Porsche and Michelin have joined forces to develop a high-performance tyre designed specifically for wet and low-temperature track conditions. The new Michelin Pilot Sport S 5, engineered for the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS, offers an extended track-day season and superior grip in challenging conditions.
Porsche Track Wet Tyre Revolutionizes Performance
Porsche developed the Track Wet Tyre in association with Michelin, officially marked with its ‘N’ designation, as a road-legal tyre optimized for wet conditions. The collaboration between Porsche and Michelin ensures that the tyre meets the highest performance standards, delivering enhanced stability and safety.
Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Vehicles at Porsche, stated that Porsche developed the new tyre to meet growing demand from performance-focused customers seeking to maximize track time year-round. With this innovation, Porsche enthusiasts can enjoy improved handling, better lap times, and increased confidence even in unpredictable weather.
Advanced Features of the Porsche Track Wet Tyre
The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance performance on wet circuits. The tyre’s tread pattern features four deep central grooves, measuring 7.4 millimeters in depth, to efficiently expel water and reduce the risk of aquaplaning. Additionally, a high silica content in the rubber compound ensures superior grip on wet surfaces, allowing the tyre to reach its optimal temperature between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius.
Porsche Brand Ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, who played a key role in fine-tuning the tyre, highlights its exceptional control and predictability. These qualities make it a game-changer for track-day enthusiasts who face varying weather conditions.
Enhanced Safety and Faster Lap Times
To validate the tyre’s performance, Michelin test drivers completed extensive testing at the Michelin Development Centre in Ladoux, France. The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 delivered remarkable results—on a wet, 2.8-kilometer technical circuit, it cut lap times by over 10 seconds compared to previous Porsche-approved ultra-high-performance tires.
The Porsche Track Wet Tyre is not just for wet conditions. Tests at Nürburgring and Portimão confirmed its effectiveness in dry weather with temperatures exceeding 20 degrees Celsius. It stays precise, stable, and durable beyond its core range, making it versatile for track and daily driving.
Availability and Market Launch
Porsche has made the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 available exclusively for the 911 GT3 RS. The front axle tyre comes in 275/35 ZR 20, while the rear axle features 335/30 ZR 21. Distribution is handled by Manthey, a Porsche GT performance specialist based at the Nürburgring.
Thus, Porsche and Michelin extend their legacy of innovation, enhancing driver confidence and control in wet track conditions. The Porsche Track Wet Tyre is set to redefine the boundaries of performance in less-than-ideal weather.
