Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[gthal]

As many know, this is the replacement for the PS2 and will be hitting the market next month. I spoke to the largest Michelin dealer in the area that I know personally and was told that not only does the Super Sport outperform the PS2 in every way, it has a 30,000km (maybe 50k, I can't remember now) tread warranty (unusual in this category) and is CHEAPER than the PS2!! Sounds like a winning combo... this will be the tire I run on my new Morr VS8.2.

This will likely be a VERY good compromise for those wanting a relatively comfortable DD tire but with better track capabilities for HPDE's. Michelin told the dealer that the Super Sport will be in between the PS2 and Sport Cup on the track performance wise but over 50% more tread life. Not, that I get excited about tires normally but gotta say I'm pretty excited!

Here is a recent article I found... http://www.europeancarweb.com/tires/...ogy/index.html

MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport Technology

Six key areas in which the Michelin Pilot Super Sport outperforms its predecessor.

March 02, 2011

In-house tests performed at the Michelin Technology Center identified six key areas in which the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport outperforms its predecessor, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport PS2, which until now was the segment benchmark:

These spectacular advances ensure that the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport's outstanding safety performance meets the highest standards in the most demanding driving conditions.


With a design inspired by Michelin's racing tires, the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport integrates the most innovative technologies.

Ceinture Twaron® - A high-density fibre used in cutting-edge equipment for such sports as tennis, sailing and mountain biking - as well as in aeronautics, protective military gear and motorsports - Twaron® provides the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport with superior high-speed stability.

Thanks to its variable tension, the belt tightens the tread more than the shoulders. As a result, centrifugal force is more effectively overcome and pressure is more evenly distributed.

A key feature of Twaron® is its high grip-resistance. Strong and light at the same time, Twaron® is five times more resistant than steel at equivalent weight.

Bi-Compound tread - Originally developed for racing tires, this technological innovation uses different rubber compounds on the left and right sides of the tread.

On the outside, a unique, carbon black-reinforced elastomer (developed specifically for the 24 Hours of Le Mans) ensures exceptional endurance when corners are tight.


On the inside, a latest-generation, high-grip elastomer enables the tire (on wet surfaces) to break through the water's surface and adhere to even the slightest irregularity in the road.

Variable contact patch 2.0 - Thanks to the latest digital simulation software used in the aeronautics and automobile industries, pressure and consequently temperatures are spread evenly across the tire's contact patch. Although the patch's shape changes when cornering, the amount of rubber in contact with the road remains the same.

[bobbyd1961]

sounds great i need to get rear tires however on tire rack it seems the P2 prices rose since last december. what gives?

[808MGuy]

Unfortunately, the Super Sports aren't even available in M3 sizes no matter if you run 18, 19 or 20" wheels

[gthal]

Originally Posted by 808MGuy

Unfortunately, the Super Sports aren't even available in M3 sizes no matter if you run 18, 19 or 20" wheels

You can get both 245/35 and 255/35 fronts. For the rear, 275/35 but no 265/35 yet. It is so new, I expect they will expand what sizes are available.

On my OEM rims, I ran 245/35 (f) and 275/35 (r) for my last tires. I plan to run 255/35 (f) and 275/35 (r) on the new wheels coming.

So, although you are right on OEM sizes at present, they have lots of options that will work well on both OEM and after market rims.

[N8dawg]

according to Tirerack they are available in 245/40ZR18 and 265/40ZR18. Correct me if I'm wrong but those are stock 18 inch sizes.

[gthal]

Originally Posted by N8dawg

according to Tirerack they are available in 245/40ZR18 and 265/40ZR18. Correct me if I'm wrong but those are stock 18 inch sizes.

Correct... the only size they are missing is 265/35-19 but the 275/35 option works fine on OEM rims.

[Dntlvet]

Originally Posted by gthal

Correct... the only size they are missing is 265/35-19 but the 275/35 option works fine on OEM rims.

Tire sizes:Michelon Super Sport
265/30/19
295/30/19
Were on a Michelin site I was reading.
That should work

[alpina527]

We have the 265/35/19 in the UK, so it must be coming soon to the USA.

http://www.michelin.co.uk/tyres/mich...FW2282-o1-XL-1

[Locksmythe]

that is a ps2. there is no 265/35/19 at the moment

[Poleposition]

If only they made a 305/25/20

[alpina527]

Originally Posted by Locksmythe

that is a ps2. there is no 265/35/19 at the moment

Sorry, I don't know what happened there. It was originally for a PSS.

These are definitely being used in the UK in 265/35/19. I think there are a few in the US as well.

http://www.event-tyres.co.uk/yourorder.php

[SenorFunkyPants]

http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.p...&nichtweiter=1

£401!!! ouch.

[Space Ghost]

Fine print in the ads I've seen say 30k mileage expectations are for non staggered fitments. So I think we should expect half that. Does sound like a great tire though.

[FStop7]

They need to get more sizes out. No point in marketing this as the PS2 replacement if they're missing a bunch of OEM sizes.

[aus]

Roundel gave them a raving review last issue.

[STALKER]

I saw the their pricing today at my tire distributor and they are indeed cheaper then the PS2s. The rear 275/35/19 was $100 cheaper per tire.

[1cleanm6]

Dont expect mind blowing difference from ps2's. Seems like they put most of their energy in making the tire last longer.

[m3heaven]

The fact that it's cheaper and going to last longer with the possibility of it performing better?! I think that alone makes it a very very good upgrade from the PS2.

[Dntlvet]

Originally Posted by m3heaven

The fact that it's cheaper and going to last longer with the possibility of it performing better?! I think that alone makes it a very very good upgrade from the PS2.

And a $70 rebate this month

[ben@tirerack]

Initial testing on the PSS indicates that they should be a noticeable step up in performance. I'm more skeptical on the mileage claims. If someone is driving them the way the ask to be driven, 30K miles is a lot. Staggered fit will be warrantied 30K front 15K rear.

[Richbot]

That's kinda what I was expecting, will be cool to see you guys' test results! Did you buy some M3's to do the testing or still have the 328's? I highly recommend M3's for determining wear rate, they do a much better job of destroying tires

[ben@tirerack]

Haha, yes, definitely looking forward to testing. I'll make the pitch for the M3's to 'better test the wear characteristics.;