Porsche and Michelin have unveiled a new high-performance wet-weather tyre, the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5, designed to enhance circuit driving in wet and low-temperature conditions. This development is aimed at extending the track-day season for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Tailored for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS
The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 has been specifically engineered for the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It carries the ‘N’ marking, which signifies its approval for Porsche models. This tyre serves as a counterpart to the ultra-high-performance Pilot Sport Cup 2 R and establishes a new tyre segment for Porsche vehicles.
“We are responding to demand from our performance-focused customers who want to spend more time on track during spring and autumn,” said Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Vehicles at Porsche. “These new tyres significantly increase the annual usage period of the GT3 RS.”
Advanced Wet-Weather Performance
The new tyre is designed with advanced aquaplaning resistance, thanks to a tread pattern with four large central grooves and a 7.4 mm tread depth. This improves water expulsion and ensures stable contact with the road, even at high speeds.
Tested extensively since 2022, the tyre incorporates a high proportion of silica in its rubber compound, enhancing grip on wet surfaces and allowing it to reach optimal temperature quickly. The tyre excels in ambient temperatures between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius, offering superior handling compared to traditional ultra-high-performance tyres that perform best between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Faster Lap Times in Challenging Conditions
Michelin’s test drivers achieved lap times over 10 seconds faster on the 2.8-kilometre ‘3bis’ test track at Michelin’s Development Centre compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 N0 tyres. Porsche Brand Ambassador Jörg Bergmeister contributed to the fine-tuning of the tyre, highlighting its superior control and predictability in wet conditions.
Performance Beyond Wet Conditions
While the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 is optimized for wet circuits, extensive testing at the Nürburgring and Portimão confirmed that it also delivers high performance in dry conditions at temperatures exceeding 20 degrees Celsius. This versatility makes it suitable for both track day enthusiasts and daily drivers.
The tyre’s durable material composition ensures longevity while maintaining optimal handling characteristics. It meets all legal requirements for road use, including rolling resistance and noise levels.
Availability and Distribution
The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 is initially available for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in sizes 275/35 ZR 20 (front) and 335/30 ZR 21 (rear). The tyre will be distributed exclusively by Manthey, a performance specialist for Porsche GT models based at the Nürburgring.
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