Not sure if it's just the photo... But any chance they're wearing more on the outside edge of the tire than the inside edge? My Michelins were frightening too, with only about 30% tread remaining. Any signs of cracking/dry rot? Usually most visible on the far edge of the tread near the sidewall. Nice looking car by the way, and perhaps part of the problem is the extra 200 ponies I drove a couple of MR2s when I was looking at the crossfire, they inspire a lot of confidence in the turns, even if you get hamfisted with it. The XF took a bit longer for me to get comfortable.