Michelin Unveils Pilot Sport S 5 Tires for Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Michelin introduces the Pilot Sport S 5 tire for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, improving wet-track performance with enhanced grip and stability. Find out how it impacts lap times and driving experience.

Track-day enthusiasts and high-performance driving fans have a reason to celebrate – Michelin has unveiled the new Pilot Sport S 5, a tire specially designed for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, promising exceptional wet-weather grip.

Development of this tire began in 2022, with extensive testing carried out at legendary circuits like the Nürburgring and Portimão. The results speak for themselves: on a 2.8 km wet track, lap times improved by over 10 seconds compared to the previous Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 N0.

The key innovation lies in the 7.4 mm deep tread pattern, featuring four large central grooves designed for rapid water evacuation. The addition of high-silica rubber compounds further enhances grip on wet surfaces while allowing the tire to reach optimal operating temperatures more quickly—a critical factor for performance driving in tricky conditions.

Michelin recommends using the Pilot Sport S 5 in ambient temperatures between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius, meaning that GT3 RS owners can confidently hit the track in cooler seasons without compromising performance.

The main advantage of this tire is its ability to unlock the full potential of the 911 GT3 RS even in damp conditions. However, one question remains: how will it hold up under aggressive use? Early tests indicate that the compound is engineered to withstand intense loads, but real-world feedback from drivers will be the ultimate test.

Key features of the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5:

• Designed for wet conditions – optimized tread pattern for superior water evacuation
• High-silica rubber compound – enhances grip and stability
• Tested on Nürburgring and Portimão – proven performance on world-class circuits
• Lap time improvement – over 10 seconds faster in wet conditions
• Best suited for cooler temperatures – recommended range of 5-15°C

Given that the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is one of the most sought-after track tires for supercars, the Pilot Sport S 5 could be a game-changing upgrade for those who refuse to let wet weather put their track days on hold. Now, it’s just a matter of seeing how it performs in real-world conditions.

Source: porsche.com