BFGoodrich is re-entering the ultra-high performance (UHP) summer tire space in 2025 with the launch of the g-Force Phenom T/A — and they're targeting a specific kind of driver. I had the chance to get some early seat time with the new tire at Sonoma Raceway during a BFGoodrich-hosted event, and while it wasn’t a full test, it offered a glimpse into what this new product is all about.

A Tire Built for Tuners and Enthusiasts

BFGoodrich is aiming the Phenom T/A squarely at the enthusiast and tuner market — think hot hatches, sporty coupes, and modified daily drivers. The tire has been designed to serve as a “bolt-on performance and aesthetic upgrade” for a wide range of vehicles like the Civic, Mustang, BRZ, Golf GTI, and 350Z.

They’re very clear about their target customer: urban and suburban drivers active in car culture, who care about how their car performs and how it looks. BFGoodrich wants the Phenom to stand out both in appearance and performance — delivering what they call “phenomenal performance, phenomenal looks, and phenomenal value.”

Solid Construction and Design Features

Even before driving on the tire, one thing was apparent: this is a solidly built tire. It passes what I like to call the “squeeze test” — stiff sidewalls and good structure, which typically translates into sharper response and better handling feel. That’s supported by tech features like:

• Dynamic Suspension System: Reinforced internal structure to maintain control and ride comfort.
• g-Control Sidewall Inserts: Designed to resist deflection for better cornering response.
• Dual-Zone Tread Design: A wet zone for water evacuation and a dry zone for maximum grip.
• UltiGrip Compound: A summer silica-infused rubber designed for improved wet and dry traction.
• Lateral Groove Dampers and Wide Vertical Rain Grooves: To reduce road noise and enhance wet performance.

Wet Grip: Backed by Data

One of the most impressive takeaways from the presentation was BFGoodrich’s confidence in the Phenom’s wet braking — an area mid-range UHP tires often struggle with. Internal testing on a Genesis G70 at 50 mph showed the Phenom outperforming key rivals in wet braking:

How It Drives (So Far)

At Sonoma, we had a brief opportunity to drive the Phenom T/A in both handling and drifting scenarios. While it wasn’t long enough for a full test, the tire felt predictable, progressive, and composed at the limit — it slid nicely and gave clear feedback, which are promising signs for both spirited street driving and autocross-type events.

It’s also worth noting: Sonoma is an incredible track, and now it’s on my bucket list for a full race weekend. But back to the tire...

Benchmarked Rivals and Pricing Strategy

BFGoodrich benchmarked the g-Force Phenom T/A against a selection of well-known mid-range summer UHP tires:

• Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601
• Falken Azenis FK510
• Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
• Toyo Proxes Sport
• Hankook Ventus V12 evo2

They’re not pitching this against premium rivals — and that’s intentional. The Phenom T/A is meant to offer “more for less”, combining performance, style, and value into one accessible package. According to BFG, the Phenom is expected to be priced slightly below its benchmarked rivals, which could make it a very compelling option for cost-conscious enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A has all the makings of a hit in the mid-tier UHP summer category. It’s got the construction, the brand pedigree, and — if the internal data holds up — the wet and dry performance to compete with the best in its segment.

As always, I’ll reserve final judgment until I can get a full set in for a comprehensive group test. But if you’re into tuning, spirited driving, or just want a better-looking, better-performing summer tire for your hot hatch or coupe, this is one to watch.

Let me know what you’d like to see tested, and if you have questions about how it compares to any specific tires — drop them in the comments.