New Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tyres Elevate Porsche Carrera GT's Performance
In close collaboration with its longstanding partner Michelin, Porsche has unveiled a new tyre specifically for the Carrera GT. This super sports car, produced between 2003 and 2006 with 1,270 units, now achieves greater precision and predictability when pushed to the limit. This improvement boosts the car’s performance and significantly increases safety.
Nearly two decades after the Carrera GT ceased production, Porsche and Michelin are introducing these ultra-high-performance tyres. Leveraging cutting-edge tyre technology, the new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres feature optimised rubber compounds and structure, enhancing performance in wet and dry conditions. Porsche development driver and brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, who has extensively tested these tyres, remarked, "The Carrera GT is an absolute dream car, and these new tyres elevate this legend's performance to unprecedented levels."
Originally debuting in 2003, the Porsche Carrera GT was among the fastest production cars of its time; its racing-bred naturally aspirated V10 engine, adapted from Porsche's Le Man’s prototypes with an increased displacement from 5.5 to 5.7 litres., delivered 450 kW (612 PS) and weighed just 1,380 kg, TheCarrera GT boasts 590 Nm of torque and a top speed of 330 km/h, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
Since its launch, the Carrera GT has been equipped with bespoke Michelin tyres, starting with the Pilot Sport PS2. This was followed by the introduction of Pilot Super Sport tyres in 2013, and now the new Pilot Sport Cup 2 with the N-marking, exclusive to Porsche, featuring the initial N0 designation.
Jörg Bergmeister said, “Developing tyres for a 20-year-old car is extraordinary. It underscores the enduring significance of the Carrera GT and its owners to Porsche.” The development of the new tyres aimed to refine further the super sports car's driving dynamics and safety on wet and dry roads, utilising bi-compound technology. Michelin's development engineer, Mathieu Greco, explained, “We use silicic acid for enhanced wet grip on the inner shoulder and inner tread block, while the outer shoulder and tread block use a compound optimised for dry conditions, incorporating carbon black.”
Extensive testing, including sessions at the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife, has optimised the contact patch of the tyres, improving driving dynamics and handling. Bergmeister noted the improved tyre feedback at high limits, enhancing the distinct sensation of grip loss, significantly contributing to faster lap times and easier high-speed handling.
Moreover, the new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres enable the Carrera GT to achieve shorter braking distances, stopping 2.5 metres sooner from 100 km/h and 12 metres earlier from 200 km/h, emphasising the performance and performance safety advantages.
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres for the Carrera GT are available for order through Porsche Classic Partners or any Porsche Centre. This demonstrates the fruitful collaboration between Michelin, Porsche Classic, and the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach.
