A new tire jointly developed by Porsche and Michelin for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the Michelin Pilot Sport S5 (PSS5), has arrived.

This tire is not just an upgrade. It is designed to significantly reduce lap times in wet conditions and allow for longer, safer circuit driving enjoyment.

10 Seconds Faster in Wet Conditions

The standout feature of the PSS5 is its incredible grip on wet surfaces and in low-temperature environments.

At Michelin’s development center, on the technical 2.8 km wet-surface “3bis” circuit, test drivers fitted the 911 GT3 RS with PSS5 tires and compared them to the previous Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 NO tires. They managed to cut lap times by more than 10 seconds. This level of improvement is akin to stepping into a whole new racing category.

Andreas Prenninger, who oversees Porsche’s GT models, said, “We received requests especially from performance-focused customers wanting to enjoy more circuit driving during spring and autumn. The new tire will significantly extend the annual usage period of the GT3 RS.”

Contribution from Jörg Bergmeister

The development of the PSS5 also involved Jörg Bergmeister. He fine-tuned the tire to raise the threshold at which it begins to lose contact with the road surface. This enhancement improves driving stability in wet conditions, allowing GT3 RS drivers to confidently extract maximum performance.

The PSS5 features increased tread depth, specially designed grooves, and a dedicated rubber and silica compound. These technologies help the tire warm up faster and maintain optimal performance for longer periods.

Currently Available Only Through Manthey

At present, the PSS5 is available exclusively for the GT3 RS and can be obtained through Manthey, renowned for Porsche tuning.

It’s expected that the tire will eventually be offered for other Porsche models and become available at general retailers. Many GT owners likely prefer a tire with high grip like the CUP2 but without the need for a dry-only tire.

For Porsche drivers, tires are not just consumables.

They are crucial components that maximize the potential of their beloved cars and deepen driving pleasure. The PSS5 could become a new, exciting option for 911 GT3 RS owners.