Wheels & Tires

Porsche and Michelin have introduced the Pilot Sport S 5, a new tire designed specifically for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS to improve performance in wet and cooler conditions. This tire expands the track-day season for owners in regions with less ideal weather, allowing for greater versatility.

The Pilot Sport S 5 is engineered to offer better grip and handling compared to other ultra-high-performance tires in wet conditions. It features a specially designed tread pattern, including large central grooves and a high silica rubber compound, which improves water evacuation and grip in cooler temperatures (40-60°F). This makes it ideal for spring and fall track days, providing enhanced precision and faster lap times, especially in wet weather.

The tire’s development involved extensive testing at Michelin’s Development Center, with input from Porsche Brand Ambassador Jörg Bergmeister. In tests, the Pilot Sport S 5 demonstrated lap times more than 10 seconds...

Conclusions:​

• For Best Lap Time (Dry Conditions):
  • Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is the top choice followed by the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport RS.
• For Control & Fun:
  • The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R.
• Wet Conditions:
  • Pirelli is the better choice however be aware of the rear-end aquaplaning.
• OE vs. Aftermarket:
  • OE tires (Michelin and Goodyear) are designed for predictability and safe handling, making them ideal for track-day enthusiasts who value stability. Aftermarket tires (Pirelli) provide higher performance in the wet, and provide consistent dry lap performance.

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Key Themes and...​

This is a must-watch video if you're trying to figure out the best tire for your next track day, based on your goals. The comparison covers dry lap times, with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 averaging 64.9 seconds and the Cup 2 R coming in at 64.0 seconds. Here's a breakdown of the lap times:



These times were recorded at the Michelin Tire Test Track in France, giving you an accurate representation of each tire’s performance in optimal conditions

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Key Takeaways​

• Porsche recommends replacing magnesium wheels on the 911 GT3 RS after 10 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Magnesium wheels, while lightweight and strong, are more prone to material degradation, particularly from corrosion and fatigue.
• This guideline is part of Porsche's effort to maintain the safety and performance of the vehicle, ensuring that the wheels remain structurally sound even after extended use.
• While these replacement intervals are recommended by Porsche, it’s important to verify the guidelines with an official source, like your Porsche dealership or service manual.

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Introduction: Magnesium Wheels on the Porsche GT3 RS​

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is renowned for its track-ready performance, cutting-edge engineering, and lightweight components. One of the...