Track driving enthusiasts know that driving on wet asphalt is a challenge for both the vehicle and the driver. Grip is drastically reduced, braking requires greater distance and the risk of aquaplaning is a constant. With this in mind, Porsche and Michelin have developed the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 NO, a tire created specifically to optimize the performance under these conditions.
The new tire, approved for road use, has been designed with owners of a Porsche RS 911 GT3 who want to take advantage of their vehicle on the track for longer, even during times of the year with Adverse conditions. Thanks to its composition and design, this tire offers a Superior grip on wet and cold surfaces, providing greater security and stability.
A design optimized for competition
El Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 NO is the result of joint work between Porsche and Michelin. The German brand relies on the precision of their tires, since They are the only point of contact between the car and the asphalt.. For this reason, for decades he has been working on developing solutions offer for its most sporty and demanding models.
The tire is certified "N", a seal reserved exclusively for those developed in collaboration with Porsche. It thus joins the range of options for the 911 GT3 RS, complementing the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R in the segment of ultra high performance (UHP).
Wet efficiency and reduced risk of aquaplaning
One of the great advances of the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 NO is its ability to evacuate large amounts of water efficiently. For this purpose, a tread pattern has been designed with four large central grooves with a depth of 7,4 mm, which improves vehicle stability in wet conditions and reduces the threshold at which aquaplaning can occur.
In addition, the composition of the tire incorporates a high content of silica in rubber compound, which not only improves wet grip, but also allows the tyre to reach its operating temperature more quickly. This is especially relevant in ambient temperatures between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius.
Track testing and optimized performance
Development Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 NO has involved an extensive testing programme since 2022 in the Michelin Development Centre in Ladoux, France. During these tests, the Porsche driver and ambassador Jörg Bergmeister He was actively involved in the development of the tyre.
One of the highlights of these tests was the comparison of times on the track. On the demanding track “3bis” 2,8 kilometers long, the tests showed that the model reduced lap times in the wet by more than 10 seconds compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 N0.
Balanced performance even on dry roads
Although the main focus has been to improve the performance In the wet, Porsche and Michelin have carried out multiple tests to check their behaviour in dry conditionsIconic circuits such as Nürburgring in Germany and Portimão in Portugal were the scenarios chosen to evaluate their performance in temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius.
The results showed that this tire maintains high levels of grip and control, proving that it is not only ideal for cold and humid climates, but also offers safety and precision in warmer environments. In addition, it has a high wear resistance, a key aspect when it comes to tires high performance.
Availability and exclusivity
El Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 NO will be available exclusively for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in the following sizes:
- 275 / 35 ZR 20 for the front axle.
- 335 / 30 ZR 21 for the rear axle.
Its distribution will be carried out through Manthey, a company specializing in Porsche GT models based in Meuspath, NürburgringThanks to this collaboration, track driving enthusiasts will be able to get the most out of their Porsche at any time of year, without worrying about the weather conditions.