Michelin Pilot Sport S 5: the tyre developed specifically for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS on wet circuits

Óscar Sanz     13 February 2025     3 min.
Michelin Pilot Sport S 5: the tyre developed specifically for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS on wet circuits

10 seconds faster per lap in the wet! Porsche and Michelin launch the Pilot Sport S 5 so you can enjoy the performance of the 911 GT3 RS in any weather conditions

Porsche and Michelin have joined forces once again, bringing to the track a new high-performance tyre, the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5, created specifically for rainy conditions and low temperatures, designed for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS of the 992 generation, with testing carried out at the Nürburgring circuits (Germany) and Portimão (Portugal). This launch makes it possible to extend the track driving season, for those who want to enjoy their sports car even when the weather isn’t on their side.

At Porsche, they pay close attention to precise setup and the harmonisation of all components to ensure superior performance. Tyres, being the only point of contact with the asphalt, are a key factor in determining a vehicle’s performance. After several years of collaboration behind them, Porsche and Michelin have created a tyre that will undoubtedly be hailed as the best in the ultra-high performance (UHP) segment.

The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 is also approved for road use, but it also offers outstanding track performance, allowing drivers to make more use of the circuit during spring and autumn. This is confirmed by Andreas Preuninger, Director of GT Vehicles at Porsche:

“These tyres considerably extend the annual usage period of the GT3 RS”.

Four central channels and 7.4 mm of depth

The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 stands out for its focus on safety and performance on wet surfaces. Its design features four large central channels with a depth of 7.4 mm, optimised to improve vehicle stability and reduce the risk of aquaplaning. This innovative tread pattern allows a greater volume of water to be evacuated, ensuring grip and control even at high speed.

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In addition, the tyre is made from silica-enriched rubber to improve traction in wet conditions and provides rapid warm-up, to reach its optimal operating temperature in ambient conditions of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. This makes it an ideal choice for cold and rainy conditions, delivering precise control and better stability when changing direction.

The track results speak for themselves. On the “3bis” layout of 2.8 km at the Michelin Development Centre, the wet lap times of the 911 GT3 RS with the Pilot Sport S 5 were more than 10 seconds faster compared with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 N0.

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This improvement is attributed not only to the advanced tread design and the innovative compound, but also to the optimisation of the tyre carcass and an improved contact patch, which provide a more precise feel of the grip limit and greater confidence when driving in demanding situations.

Availability and exclusivity

The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 carries the “N” marking of Porsche, certifying that it has been specifically developed for its most powerful models. Initially, it will be available 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 exclusive to Manthey, the specialist in Porsche GT models based in Meuspath, Nürburgring.

Technical specifications of this car


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