Michelin Pilot Super Sport Review

Are you a performance car enthusiast or someone who prioritizes top-notch handling and safety for your vehicle? This comprehensive review not only explores its features but also compares it with other leading tires in the category, guiding you to make an informed decision.

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a high-performance summer tire known for its exceptional handling, grip in both wet and dry conditions, and durability, designed primarily for sports vehicles. This earns it a highly recommended status from us.

In this article, you will discover detailed insights into the Michelin Pilot Super Sport’s performance, technology, design, and how it stands in comparison with its competitors in the max performance summer tire category. Additionally, it covers the differences between summer and all-season tires, helping you gauge whether this tire is the right fit for your driving needs.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport

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Key Performance Metrics

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DESCRIPTION & REVIEW

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a cutting-edge summer tire that excels in enhancing the performance of high-end sports vehicles. As a standout option in the max performance summer tire segment, it offers a unique combination of features and capabilities:

• Performance and Technology: The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is crafted with advanced technology derived from endurance racing expertise. This tire delivers superior handling and control at high speeds, ensuring remarkable dry and wet grip. Its specialized construction includes Bi-Compound Technology, which combines different rubber compounds on the left and right sides of the tread, offering enhanced dry grip at the outer edge and improved wet grip on the inside.
• Treadlife and Grip: The Pilot Super Sport is engineered to balance wear and grip effectively. Although it has a slightly shorter tread life than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, it still offers impressive durability without compromising performance. The tire’s Variable Contact Patch 2.0 technology, which changes the contact patch’s shape while cornering, helps distribute pressure and temperature more evenly, leading to better treadwear and grip.
• Design and Construction: This tire features an aesthetic design with a focus on performance. It includes a robust internal structure with twin steel belts reinforced by Twaron, a lightweight and high-strength material. This combination ensures stability at high speeds and responsive handling. The tire’s sidewall aesthetics are designed to complement the look of high-performance vehicles.
• Industry Recognition: The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is favored among several high-performance car manufacturers, indicating its high-quality design and performance. It is the original equipment tire for some of the world’s most prestigious sports cars, showcasing its reliability and top-tier performance.

Ideal for drivers of performance vehicles who demand exceptional handling and grip in both dry and wet conditions, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a tire that blends advanced technology, endurance-inspired construction, and a focus on long-lasting, reliable performance.

TREAD WEAR AND LONGEVITY

Enhanced Durability: The Michelin Pilot Super Sport stands as a benchmark in the max performance summer tire category for its impressive tread life. Although it has a slightly shorter tread life than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, it still offers remarkable durability. This longevity, combined with high-speed stability, marks it as a top choice for drivers valuing both performance and endurance.

WET WEATHER PERFORMANCE

Advanced Wet Traction: Scoring 8.9 in hydroplaning resistance and 8.8 in wet grip, the Pilot Super Sport demonstrates exceptional capabilities in wet conditions. Its design incorporates advanced tread compounds that ensure superior wet braking and hydroplaning resistance, providing drivers with confidence and control during rainy conditions.

DRY WEATHER PERFORMANCE

Superior Dry Handling: The Michelin Pilot Super Sport excels in dry weather, with scores of 9.5 in cornering, 9.6 in dry grip, and 9.4 in responsiveness. Its unique Bi-Compound Technology, which uses different rubber compounds on the left and right sides of the tread, enhances dry grip while ensuring excellent handling and stability.

WINTER WEATHER PERFORMANCE

Limited Winter Performance: As a summer tire, the Pilot Super Sport is not designed for winter conditions. Its capabilities in snow and ice are limited, emphasizing the need for specialized winter tires in colder climates.

RIDE COMFORT AND NOISE LEVEL

Comfort and Quietness: With a comfort level rated at 8.8 and road noise at 8.6, the Pilot Super Sport provides a balance between ride comfort and performance. While focused on high-performance, it maintains a relatively quiet and comfortable ride, making it suitable for both spirited driving and daily use.

PROS

• Excellent Wet and Dry Grip: Matches the top score in its category for wet grip (9.0) and has high ratings in dry grip (9.6), ensuring superior traction in various conditions.
• High-Performance Handling: With a cornering score of 9.5 and responsiveness of 9.4, it provides exceptional handling and stability, especially at high speeds.
• Durable Design: Boasts a well-balanced tread life, making it a reliable option for drivers seeking both performance and longevity.
• Advanced Technology: Incorporates Bi-Compound Technology, combining different rubber compounds for enhanced grip and control.
• Strong Industry Reputation: Highly regarded in the high-performance car industry, it’s the original equipment tire for several prestigious sports cars.

CONS

• Limited Winter Performance: As a summer tire, it offers reduced traction in winter conditions, necessitating a switch to winter tires in colder climates.
• Slightly Lower Comfort Level: Rated at 8.8 for comfort and 8.6 for road noise, it may not be as comfortable or quiet as some touring-oriented or all-season tires.
• Higher Cost: Reflects its high-performance capabilities in its price, which may be higher than standard or all-season tires.
• Trade-Off Between Performance and Everyday Usability: While it excels in high-performance scenarios, it might not provide the same level of all-around usability as some all-season tires.
• Targeted Audience: Primarily designed for sports vehicles and enthusiasts, it may not be the best choice for drivers with more general driving needs.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport Problems

When comparing the Michelin Pilot Super Sport to other top competitors in the max performance summer tire category, there are specific challenges to consider:

WINTER WEATHER PERFORMANCE

Like most summer tires, the Pilot Super Sport is not designed for cold, snowy, or icy conditions. Its specialized tread compound and design, optimized for warm weather, offer reduced traction in winter environments. This can be a significant limitation for drivers in areas with harsh winter weather.

TRADE-OFF BETWEEN PERFORMANCE AND EVERYDAY DRIVING

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is engineered for high performance, which might affect certain aspects of daily drivability. For instance, while it offers excellent handling and grip in warm conditions, it may not provide the same level of comfort and noise reduction as all-season or touring tires.

COST CONSIDERATIONS

Reflecting its high-end performance capabilities, the Pilot Super Sport may come with a higher price tag compared to standard tires. Drivers should weigh its performance advantages against their specific needs and budget. While it offers superior performance, the cost may be a consideration for those who do not frequently engage in high-performance or spirited driving.

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a top-tier tire designed for drivers who prioritize performance. It offers exceptional grip and precision in both wet and dry conditions, suitable for high-performance vehicles. Developed with inputs from sports car manufacturing, it provides a blend of race-inspired handling and street usability. Despite its focus on performance, the Pilot Super Sport maintains a level of practicality for everyday use, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking a balance between exhilarating driving experiences and daily driving needs.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport Alternatives

In the realm of max performance summer tires, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport stands as a prominent choice. However, there are several notable competitors in this category, each with their unique attributes:

CONTINENTAL EXTREMECONTACT SPORT

Overall Rating: 9.1 out of 10. Performance Highlights: This tire excels in both wet (8.8) and dry (9.4) conditions, demonstrating impressive hydroplaning resistance and excellent dry grip. It scores well in ride comfort (8.9), with a road noise rating of 8.8, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize a balance of high performance and comfort.

BRIDGESTONE POTENZA SPORT

Overall Rating: 8.9 out of 10. Performance Highlights: The Potenza Sport shows strong performance in wet (8.8) and dry (9.3) conditions, offering solid hydroplaning resistance and reliable dry traction. With a comfort rating of 8.6 and road noise at 8.3, it caters to drivers who seek a tire that delivers a harmonious blend of high-performance and comfort.

GOODYEAR EAGLE F1 ASYMMETRIC 3

Overall Rating: 8.6 out of 10. Performance Highlights: This tire is competent in wet (7.9) and dry (8.7) conditions, with decent hydroplaning resistance and dry grip. It also maintains a moderate level of comfort (8.7) and road noise (8.5), appealing to those looking for a performance tire suitable for everyday driving.

Each of these alternatives to the Michelin Pilot Super Sport provides distinct advantages, catering to varied preferences within the max performance summer tire segment. Their individual strengths in handling and comfort, combined with noise level considerations, position them as competitive options alongside the Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

Differences Between Summer and All-Season Tires

When considering tires like the Michelin Pilot Super Sport, it’s helpful to understand the key differences between summer and all-season tires:

• Summer Tires: Optimized for warm weather, summer tires like the Michelin Pilot Super Sport are designed with unique tread patterns and rubber compounds to maximize grip on both dry and wet roads during the warmer months. These tires are excellent for high-performance vehicles, providing superior handling and responsiveness in temperatures above 45°F (7°C). However, they are not suitable for cold weather, as they lose flexibility and traction in lower temperatures.
• All-Season Tires: All-season tires are built to offer consistent performance across various conditions, including light winter weather, rain, and dry conditions. They are a convenient choice for year-round use in areas with mild climate variations. Featuring a versatile tread pattern and rubber composition, they maintain adequate performance across a broader temperature range but do not offer the peak performance of summer tires in warm conditions or winter tires in cold, snowy environments.

TYPES OF SUMMER TIRES

• Extreme Performance Summer: These tires are focused on delivering the utmost grip and handling. They are best suited for driving enthusiasts and track use, offering peak responsiveness and traction.
• Max Performance Summer: Tires like the Michelin Pilot Super Sport fall into this category. They provide excellent grip and handling in warm weather, but with better comfort and tread life than extreme performance summer tires, making them ideal for both spirited driving and daily use.
• Ultra High Performance Summer: Targeted at sports cars, these tires offer a good mix of handling and wet road performance, emphasizing speed and agility.

TYPES OF ALL-SEASON TIRES

• Ultra High Performance All-Season: These tires are designed for sports cars and performance sedans, offering a balance between summer tire handling and the versatility of a winter tire.
• High Performance All-Season: With better handling and higher speed ratings than standard all-season tires, these are suitable for drivers seeking enhanced performance but also requiring year-round usability.
• Grand Touring All-Season Tires: These tires strike a balance between comfort, quiet ride, and performance handling, plus all-season versatility. They are ideal for drivers of mid-range to high-end sedans who value comfort and tread life alongside performance.
• Standard Touring All-Season Tires: Focusing on ride comfort, low noise, and longer tread life, these tires are well-suited for the everyday driving needs of family sedans and minivans, offering reliable traction across all seasons.

Resources

Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:

• Tire reviews and ratings – Tire Rack
• Summer tires vs all-season tires: Which are best for you? – Les Schwab

Final Thoughts

We’ve taken an in-depth look at the Michelin Pilot Super Sport, a tire that blends high-performance capabilities with everyday usability.

From its advanced Bi-Compound Technology ensuring superior grip to its striking balance between wet and dry performance, this tire is tailored for those who demand the best from their sports vehicles.

However, it’s also important to remember the trade-offs, such as limited winter performance and higher costs compared to standard tires.

Whether you’re a driving enthusiast or simply looking for a tire that brings out the best in your vehicle, understanding these aspects is key to making the right tire choice.

Good luck and happy motoring.