Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 Review

What is it?

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is quite simply Goodyear’s attempt to break into the upper class of maximum performance summer tires. 

While the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3’s predecessors weren’t particularly flawed, they lacked the comprehensive excellence of top tier competitors. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 was fairly well received by users, and registered respectable numbers in objective testing as well. But due to its objective and subjective deficiencies (however minor), the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 never really became a go-to tire in performance car circles. And after almost five years as Goodyear's flagship performance street tire, the "Eagle F1" model was definitely showing its age relative to the advancing competition.

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 aims to address the shortcomings of the previous gen, and not only close the gap to the competition, but leap ahead of some of the best performance tires currently on the market.

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3

It’s a lofty aim, and Goodyear doesn’t have the performance pedigree of some of the competition in this particular tire category. However, there is no shortage of indications that the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is in fact the real deal.

Manufacturers such as Audi, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Tesla, Chevy, and more are fitting the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 to their performance vehicles. There are a few compelling reasons why.

Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 strengths and weaknesses?

In the performance tire arena, lofty jargon and claims of superiority are commonplace. And it’s also not uncommon for manufacturers to claim performance superiority based upon internal test results.

That’s why it caught our attention when Goodyear subjected the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 to independent TÜV Süd Benchmark Testing against some of its rivals – the Bridgestone Potenza S001, Continental ContiSportContact 5, and Michelin Pilot Sport 3.

In independent testing, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 was particularly strong under braking, achieving 9% better braking performance in the wet, and 4% in the dry. (As compared to the average of the three competitors.)

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is also very capable when it comes to wet road handling. It bested the wet road handling average by some 4%, and also possessed the most lateral grip in wet conditions by 9% over the average.

While increased fuel economy is not necessarily a top priority for high performance tire shoppers, it’s worth noting that the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 proved to have low rolling resistance during testing (relatively speaking). ​

Dry road handling/grip isn't quite as distinguished as the wet road capabilities, but the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 keeps pace with the three named competitors in this area. 

As far as weaknesses, expect good but not great treadlife. And despite the immense wet condition lateral grip and braking performance, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tested with just average hydroplaning resistance.

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 low friction surface wet braking performance

How does the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 compare?​

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 was front and center in a Motor Trend comparison test between the 2016 BMW M4 and Chevy Camaro SS. The Camaro SS fitted with the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 (RunOnFlat version) was able to effectively match the lap time of the M4 shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. And while there were a host of variables other than tires that contributed to the result, the fact that there wasn't a decided track performance edge to the Michelin is noteworthy indeed. 

However, in 2016 Tire Rack comparison testing with equivalent test vehicles, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 couldn't quite match the maximum pace of the Pilot Super Sport or current generation Pirelli P Zero. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 was just a few ticks off of the lap time pace in both dry and wet conditions. 

In isolated stopping (distance) and cornering tests, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 logged a small performance deficit as compared to the Michelin and Pirelli.

And so while the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 established performance superiority in the indicated TÜV Süd Benchmark Testing, objective performance testing against the very best in class shows that it's not quite all the way there in a maximum performance context.

In Auto Express comparison testing, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 finished fifth out of nine performance tires tested. Similar to the Tire Rack result, the Michelin and Pirelli options were just a bit better, especially in maximum performance/grip oriented testing.

In the real world where maximum performance and grip aren't always the highest priorities, it's worth noting that the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 may provide both the best ride quality and highest fuel economy (lowest rolling resistance) of all the top tier category options. In a September, 2016 Evo magazine test involving nine top max performance tires, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 finished first in both comfort and rolling resistance evaluation. The Evo test also verified the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3's above average wet road performance when measured against the category's best. 

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 also finished first in a 2017 Auto Bild Allrad performance SUV tire test, and was rated "Exemplary" by the organization. A result that might have contributed to it being selected as the OE tire for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

But perhaps the greatest performance endorsement of all has come via Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S testing. In an effort to demonstrate the superiority of their new flagship performance tire, Michelin put the 4 S up against some of the best in category, including the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3. And while the Michelin (unsurprisingly) proved superior across the board, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 trailed the 4 S by small margins in many tests, including:

- Dry Braking: +1.48 meters from 62 mph
- Wet Braking: just +0.10 meters from 50 mph
- Lap Time (Dry): +0.89 seconds on a 1.6 mile course 

Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 Warranty?

- Treadlife Warranty: None
- Uniformity Warranty: 1 year and first 1/32 even wear on 2 tires.
For full Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 warranty information, see the warranty brochure here.

Anything else to know?

​At the time of this review update the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is just arriving in the U.S. European user feedback thus far has been resoundingly positive.

While we're in favor of Goodyear's initiative to independently establish the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 as a top tier performance tire, we have to call them out for stacking the deck just a little bit…

In the TÜV Süd testing the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 didn't face the stiffest competition. 

Given the tire's wet condition capability, we'd like to see how the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 compares against the almost flood friendly Continental ExtremeContact DW.

And despite the Motor Trend result, we'd still favor the Michelin Pilot Super Sport in a head to head, all things equal performance match-up. The Tire Rack and Auto Express results look to confirm the continued Michelin advantage.

Note that the Pirelli and Michelin alternatives are indeed relevant because the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3's premium price point invites such comparisons. 

Unfortunately, no treadlife warranty for the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3. The new Pilot Sport 4 S is warrantied for 30,000 miles with the same size at all four corners (half that for staggered setups).

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is clearly on its way to being an accomplished, well-liked tire, and a viable option in the category. Especially as an original equipment tire that will accrue the vast majority of miles on the street. 

Excellent overall performance, above average comfort, wet road traction, and low(er) rolling resistance -- if you're on the hunt for a maximum performance street tire, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 has to be considered.
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