Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 Wet Weather Tire Extends Porsche’s Track-Day Season

Porsche and Michelin are back at it again, pushing the boundaries of performance with a new tire designed to take on the elements. If you’ve ever had to cut a track day short due to wet or chilly conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tire is about to change the game.

Developed specifically for the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS, this new tire extends the track season by delivering exceptional grip and handling in wet and cooler conditions.

Designed for Maximum Performance, Rain or Shine

Porsche is all about precision, and the only thing connecting their high-powered machines to the asphalt are the tires. That’s why Porsche works with top-tier tire manufacturers like Michelin to create rubber that delivers peak performance, no matter the conditions. With the Pilot Sport S 5, Porsche is offering GT3 RS owners an optional wet-weather tire that ensures maximum grip when the track is slick.

Andreas Preuninger, Director of GT Vehicles at Porsche, explains the motivation behind the new development: “We are responding to demand from our particularly performance-focused customers who have expressed a desire to spend more time on track during spring and fall. The new tires significantly increase the annual operating window of the 911 GT3 RS.”

That means more time on the track, more intense driving experiences, and fewer weather-related excuses.

How Does It Stack Up Against Other UHP Tires?

The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 isn’t just another high-performance tire; it’s been engineered to thrive in conditions that would normally keep your GT3 RS in the garage. Think of it as the wet-weather counterpart to the ultra-high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, which dominates in warm, dry conditions.

Porsche now offers four Michelin tire options for the GT3 RS lineup, including a winter tire. The Pilot Sport S 5 carries the exclusive ‘N’ marking, signifying it was developed specifically for Porsche vehicles.

Cutting-Edge Engineering for Serious Performance

Michelin didn’t just slap a new tread pattern on an old tire and call it a day. The Pilot Sport S 5 was developed from the ground up with extensive testing at the Michelin Development Center in Ladoux, France. Porsche Brand Ambassador and legendary factory driver Jörg Bergmeister played a key role in fine-tuning the tire’s wet handling capabilities.

So what makes it so special? Here’s a breakdown of the innovations behind it:

• Deep tread grooves: Four large central channels with a 7.4mm depth ensure superior water evacuation and hydroplane resistance.
• High silica compound: This improves grip on wet surfaces while helping the tire reach its optimal temperature faster.
• Expanded temperature range: Delivers peak performance in 40-60°F conditions, compared to other UHP tires that shine at 60-86°F.
• Better grip and precision: Offers confidence-inspiring feedback and control, even in challenging conditions.

“The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 gets up to temperature very quickly,” Bergmeister notes. “In wet conditions and low ambient temperatures, it offers outstanding levels of control and predictability when changing direction.”

Faster Lap Times in the Wet—Proven by Testing

Need hard numbers? Michelin test drivers put the Pilot Sport S 5 to work on a 1.7-mile wet test track at their development center. The results? Lap times were more than 10 seconds quicker compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 N0 tires. That’s the kind of difference that transforms how you attack a rainy day at the track.

Performance That Holds Up in the Dry

While this tire is optimized for wet conditions, don’t think it can’t hold its own in the dry. Porsche and Michelin took it to the Nürburgring and Portimão in dry conditions and temperatures above 68°F to ensure it still delivered exceptional performance, precision, and stability. The result? A tire that not only excels in the wet but also holds up under dry, warm conditions, making it a versatile option for both track day warriors and everyday drivers.

Oh, and it’s built to last. Thanks to its high wear resistance, you’ll be able to push the limits longer without sacrificing performance.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for GT3 RS Owners

If you’re serious about driving your 911 GT3 RS in all conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 is an essential upgrade. Whether you want to shave seconds off your lap time on a wet track or simply enjoy more days behind the wheel, this tire gives you the confidence to push harder, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

Porsche has given track-day enthusiasts one more reason to get excited. So what’s stopping you? Get ready to hit the track—and leave your weather-related excuses behind.