BFGoodrich Phenom T/A Tire Review

BFGoodrich Phenom T/A Overview

The BFGoodrich Phenom T/A is a summer performance tire designed for both street and track use. BFGoodrich claims the Phenom outbrakes numerous competitors on wet roads, including the Yokohama Advan Apex V601, Falken Azenis FK510, Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2, and the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500. This tire replaces the G-Force Sport Comp 2, offering improved grip and handling.

Track and Skidpad Testing

Testing took place at Sonoma Raceway and included both wet and dry conditions. The Phenom T/A was tested on Mustang GTs and EcoBoost Mustangs. Testers explored understeer and oversteer on wet and dry skid pads. While direct comparisons with competitive tires were limited, the tires were assessed for their progressiveness and overall grip.

Although the conditions were not ideal for pushing the tires to their absolute limits due to pace cars, the Phenom exhibited impressive wet grip, with testers reporting comfortable cornering at speed even in wet conditions. The tires showed moderate progressiveness at the limit, making it easy to feel understeer. In contrast, the Firestone tires tested felt grippier at first but faded more suddenly.

Street and Performance Balance

The Phenom T/A is designed as a dual-purpose tire, suitable for both daily driving and occasional track days or autocross events. The tire features an asymmetric tread pattern with distinct “dry zone” and “wet zone” regions. A silica-infused compound with nearly 200 ingredients aims to balance stickiness with street legality, prioritizing braking performance in both wet and dry conditions.

Aesthetics and Value

The Phenom T/A is designed to look good, with a tread and sidewall that appeal to enthusiasts. Prices range from $140 to $230 per tire, depending on size. Fifty sizes are available, ranging from 205/55/16 to 245/35/20. While it’s a performance-focused summer tire, it’s crucial to remember it doesn’t perform well below 40 degrees and lacks a treadwear warranty.