Close to a decision
Thanks Killer!
Went back to Tire Shop and spoke to the GM this time. Gave me a mini lesson on tire specs, etc. He confirmed what I had found on Tire Rack.com, there are indeed several choices available, for all season in the 245/45-20 size. If I deal directly with Tire Shop, they can get the same products that Tirerack.com sells, but it'll be cheaper for me, as TireShop won't charge for installation and of course, I'd save on shipping, too.
Tire Shop recommended the Cooper Zeon Sport A/S, 245/45ZR20 99 W (I also found out that Cooper also makes the Avon tires). These tires have fairly long tread life for performance tires and should do fairly well, with the snow we get in northern VA. From the Cooper website:
"The Cooper Zeon Sport A/S is a premium W-speed-rated, ultra-high performance all-season line designed for drivers who want year-round traction with very good handling and high-speed capabilities. The Cooper Zeon Sport A/S is an excellent original equipment replacement for a wide range of vehicles including luxury touring cars, performance cars and crossovers (CUV)."
The GM did caution me, though, that this tire is not "as forgiving" as the Eagle RS/A, meaning, I'd feel every bump in the road. (cabpatch)
Add in a set of wheels similar to the Panther Badge (EMR709). Tire Shop told me I'd have everything installed for about $1700.00. Seems like a fair package to me!
I'm going to hang tight for a bit. There's still about 5K miles left on the OEM tires, so there's no sense in buying new tire/wheels when there still some usable tread left. I figure I'll get these tires/wheels in mid-November.
Of course, I'll post pics when I do get them installed.
Later, Vince.