Nankang Sportnex CR-S

Nankang Sportnex CR-S – Semi-Slick Performance Tire for Track and Street Domination

The Nankang Sportnex CR-S is a premium semi-slick tire engineered for drivers who demand uncompromising grip, fast lap times, and high-speed stability—on both the racetrack and the road. Designed to bridge the gap between motorsport-grade slicks and road-legal ultra-high-performance tires, the CR-S delivers race-ready traction while maintaining the versatility and durability required for spirited street use.

Built for time attack, circuit racing, autocross, and aggressive performance driving, the CR-S stands out with its R-compound rubber, optimized tread design, and reinforced construction. Whether you’re chasing tenths on a hot lap or carving mountain roads, this tire offers a balanced combination of cornering precision, heat resistance, and everyday usability.

Motorsport-Inspired R-Compound for Extreme Grip

At the heart of the CR-S is its advanced R-compound formulation, developed to provide maximum dry grip and heat stability. The compound offers immediate responsiveness and stickiness as it reaches its ideal operating temperature range, delivering relentless traction under heavy acceleration, aggressive braking, and sustained cornering.

The compound also maintains structural integrity over multiple heat cycles, offering consistent lap times and longevity for track day enthusiasts and competitive drivers. Whether you’re on a 20-minute session or a full day of lapping, the CR-S delivers performance without fading.

Semi-Slick Tread Pattern for Balanced Performance

The CR-S features a directional semi-slick tread pattern designed to maximize rubber-to-road contact while offering basic water evacuation for limited wet-use capability. Its wide center ribs and large shoulder blocks provide maximum cornering grip and stability, allowing for razor-sharp turn-in and flat-out exit speed.

While primarily a dry-performance tire, the strategic circumferential grooves help evacuate surface moisture in damp conditions, reducing the risk of hydroplaning during transport or light rain. This makes it a practical option for drivers who want a tire that can be driven to and from the track without a trailer—no need to swap tires at the paddock.

Exceptional Steering Precision and Cornering Stability

With its reinforced sidewalls and motorsport-derived carcass construction, the Sportnex CR-S delivers outstanding lateral stiffness and feedback. The tire maintains shape under extreme lateral G-forces, allowing for predictable breakaway characteristics and fast recovery, which are essential for consistent driving at the limit.

This high level of feedback makes the CR-S especially suited for drivers who rely on precise steering input and need confidence in high-speed transitions, chicanes, or trail braking zones.

Fast Warm-Up and Thermal Management

The CR-S is engineered to reach optimal operating temperatures quickly, which is critical during short sessions, time attack laps, or autocross runs. The tread compound and design work together to generate heat efficiently while maintaining thermal stability, reducing the risk of greasing out during prolonged hot runs.

Whether you’re pushing hard on your first lap or holding pace through a 10-lap sprint, the CR-S maintains consistent grip, balance, and braking power.

Street-Legal for Road-to-Track Flexibility

Unlike full slicks, the Sportnex CR-S is DOT-approved, meaning it is street legal in many regions and can be used for dual-purpose track/street builds. This allows enthusiasts to enjoy motorsport-level grip without sacrificing the convenience of road use.

While best suited for dry performance driving, the CR-S can handle light road use thanks to its tread pattern and compound resilience. For track cars that see occasional street miles or for drivers who want a no-compromise performance tire they can use on canyon roads, it strikes an ideal balance.

Compatible with Popular Performance Platforms

The Nankang Sportnex CR-S is available in a wide range of widths and diameters, supporting square or staggered setups on:

• Track-prepped BMW M3 / M2 / E36 / E46

• Nissan 350Z / 370Z / Z34

• Mazda MX-5 / Miata NA-ND

• Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ / AE86

• Porsche Cayman / 911

• Civic Type R / Integra / S2000

• VW GTI / R / Cup cars

• Corvette, Mustang, and Camaro track builds

It’s a popular choice for time attack teams, HPDE drivers, grassroots motorsport competitors, and anyone who wants street-legal performance that rivals race rubber.

Ideal For Drivers Who:

• Compete in time attack, autocross, or club racing

• Want a street-legal tire with near-slick dry performance

• Drive dual-purpose track builds without trailers

• Prioritize cornering grip, feedback, and heat resistance

• Demand consistent lap times and fast warm-up

• Want a competitive edge without the price tag of big-brand R-compound tires

Summary

The Nankang Sportnex CR-S is a race-bred semi-slick tire that delivers elite-level grip, directional control, and heat resistance—while still being DOT-legal for street use. With its aggressive tread design, high-grip R-compound, and reinforced construction, it’s the perfect solution for drivers who demand maximum performance without compromise.

From podium-hungry track machines to weekend warriors and daily driven performance cars, the CR-S provides a level of grip and responsiveness once reserved for dedicated race tires.

Choose the Nankang Sportnex CR-S and unleash your vehicle’s true potential—on the road, on the track, and everywhere in between.