I was reading in a Porsche Magazine while having my new tires installed (Wed) that in 2009, the EU thought that tire noise was a 'hazard to health' and was going to mandate lower noise tires.
Michelin came out and said that, "yes they could make a quieter tire but they would be no good in the rain. He then pointed out that the noise a tire makes is due to the air being forced out from between the tread/sips while driving. He then said that's why slicks are so much more quieter than street tires...."
I don't know just how well these new tires are going to be since I only drove home on them but the ride felt 'firmer but not firmer'. It's really hard to describe. Tomorrow when I go to work, I will feel more. As for performance, that I cannot really tell anything about since I am driving on the street.
The do have a stiffer sidewall than the DW.