BF Goodrich has set out to raise the bar of the entry-level, ultra high-performance tire segment with its new g-Force Sport. Because it's based on the same technology found in BFG's g-Force KD, KDW, and KDWS tires, the g-Force will cost less than if it was a completely new tire with newly researched technology.
The Sport will be available in eight V-rated and 13 Z-rated sizes as of June. And the target buyers, according to BFG, are young sport compact drivers. This is a good thing since a set of ultra-sticky KDs costs a pretty penny.
The g-Force Sport mixes both traditional and innovative tread pattern elements for aggressive styling and functional performance. This tread pattern was specifically derived from a European BFG tire and features central circumferential ribs and grooves for high-speed straight-line stability. These features also resist hydroplaning and reduce tire noise at speed.
The inner shoulders use an innovative sipe design to provide high water-holding volume, while retaining a continuous band of rubber to minimize tread block deflection. This augments the total cornering grip since the outer shoulders are broken by large rain sipes. BFGoodrich's proprietary BlackTech tread compound is used throughout the tire and gives it a UTQG rating of 340/AA/A. The numeric value is a treadwear rating, while the AA is a traction rating and the A is a temperature rating. For perspective, the KDW, a wet and dry UHP has a UTQG of 300/AA/A, while the top-of-the-line max dry-grip KD is rated as 200/AA/A.
The Sport's internal construction adopts the ETEC System (Equal Tension Containment System) and g-Control sidewall inserts passed down from other g-Force tires. Based on the size selection and tread design, it's pretty obvious this tire wasn't meant to be an inexpensive top-of-the-line tire. Instead, it's intended specifically to compete with other entry-level UHPs, such as the Kumho Ecsta 712, Yokohama ES100, Dunlop FM901 and Toyo FZ4, in performance and price. The fitments available seem most appropriate for front-wheel drive and lower-power rear wheel drive, but aren't made larger than 18-inch wheel diameter.
We sampled the g-Force Sport at an autocross-type event BFG set up at Irwindale Speedway (where we also burned through a set of KDs powersliding a 350Z into submission). BFG fitted one 2004 Acura RSX Type-S with the Sport, one RSX with the Dunlop FM901 and one with the Toyo FZ4 and let us loose. In general, the g-Force Sport, when mounted on a front-drive car, exhibited a quieter ride and more "progressivity" and predictability at the limit. BFGoodrich coined the term "progressivity" in describing how its tires behave and communicate to the driver as it progressively approaches its traction limits.
On the course, this meant the onset of heavy understeer was far more anticipated and transitioned easily, while the FM901 bit hard and held on until suddenly the car started plowing with the familiar steering rattle.
Our time with the tire was short, but it's undeniable the g-Force Sport is a worthy member of the g-Force family. We just might put a set on a project car for a more extended sampling.
Things we like about the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport: ,* g-Force performance and quality for a competitive price,* Progressive and predictable behavior,* Bang for the buck among similar class tires
Things we don't like about the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport: ,* Limited low-profile sizes