Review: Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires

[QuattroWerks]

After many happy miles (including track time) on my factory Dunlops, it was time for new tires given they were down to 3/32" tread depth. The initial reviews of the the PSS tires in the various U.S. car rags was very favorable and although having never driven on PS2s in the past, their performance was legendary so I figured their successor would be worth the $$.

After installation, I immediately noticed a measurable improvement in ride (I would estimate about 15%) with similar noise to the Dunlops. Now with about 1,000 miles under my belt, all I can say is WOW. Quite simply the best "summer tire" I have ever run on any car. Ever. The dry grip is utterly breathtaking and I can truly say I can't imagine finding the dry adhesion limit of these tires on the street. I have not been able to get the tail end out at all in the dry; not even a wiggle. Corners where I could get some tail movement while powering out past the apex is now much less dramatic - the car simply squats and goes. Turn-in is excellent as well.

As impressive as these tires are in the dry, the wet performance is head & shoulders above the factory Dunlops. Even with torrential rain, the grip is astounding and the car simply doesn't move around. The added safety margin is very welcome.

No track time yet but from what I've read, these tires should be close to a lower performing "R" compound tire in the dry so I'm anticipating they will vastly outperform the factory Dunlops.

Not cheap ($308/corner) but absolutely worth every penny IMHO!

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ot+Super+Sport

[TheChef]

Good info. I will be replacing my OE Pirellis in the next 5K or so...these are on my short list.

Another quick question. I am installing H&R Coilovers this weekend and I notice that you are running them also. Further we both have the typical 20mm Front and 25mm Rear Spacer Set Up...

That said...

1. Do you have any pictures of your car from a wheel gap stand point (I am assuming you eliminated it, but didnt slam the car)? An also, do you happen to know what this gap equated to in terms of inches or mm's dropped, or how many "turns" it was?

2. Did the springs settle if at all after the inital instal?

...I am looking to go down to a finger width on the front and rear and currently the car, as it sits stock, is 2" in the front and 1.5" in the rear of gap.

Thanks!

[achaar]

I agree. They came installed on my A5 when I bought it. I have used them on several previous cars and think they are worth the money.

A

Good info. I will be replacing my OE Pirellis in the next 5K or so...these are on my short list.

Another quick question. I am installing H&R Coilovers this weekend and I notice that you are running them also. Further we both have the typical 20mm Front and 25mm Rear Spacer Set Up...

That said...

1. Do you have any pictures of your car from a wheel gap stand point (I am assuming you eliminated it, but didnt slam the car)? An also, do you happen to know what this gap equated to in terms of inches or mm's dropped, or how many "turns" it was?

2. Did the springs settle if at all after the inital instal?

...I am looking to go down to a finger width on the front and rear and currently the car, as it sits stock, is 2" in the front and 1.5" in the rear of gap.

Thanks!

[QuattroWerks]

I agree. They came installed on my A5 when I bought it. I have used them on several previous cars and think they are worth the money.

A

Which tires are you referring to? The Super Sports were only released in the U.S. about 45 days ago IIRC...

[crisp74]

op, thanks for the review. can you please update this thread once you get some time on the track with these. will you be attending the hpde at nhms?

[TGreene09]

love my PS2's!! Best tire I've had!! I've had Dunlop, Pirelli, Goodyear and bridgestone. These new Michelins are great in handling and looks.

[teky929rr]

Always love Michelin both on my Cars and Motorcycles, but with the car willing to take a slight step back in performance for longevity, comfort, noise and cost. Since I have not track my car...yet =)

[Crucible35]

Switched from the GY LS2s to the Michelin Pilots and couldn't be happier......the ride is amazing. They are pricey....especially here in Canada, but worth it in my opinion.

[FastMoneyPlaya]

I actually think the factory Dunlops on my S5 are pretty decent. I'm sure your Pilots are great, too, but I wonder how much of your perceived improvement is due to the fact that you are comparing new tires to your most recent experience with 3/32" worth of tread on your Dunlops?

I always notice a huge improvement when I buy new tires, even when buying the same model.

[ExhaustNote]

Good info. I will be replacing my OE Pirellis in the next 5K or so...these are on my short list.

Another quick question. I am installing H&R Coilovers this weekend and I notice that you are running them also. Further we both have the typical 20mm Front and 25mm Rear Spacer Set Up...

That said...

1. Do you have any pictures of your car from a wheel gap stand point (I am assuming you eliminated it, but didnt slam the car)? An also, do you happen to know what this gap equated to in terms of inches or mm's dropped, or how many "turns" it was?

2. Did the springs settle if at all after the inital instal?

...I am looking to go down to a finger width on the front and rear and currently the car, as it sits stock, is 2" in the front and 1.5" in the rear of gap.

Thanks!

Careful how much you drop the car with 20/25mm spacers. I had a pretty aggressive drop before I bought my HRE's and rubbed a bit with those spacers. 15/20 would be a safer bet if doing an aggressive drop.

[QuattroWerks]

I actually think the factory Dunlops on my S5 are pretty decent. I'm sure your Pilots are great, too, but I wonder how much of your perceived improvement is due to the fact that you are comparing new tires to your most recent experience with 3/32" worth of tread on your Dunlops?

I always notice a huge improvement when I buy new tires, even when buying the same model.

Valid point but at 3/32, the Dunlops were still legal and performed very well at my last track event. In the rain, completely different story given 3/32 is not sufficient to be effective when compared to a new tire IMHO.

[achaar]

Sorry, I misread your post. My A5 came with PS2's.

Which tires are you referring to? The Super Sports were only released in the U.S. about 45 days ago IIRC...

[torsendiffsrock]

I actually think the factory Dunlops on my S5 are pretty decent. I'm sure your Pilots are great, too, but I wonder how much of your perceived improvement is due to the fact that you are comparing new tires to your most recent experience with 3/32" worth of tread on your Dunlops?

I always notice a huge improvement when I buy new tires, even when buying the same model.

ps2s are way better than the oem dunlops, I bet the new super sports are sweeeet.

[elf_cruiser]

Good post - did you get 255/35's or did you go wider? I just put some 275/30 yoke advan neova's all around - I'm definitely excited to see how they grip the track compared to the factory dunlops...

[ACowabunga]

I was worried about which Michelin tire I would have chosen to replace my Dunlops and now I feel confident that the PSS's are for me. What is especially nice is that they seem to be rated as well, if not slightly better, than the PS2's and they're slightly less expensive.