Porsche and Michelin have teamed up to create a game-changing tire that will extend the track-day season for drivers in cooler and wetter climates. The new Michelin Pilot Sport S 5, designed specifically for the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS, is a groundbreaking tire that significantly improves performance in wet and cooler conditions compared to other Ultra High Performance tires. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in tire technology, offering drivers an unprecedented level of grip and control in challenging weather.
Porsche has a long-standing tradition of partnering with select tire manufacturers to develop tires that are perfectly matched to their vehicles. This close collaboration ensures that every component, including the tires, is precisely tuned to maximize performance and driving enjoyment. The new Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 is a testament to this commitment, representing a significant leap forward in wet-weather tire technology. “We are responding to demand from our particularly performance-focused customers who have expressed a desire to spend more time on track during spring and fall,” says Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Vehicles. “The new tires significantly increase the annual operating window of the 911 GT3 RS.”
Bearing the coveted ‘N’ marking, which signifies tires specifically developed for Porsche models, the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 joins the ranks of other Porsche-approved tires for the 911 GT3 RS, including a winter tire option. This new tire fills a crucial gap, providing exceptional performance in wet and cooler conditions, much like the ultra-high-performance Pilot Sport Cup 2 R excels in dry, warm environments. It’s not just a track tire; the Pilot Sport S 5 is also suitable for everyday driving in regions with predominantly wet and cool weather.
The development of the Pilot Sport S 5, which began in 2022, involved extensive testing at Michelin’s Development Center in Ladoux, France. Porsche Brand Ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, a seasoned factory driver, played a key role in fine-tuning the tire’s performance. A primary focus of the development process was optimizing wet handling characteristics. The specially designed tread pattern features four large central grooves with a depth of 7.4 millimeters, enabling the tire to effectively evacuate water.
The high silica content in the rubber compound further enhances grip on wet surfaces and allows the tire to reach its optimal operating temperature more quickly. The Pilot Sport S 5 performs best in ambient temperatures between approximately 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In these conditions, it delivers a level of grip and precision that surpasses other Porsche-approved UHP tires designed for warmer temperatures (60 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). “The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 gets up to temperature very quickly,” says Bergmeister. “In wet conditions and low ambient temperatures, it offers outstanding levels of control and predictability when changing direction.”
The tire’s carcass material, geometry, and contact patch have been meticulously optimized for both cornering and straight-line driving. This results in improved communication of grip to the driver, inspiring confidence in demanding driving situations. The result is enhanced grip and faster lap times in wet conditions. On a wet, technically challenging 1.7-mile track at the Michelin Development Center, test drivers using the 911 GT3 RS achieved lap times more than 10 seconds faster with the Pilot Sport S 5 than with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 N0 tires.
While the Pilot Sport S 5 is designed for optimal performance in wet and cooler conditions, it also performs admirably in dry conditions. Extensive testing at the Nürburgring and Portimão in Portugal, in dry weather and temperatures above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, ensures that the tire offers excellent performance outside its core operating window. The tire’s tread design strikes a perfect balance between wet performance and dry handling, meeting the needs of both track day enthusiasts and everyday drivers. Another key benefit of the Pilot Sport S 5 is its high wear resistance, promising long-lasting performance.
The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 N0 will initially be available for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in sizes 275/35 ZR 20 (front) and 335/30 ZR 21 (rear). It will be sold exclusively through U.S. Porsche Centers as part of the Porsche tire support program. Exact availability and pricing details will be announced later.
Summary
- New Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tire developed for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
- Designed for optimal performance in wet and cooler conditions.
- Significantly improves grip and handling compared to other UHP tires.
- Suitable for both track days and everyday driving.
- Available exclusively through U.S. Porsche Centers.
Disclaimer: Tire specifications and availability are subject to change. Contact your local Porsche Center for the most up-to-date information.
Source: Porsche
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
