Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 Plus Review — Accessible UHP Performance for NZ Sports Cars
Overall Rating: 8.8 / 10
Category: High Performance / Ultra High Performance
Price in NZ: From $341 per tyre
Best for: Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, Mazda MX-5, Honda Civic Sport — entry performance cars
Available sizes: 16″ – 19″ rims
Quick Verdict
The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 Plus hits a sweet spot in the NZ market: UHP-level performance at a price that sports car owners on real budgets can actually afford. At $341, it bridges the gap between the entry SP Sport LM705 ($265) and the premium SP Sport Maxx RT 2 ($598) — delivering genuine performance character at a price that makes sense for GR86, BRZ, and MX-5 owners who want more than a budget touring tyre without the full RT 2 investment.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | High Performance / UHP |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | A (highest) |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | B |
| EU Label — Noise | 70–72 dB |
| Speed Ratings | V (240), W (270), Y (300 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 16″, 17″, 18″, 19″ |
| NZ Price Range | $341 – $470 (varies by size) |
Performance Profile
Wet Performance
EU Label A wet grip — same top rating as the more expensive RT 2. In wet conditions, the 060 Plus matches the safety level of the flagship Dunlop despite its lower price point. Auckland and Wellington drivers will find the wet braking and cornering performance exceeds what the price suggests.
Dry Handling
The 060 Plus’s dry handling is the most notable step up from the SP Sport LM705. Steering response is sharper, lateral grip in corners is measurably higher, and the tyre communicates approaching the limit more clearly. For GR86 and BRZ owners who enjoy driving and want feedback from their car — this is the meaningful improvement over a standard touring tyre.
Comfort
Firmer than the LM705 or touring alternatives — expected for a performance tyre. Suitable for everyday sports car use. NZ chipseal surfaces transmit more road texture through the 060 Plus’s stiffer carcass than through a comfort tyre.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland and North Island
Verdict: Excellent — best-value performance tyre for small NZ sports cars
Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, Honda Civic Sport, and Mazda MX-5 owners in Auckland represent the natural market for the 060 Plus. The EU Label A wet grip handles Auckland’s constant rain, while the dry handling improvement over the LM705 delivers the engaging drive these vehicles promise. At $341 versus $341–$365 for the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3, the 060 Plus is directly competitive on price and performance.
Wellington
Verdict: Very Good
Wellington’s demanding road conditions suit the 060 Plus’s wet and dry balance. GR86 and MX-5 owners navigating the Hutt Valley roads and Wellington’s hilly suburban streets will find the 060 Plus delivers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- EU Label A wet grip — premium safety rating at mid-range price ($341)
- Genuine performance handling character — significant improvement over touring alternatives
- Dunlop SP Sport Maxx heritage — proven Japanese engineering
- Available in 16″ sizes for older sports cars (rare in the UHP segment)
Cons
- Below RT 2 in overall performance — expect that given the $257 price difference
- Firmer ride than touring tyres — not for drivers who prioritise comfort
- Summer compound only
060 Plus vs Key Mid-Range Performance Rivals
| Tyre | Wet Grip | Dry Feel | Tread Life | NZ Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 Plus | A | Very Good | Good | $341+ | 8.8/10 |
| Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 | A | Very Good | Good | $365+ | 9.1/10 |
| Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT 2 | A | Excellent | Good | $598+ | 9.2/10 |
| Pirelli Dragon Sport | A | Good | Good | $432+ | 8.6/10 |
Sources
- Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 Plus — dunlop.eu — accessed 2026-06-01
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/dunlop/ — accessed 2026-06-01
Related Pages
- Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT 2 — the premium step up
- Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 — key competitor
- Dunlop Tyres NZ — brand overview