A high performance, radial tire having a tread, the tread has an intermediate groove between first and second lateral edges, circumferential grooves between the first lateral edge and the intermediate groove, and a circumferential groove or grooves between the second lateral edge and the intermediate groove. Each groove has a first and second wall wherein the first wall of each groove is on the side of the groove nearest to the first lateral edge and the second wall being on the opposite side of the groove, the respective first and second groove walls having an angular orientation .theta..sub.1, .theta..sub.2 relative to a line perpendicular to a tangent to the tread surface curvature as approximately defined at the center of the groove wherein .theta..sub.1, is the angular orientation of the first wall and .theta..sub.2 is the angular orientation of the second wall, the angular orientation .theta..sub.1 is greater than the angular orientation .theta..sub.2 for each groove between the first lateral edge and the intermediate groove, the angular orientation .theta..sub.2 is equal to or greater than the angular orientation .theta. .sub.1 at the intermediate groove and at the circumferential groove or grooves between the second lateral edge and the intermediate groove, the angular orientation .theta..sub.1 of the first walls and the angular orientation .theta..sub.2 of the second walls of the circumferential grooves forming an included angle of less than 30.degree. as measured between intersecting lines tangent to and extending generally radially inwardly along the first and second groove walls.