[slotloco]

Yep, they sure are, as NF said.

I asked the NZ distributor to ask NSR for me, as our local guys have been unhappy with them, and I had used a set on a new GT3 and was struggling for usual grip levels.
NSR reply

regarding your request, I can tell you there is no substantial chemical difference.

 
It's just a new product ?
 
I wish you a nice day.
 
Paola De Rosa

But I suspect the words "no substantial chemical difference"  equate to Bill Clinton saying " I did not have sexual relations with that woman" 
Or the dentist "It won't hurt a bit"  - No, it will hurt a shed-load, like having your teeth polished with a chainsaw.

If anyone here has found a different method or procedure (think dark arts treatment - someone please pass me the methyl salicylate when they've finished their shoulders) which will bring them up to the grip level of the original tyres, I would like to know. Soon !
I have a few packs of Sideways Hi-grip soft wide left, which are similar at 18 shore, but they are just one size and profile. 
N22 are just a gnats whisker off the grip level, as are Hi grip medium.... and both only come in two width and diameter profiles.
And they are both deleted, so we have tyre-aggeddon approaching.