i drove an SVT Contour with this tire. not the same size granted. but they gripped like no other. it was nice. do they do as well in the rain as they say i don't know. and i am also a fan of the original tread pattern
I have 285/40 17 KDW's and no complaints although they are a little pricey. No probems with grip in the rain especially with t/c. Mine are the orig. tread.
I had bfg's on my stock wheels then switched to toyo t1's when I got my 18's 285/40/18. loved the handling and gripped better than anything else I've ever driven on, but they wear out fast. I know have michelin sport pilots 295/35/18's and they ride great handle great ( not as good as the t1's) and wear pretty good too.