Was this from Consumer Reports ?? I think it was...
A) Ziex 912's aren't made 255-40-18's, so you have to ask yourself what size it was that was tested, and what car.
B) The ContiExtreme's are from looking at CR and TireRack's own reviews, and survey, the best for the $$$ for UHP A/S tires. They slightly beat out the Mich Pilot Sport A/S, by a few hundred bucks per set ( also factoring in if you were to take them to the dealer for mounting/balancing ).
C) The next higher than the Conti's would be Goodyear F1 A/S ( relatively new on the market ), but even going by TireRack's reviews and survey, they rate just a smidge higher than the Conti's/Pilot Sports, but come in price-wise right in the middle of the two.
I...would go with the F1's or the Conti's, if you want to save a little $$.
