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I learned that “N” stands for the German word “NORM” (standard, regulation, norm)<\/span>, indicating certification, but what does the number next to the N mean?<\/strong> Checking Porsche Japan\u2019s official \u201cPorsche N Mark\u201d<\/a> page, it says:<\/p>\n All tires available through Porsche authorized dealers and Porsche Service Advisors undergo rigorous testing and receive Porsche certification. This is identified by the N mark, abbreviated as N0, N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, and N6 in the tire\u2019s technical data. These abbreviations indicate the technical status at the time of certification, with the numbers increasing sequentially.<\/p>\n Hmm, I kind of get it, but not quite\u2026 (-_-)<\/p>\n After digging a bit more, I found out that the number next to the N indicates which generation of certification the tire series belongs to.<\/strong> The first certified tire is labeled “N0,” and whenever the tire model is updated and re-certified, the number increases to N1, N2, N3, and so on.<\/p>\n So, even tires of the same size and model can have different N numbers. For example, as shown in the image below, the same 19-inch Pirelli P-Zero tire comes in both N0 and N1 versions.<\/strong><\/p>\n In this case, a higher number like “N1” means the tire has been re-certified following a model update, so it\u2019s a higher-performance tire.<\/strong> Tire prices also tend to be slightly higher for the versions with bigger numbers.<\/p>\n I thought, \u201cIt must be really tough to keep being a Porsche certified tire every time the model changes.\u201d<\/strong> Then my husband found a special feature in the Porsche magazine \u201c911DAYS vol.68.\u201d<\/p>\n Interview with Yokohama Rubber: The Development of Porsche Approved Tires \u201cPart 1\u201d<\/strong> Oh\u2026 this sounds intriguing (\uffe3\u30fc\uffe3)!<\/p>\n So, I\u2019d like to share some of what was written there.<\/p>\n While Michelin is often associated with Porsche\u2019s standard tires, Yokohama Rubber has been supplying tires since the 964 Carrera era. Currently, Yokohama tires are still used on the 991 Carrera late model, 718 Boxster, and Cayman.<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s a well-known fact that Porsche is tough on tire manufacturers. The 911\u2019s rear-engine, rear-drive layout causes strong oversteer and understeer characteristics during driving.<\/strong> Yet, to pursue \u201cspeed\u201d and \u201csafety\u201d to the extreme, Porsche places very strict demands on tire makers.<\/p>\n So, what kind of performance does Porsche require from approved tires?<\/span><\/p>\n Porsche demands \u201cultimate safety.\u201d<\/strong> Tires must maintain consistent handling safety even when driven continuously at speeds between 250 km\/h and 300 km\/h. Specifically, they must show no performance degradation after two full laps (over 40 km) at full throttle on Germany\u2019s N\u00fcrburgring, or after 10 laps on Porsche\u2019s test track in Nardo, Italy, which is even more demanding than the N\u00fcrburgring.<\/strong><\/p>\n Moreover, during these runs, no matter how fast or under what conditions the steering wheel is turned, the front tires must follow precisely and the rear tires must not lose grip.<\/p>\n Among all requirements, the most critical is \u201chandling stability on dry roads.\u201d<\/strong> Wet performance and rolling resistance are only considered after the dry performance standards are met.<\/p>\n Surprisingly, Porsche does not include circuit lap times as a requirement for 911 tires (excluding GT models).<\/strong> While the 911 must be fast, safety is more important. Also, if a tire meets Porsche\u2019s handling stability standards, it naturally results in faster lap times.<\/p>\n The materials used in Porsche-approved tires differ from those in regular tires. While typical tires use polyester or nylon, Porsche-approved tires use heat-resistant rayon.<\/strong> Polyester and nylon are synthetic materials that eventually melt at high temperatures, but rayon is a natural fiber that withstands heat better.<\/p>\n In the case of the 911, the rear tires endure high power loads during high-speed and sporty driving, causing the tires to heat up easily. To maintain maximum handling stability, the material must be rayon.<\/strong> Although rayon is more expensive, it\u2019s necessary to enhance tire performance.<\/p>\n Wow, this is impressive. I always admire companies like Porsche and Yokohama Rubber for their craftsmanship. I tend to be a bit casual, so if something is 70-80% done, I\u2019d probably say, \u201cThat\u2019s good enough,\u201d but their relentless pursuit of perfection is truly admirable.<\/p>\n This issue of \u201c911DAYS\u201d also contains many other fascinating articles, so I look forward to reading it thoroughly when I find the time.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/\u30b9\u30af\u30ea\u30fc\u30f3\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8-2018-09-16-13.03.25-800x379.png\")
<\/p>\nAn Article from 911DAYS<\/h3>\n
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\nWe asked Yokohama Rubber, the official Porsche tire supplier, how Porsche-approved tires are developed. This is the first part.<\/p>\nWords from the Yokohama Rubber Representative<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nDry Handling Stability Is the Most Important<\/h3>\n
What Materials Are Used in the Tires?<\/h3>\n
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