I was fortunate to receive a second set of rims (since replaced with the RS4 replicas) with summer tires. So I run my Pirellis from early Dec to around May. Since I purchased both sets of tires at Discount Tire, I pull in there for 5k mile rotations and to change tires. It allows me to keep the replica rims looking really nice while I drive the winter on the OEM rims.

I was driving around Detroit this weekend after 6+ inches of snow and before the interstate and major roads were plowed. A6 had no problems, except in a few places where the snow was heavy between lanes...even with 3900 pounds of car it was still tricky changing lanes. But we still managed 35-45 mph in the unplowed areas.

Then I drove home across the state, and was able to maintain 50-55mph on packed powder. I prefer to drive on packed snow rather than in the ruts that get heated up and usually turn to ice. No problems whatsover other than having to pass lots of RWD cars doing 30+ and FWD cars doing 40-50.

 

The WR in 17" cost me $1100 (4 tires).
They are little noisier, trade that I willingly take. Now I can stop for no distance..
What is the Quattro for if winter tires are necessary?

 

I am not after extreme performance but want a good and quiet ride so my recommendation might not help, but I've been looking at some Toyo's. Good all-around performance and I can get them mounted, balanced and out-the-door for $665.

 

That is expensive depending upon which Toyo's you are looking at. I'd bet you could do the TRZs or Avids for just under $500 thru Tire Rack, Tire Fair, or Tire Warehouse.

 

Same brand and model tires should be specific for the region’s climate where they are sold in. Low temperature resistance (holding the softness of the compound) is one of the main attributes of tires. At -25C squeezing the rubber of the tires on the parked cars shows the differences.

 

Whoaaaaaa Squeezing rubber of the tires on parked carssounds a bit kinky!
Can a person get arrested for doing something like that?

Now that I think about it --It is safer than squeezing the rubber tires on a moving car!
I'll have to try it!

 

Bridgestone RE960 a great tire look at reviews for this check tirerack here is a link to Bridgestone page :
http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tires...productID=1112

for the winter Conti TS810 rated one of the best for the last 2-3 years in Germany link :
http://www.conti-online.com/generato...master_en.html

I have both and they are great!