*vehicle + wheels are currently undergoing restoration.
‘For summer 2025, we decided to pay homage to the dean of civil rights and president Obama medal of freedom recipient Joseph Lowery, our deceased grandfather, by restoring and customizing one of his luxury vehicles. He passed away in 2020 at 98, and due to covid, it was a dream that was deferred that has now come true. Thus, we shipped his well-loved 1999 Mercedes S500 AMG sports sedan from Atlanta to The Bronx. Upon its arrival, we noticed that the tires were slightly worn and needed to be replaced. Kumho Tires, our esteemed friends, sent us the Ecsta Sport all-season PA71 staggered. Our technician installed them, and they fit like a glove.’ — Vaughn Lowery
Design
The Kumho Ecsta Sport A/S has a stance that is both elegant and aggressive, with classic lines. Visually, it pairs perfectly with an older passenger vehicle because its minimalist architecture isn’t overwhelming. Often, tires in the ultra performance category tend to possess gaudy sidewalls and ostentatious tread patterns with no functionality.
Performance
Kumho racing tires are equipped with a premium tread that is designed to provide high performance in moderate conditions at a competitive price. Their signature V-shaped or asymmetric tread pattern offers additional grip, increased agility, and added resistance to hydroplaning during inclement weather.
Made with a sturdy silica compound, the wide outside blocks aid in cornering, stability, and steering while reducing roll. This is critical for oil slicks and damp roads caused by recent NYC flash floods. When challenged with hot, dry asphalt plagued with potholes, the car maneuvers just as well, largely due to rubber’s flexibility in changing temperatures and the internal structure of the tires. By using deep grooves, airflow can be stifled, reducing noise levels from inside the cabin.
Value
With its 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, the driver can rest easy knowing that their durability is backed by the manufacturer, providing them with additional peace of mind. The Kumho DNA, which was established in 1960 in South Korea, exudes innovation. It’s apparent with their extensive research and testing at their various development centers, Gwangju, Akron, and Birmingham, as well as their participation in the automotive racing arena.
Conclusion
Overall, the Ecsta Sport All-Season PA71 is an ultra-high performance tire that can hold its own in the marketplace against Bridgestone and Potenza largely due to its price point and performance in wet conditions. Once the weather breaks, we will conduct a chrome removal, an AMG facelift, wrap the wood grain in gloss black, and install an infotainment screen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay alongside a back-up camera.
