occasional 8s still reflecting strong dry-road capability.

October 04, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

Replaced Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+ with these. Dry traction is incredible. I feel much more connected to the road.

Excellent

Vehicle: 2014 Honda Civic Si Sedan With OE Rubber Valve Stem
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,500
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: ORLANDO, FL
Driving Style: Easy Going

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September 09, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

Great dry grip especially lateral braking and acceleration...

Great dry grip especially lateral braking and acceleration. Wet grip is really good for a Summer tire but can be overwhelmed. Road noise is kinda bad especially if its damp but its a tradeoff for cheap grip.

Vehicle: 2009 Volkswagen GTI 2-Door
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: HOULTON, ME
Driving Style: Spirited

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981 reviews mention "Ride Quality"

  • 900 positive
  • 81 negative

Most customers rate ride comfort as excellent with scores of 9-10, praising smooth handling. Noise levels receive mostly 7-10 ratings, with a few noting minor cabin sound increases during highway driving.

February 19, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...Very impressive with handling, noise and wear...

A very good all-around performance tire. Very impressive with handling, noise and wear. And...great value too, this is my second set purchased; last set went almost 35,000 miles with no issues.

Vehicle: 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG
Miles Driven on Tires: 11,250
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: KINGSTOWNE, VA
Driving Style: Spirited

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January 17, 2026
(Verified Purchase)
3.4 out of 5 Star Rating
3.4 out of 5

...Very good ride comfort and road noise.

Absolutely fantastic tire for dry weather spirited driving. Very good ride comfort and road noise.

Vehicle: 1967 Ford Mustang 289/428 OE Engine (GT Models)
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: All Highway
Location: BEAR, DE
Driving Style: Spirited

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792 reviews mention "Treadwear"

  • 669 positive
  • 123 negative

Customers praise the Firehawk Indy 500's treadwear, with most scoring 8-10. High ratings highlight excellent durability for summer driving, though some variability exists. Ultra High Performance design delivers impressive tread life when used as intended.

September 14, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...The tread life is exceptional for a tire with this much grip and easy to modulate...

This tire is an excellent value. The tread life is exceptional for a tire with this much grip and easy to modulate. The tire provides good ultimate grip and feel. Road noise is acceptable but could be better.

Vehicle: 2014 Mazda Mazda6 Sport
Miles Driven on Tires: 25,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SACRAMENTO, CA
Driving Style: Spirited

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March 23, 2026
(Verified Purchase)
4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

...Road noise, wet and dry traction, price, and tire wear all get excellent marks. This is our third set on three different cars and getting ready to purchase another set to replace the first set we got that have about 4 spring/summer/fall seasons on them...

These Firehawks continue to be one of the best bang for your buck tires out there. The “tire snobs” will tell you nothing beats ____ , but not everyone needs crazy expensive summer tires for their daily. Road noise, wet and dry traction, price, and tire wear all get excellent marks. This is our third set on three different cars and getting ready to purchase another set to replace the first set we got that have about 4 spring/summer/fall seasons on them. Very happy with them.

Vehicle: 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: LOCUST GAP, PA
Driving Style: Average

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October 18, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...pretty good wear...

Simply a great tire, pretty good wear and a good price, fast delivery, my second set of this tire.

Vehicle: 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,000
Driving Conditions: All Highway
Location: STUART, FL
Driving Style: Spirited

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Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

Best Performance Tires: Ultra High Performance vs. Max Performance Summer Tires – 2024 Test 3(22:06)

Using our new BMW M2 high-performance test vehicle, we ran two Ultra High Performance and four Max Performance summer tires through our litany of tests to find the best performance tire on the market.




Read the Full Test Report

Experience the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500(00:51)

Firestone’s Firehawk Indy 500 is for the drivers of sports cars, performance sedans, and coupes who are looking to bring excitement to their summer driving. Designed to deliver enthusiast-level performance in both wet and dry warm conditions.

A Closer Look: Firestone Firehawk Indy 500(00:48)

For drivers who want to maximize sport driving pleasure through racing-inspired technology, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 brings ultra-high performance to the table. All the details are in this video.

Firestone and the Indianapolis 500(00:30)

"Be the best when it matters the most."

The Indianapolis 500. Firestone's proving ground for the technology that makes its way into your tires. And since the very first Indy 500, Firestone tires have been there.

Features & Benefits: Firestone Firehawk Indy 500(01:11)

Firestone introduces us to their Firehawk Indy 500 tire design and tread compound in this video narrated by Trace Adkins. Take a look at how they've worked to improve performance, offer wet handling gains and shorten stopping distances versus prior generations of their Firestone Indy 500 tire.

Does Firestone Hit the Ultra High Performance Summer Mark?(07:33)

Firestone wants to hit the bull's eye with its new Firehawk Indy 500. The target is specific: an outstanding blend of dry and wet street traction and handling.

How accurate is Firestone's aim in the Ultra High Performance Summer category ripe with contenders including the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2, Dunlop Direzza DZ102 and Kumho Ecsta PS31?

Read the Full Test Report

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*May 2026

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