Porsche and Michelin Expand Track Day Performance with New Wet Tyre for 911 GT3 RS
In collaboration with Michelin, Porsche has introduced a new road-legal track tyre for the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS, designed to excel in wet circuit conditions. "Our performance-oriented customers are eager to extend their track time into the cooler months of spring and autumn," states Andreas Preuninger, Director of GT Vehicles at Porsche. This tyre significantly increases the GT3 RS's annual driving potential."
The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5, marked with the ‘N’ designation for Porsche-developed tyres, expands Michelin's range for the 911 GT3 RS to four different options. This tyre is not just a counterpart to the ultra-high-performance (UHP) Pilot Sport Cup 2 R but also creates a new tyre category, offering superior circuit performance under challenging wet conditions. It is also practical for everyday use in regions with cool, moist climates.
Since 2022, test drivers at Michelin’s Development Centre in Ladoux, France, including Porsche Brand Ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, have rigorously tested the Pilot Sport S 5. A primary focus has been enhancing the tyre’s resistance to aquaplaning. Featuring a unique tread pattern with four deep central grooves, the tyre efficiently displaces water, improving vehicle stability and increasing the aquaplaning threshold. "The tyre maintains consistent road contact, even at high speeds," notes Mathieu Greco, a Michelin tyre developer.
The rubber compound’s high silica content boosts wet-surface traction and accelerates tyre warming. Optimal for temperatures between five and 15 degrees Celsius, the Pilot Sport S 5 provides grip and precision that surpasses previous UHP tyres designed for warmer weather. "It warms up quickly, offering exceptional control and predictability in directional changes under wet, cool conditions," adds Bergmeister.
The tyre's structure and contact patch have been refined to enhance handling on both straights and curves, delivering confidence and increased safety during demanding drives. At Michelin’s ‘3bis’ circuit, the tyre enabled test drivers in a 911 GT3 RS to clock lap times over 10 seconds faster than with previous tyres.
The tyre has also been tested extensively under varying conditions, including dry weather and temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius at tracks like the Nürburgring and Portimão, proving its reliability. It’s balanced design ensures optimal performance in wet and dry conditions, catering to track day enthusiasts and everyday drivers.
The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 is now available for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in sizes 275/35 ZR 20 for the front and 335/30 ZR 21 for the rear. It is exclusively distributed by Manthey, a Porsche GT model specialist in Meuspath at the Nürburgring.
