The properties of a silica-filled passenger tire tread compound containing a high surface area, uniformly small pore diameter precipitated silica show the silica to be unique. A higher tan delta at 0 degrees C which predicts improved traction and a lower tan delta at 60 degrees C which predicts a lower rolling resistance, are obtained compared to use of another silica or carbon black. Based on published equations, the predicted cornering coefficient using this unique silica without a coupling agent is significantly higher than using N-110 carbon black or the conventional silica. The general advantages of using silica in a tire tread are retained: rolling resistance is reduced and ice traction is improved. Use of a silane coupling agent decreases minimum torque, cure time, elongation at break and cut-growth resistance, and increases compound hardness and 300% modulus, without affecting tan delta values. Predicted tire wet and ice traction values are generally reduced while predicting rolling resistance values are not significantly effected compared to the silica-filled compounds.