How does the industry define touring tires? We attempted to find out by asking tire manufacturers what they thought.

The results are in, and can be found in Modern Tire Dealer's recently published 2014 Performance Handbook.

For example, Maxwell Wee, director of sales for Sentury Tire Americas, says touring tires fill the gap between standard passenger and ultra-high performance tires.

Touring tires ride more comfortably than a UHP tire, but are generally wider -- with a lower profile -- than standard passenger tires. He says they also have higher speed ratings.

"We are seeing a trend of higher speed-rated touring tires at the OE level, but mostly V-rated for now. The only exceptions are the European car manufacturers, which are starting to introduce W-rated tires in their more premium offerings.

"The European car manufacturers market their cars to the public as having higher performance and comfort in equal measure. W-rated touring OE tires allow them to continue with the marketing."

To read about what other manufacturers have to say about touring tires, check out "Defining touring tires: Can they really do it all? Tire manufacturers seem to think so."