With the Continental Sport Contact 6 already launched, and the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 announced, 2016 is shaping up to be a really exciting year for performance tyres.
Next up, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4. Many people felt the Pilot Sport name lost its direction as the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 didn't replace the Pilot Sport 2, but the slightly more touring bias Pilot Exalto 2. The true replacement for the Pilot Sport 2 came in the shape of the well regarded Michelin Pilot Super Sport.
With the launch of the Pilot Sport 4, Michelin are aiming to get the Pilot Sport name back on track. The new tyre borrows lessons learnt from both the Pilot Super Sport, and Michelins involvement with the Formula E race series. This has resulted in a tyre which has a much more performance focus than the Pilot Sport 3, but still retails excellent tread life, a strong wet performance and the good levels of comfort we've come to expect from a premium tyre.
Launching initially in 17" and 18" at the start of 2016, with 19" due later in 2016 and early 2017, expect the new Michelin Pilot sport 4 to perform extremely well in the group tests this year.
As for the fate of the much loved Pilot Super Sport? This tyre will continue to sit above the Pilot Sport 4, catering to those of us who want an even higher level of performance in 19 inches and above.
Full Pilot Sport 4 Press Release
The new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 tyre, solving the pleasure and safety equation
For drivers of saloons and sports cars, for pleasure and thrill seekers, the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 is the ideal tyre for both pleasure and safety.
The technological innovations on the ultra-responsive tread of the new tyre come from Michelin’s experience in racing, including Formula E. It constantly adapts to the road, thanks to clever mastery of the dynamic interactions between the architecture, tread pattern, and materials, which results in optimal management of the contact patch.
The performance innovations on the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4:
Highly responsive precision driving: the new "Dynamic Response" technology consists of a belt with hybrid aramid and nylon reinforcement that ensures optimal directional control. With a high density, extremely tension resistant and particularly lightweight fibre (five times more durable than steel), centrifugal force at high speeds is perfectly controlled and the tyre contact patch remains constant, even at high speed.
Safety and braking on wet surfaces: high-level performance is achieved through a new very homogeneous tread compound mix including functional elastomers A functional elastomer is an elastomer which improves the distribution of the silica within the rubber mixture and reinforces its action. and fine silica. In addition wide, deep longitudinal grooves provide efficient water evacuation on wet roads. This new mixture also improves the tyre’s longevity and fuel efficiency.
Launch Sizes
SERIES 45
205/45 ZR 17 (88Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 149173 E A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
215/45 ZR 17 (91Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 795291 E A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
225/45 ZR 17 94W XL PILOT SPORT 4 727810 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
225/45 ZR 17 (94Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 478670 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
235/45 ZR 17 (97Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 710920 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
245/45 ZR 17 (99Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 518047 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
225/45 ZR 18 (95Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 413756 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
245/45 ZR 18 (100Y)* XL PILOT SPORT 4 773625 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
SERIES 40
245/40 ZR 17 (95Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 736885 E A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
215/40 ZR 18 (89Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 112030 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
225/40 ZR 18 92W XL PILOT SPORT 4 544969 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
225/40 ZR 18 (92Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 674619 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
235/40 ZR 18 (95Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 542695 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
245/40 ZR 18 (97Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 545550 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
255/40 ZR 18 (99Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 792796 C A b ≤ 71 dB Mid 2016
SERIES 35
255/35 ZR 18 (94Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 796573 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
265/35 ZR 18 (97Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 615912 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
275/35 ZR 18 (99Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 286893 C A b ≤ 71 dB January-16
255/35 ZR 19 (96Y) XL PILOT SPORT 4 133870 C A b ≤ 71 dB March-16
Notice 215/40 R17 is already available on Michelin's website. Does anyone know when the following sizes will be released?
205/40 R17
235/40 R17
There's no listed 205/40 or 235/40 for 2017. Hopefully it will appear in 2018!
Hi does anybody know if PS4 will be launched in 205/40/R17 like the PS3?
215/40 R17 and 205/50 R17 are both planned for 2017 (if not out already). There's currently no listed 205/40 R17 listed for 2017, but that doesn't mean it won't be made in the future.
Hi does anybody know the difference between PS4 with 88W compared to 88Y ?
how does the performance compare ? or thread life and comfort?
This is something no one outside of Michelin will know.
There's a chance the tyres are exactly the same, just printed differently for OE requirements.
How does the PS4 compare with the PSS ??
According to the article above, the PSS sits above the PS4, but in here http://www.tyrereviews.co.u..., It says that the PS4 is 99% better than PSS. It even says that the PS4 Outperforms the PSS.
Im confused whether i should get the Michelin PS4 or PSS :S
Please help !
Hi,
I have been testing MPS4 that replaced the MPSS I had previously. All I can say is that to me MPS4 is just like MPSS however adds more comfort; is incredible in the wet and steering is more communicative.
In real terms on the same roads I usually drive on, the breakdown in improvements over MPSS is as follows...all subjective and based on new tyres in both cases;
- Comfort is 50% improved over MPSS
- Wet tarmac handling; steering and braking 50% improvements over MPSS
- Dry tarmac handling; steering and braking 25% improvements over MPSS
- Road noise is 50% improvements over MPSS
Too early for wear feedback however I got 20k out of MPSS so if I get the same on MPS4 then am happy. Chatting online to Michelin UK today, what I was told was that MPS4 S improves in wet tarmac braking; dry tarmac braking; increased wear.
For me, I will not want to take these MPS4 off so will see them through to end of life then try MPS4 S then. Roll on Spring / Summer track days!
https://uploads.disquscdn.c...
Glad you're getting on with them, they're a great tyre.
Just to clear up one point, technically the PSS is being replaced by the PS4S. It's only a few of the smaller 18" sizes where the PS4 is the direct replacement for the PSS as the PS4S will be 19" and above.
In theory, the PS4S will make the already class leading PS4 even better for extreme applications!
Thanks for the response and I have read about MPS4 S replacing MPSS.
Noting how well MPS4 transforms the car over MPSS that I had prior - which btw I kept detailed records on -, am curious how much further MPS4 S could increase all areas for road use...I can only assume the main benefits may be realised on track...perhaps possibly be a target of MPSC2 owners...gain full
wet use for a smidge drop in outright track performance?
That may make sense if that were the case.
We will know much more in the next few weeks as the first drive is 18th Jan!
Essentially it should have higher dry and track performance, similar wet, but a much improved subjective feel and balance, possibly at the expensive of some comfort when directly compared to the PS4.
Am tuned in now...!
Direct comparison to the MPS4 you are running on the Skoda would be very useful for all of us to know...assuming the MPS4 S will be going on the Skoda.
Sadly not, the Skoda runs 18".
I plan to run them on the M3 as a direct comparison of the MPSS and Sport Contact 6.
Jonathan
Any updates on MPS4 S?
Literally just finished the launch. It's better in every measurable way over the PSS and an incredible tyre. Full write up and video in the next few weeks!
Thanks for the feedback.
I have been reading a bunch of reviews from the US however nothing that compares MPS4 to MPS4 S. Am tempted to upgrade the MPS4 however will wait a little bit longer.
I'll be surprised if anyone compares the PS4 and PS4S directly, there's very few crossover sizes, and if you have a crossover size the choice comes down to picking a little more comfort or a little more dynamics.
Hi, I have just spoken to Michelin via the online chat and they confirmed that new tyre sizes for the PS4 will be launched in March 2017, in particular 17 inch sizes such as 215/40/17
Hi Jamie,
We spoke a few weeks ago when you told me the new PS4 would be available for Porsche 718/981 in 19" & 20" (staggered fitment front/rear) from Jan 2017. Also, that the PS4S is only for the Panamera. Could you just confirm there will be an "N" (Porsche) marked PS4 in these sizes, what other Porsche models/sizes will be served by the PS4 and when, and also explain to others why the "S" model is only for the Panamera? Many thanks, David
Thanks Jamie, I really appreciate you replying on this.
You are right about it being a previous model (2011 Merc E Class E350). I will probably buy the standard PS4 as the reviews seem very positive and I'd like to try them. I do understand that Michelin won't homologate all tyre sizes but doesn't that mean Merc etc main dealers will choose not to offer the PS4 in that size and so the tyre manufacturers end up producing lots of older tread designs that are homologated rather than the latest and presumably better designs?
Perhaps that's just the way it is.... Thanks again anyway - saved me waiting a little longer for something that's unlikely to appear!
Hi
it's a difficult one to get a new tyre approved for a previous model, as often the approval/homologation process is based upon what tyres are on the market for the car during it's development phase. As I don't know what car you have, I can't be more specific
I've no information suggesting any MO fitments coming it those sizes for Pilot Sport 4, although we have both sizes in standard Pilot Sport 4's. We have approvals coming all the time on Pilot Sport 4 and with the new Pilot Sport 4 S with AMG but nothing in these sizes.
Any news on when / if Michelin will introduce M0 Mercedes homologation on the PS4? My specific interest is in sizes: 245/40R18Y and 265/35R18Y
Hi
Wondering if you can contact Michelin about PS4 to fit a 2015 Corvette Z06 (not Z07) in
P285/30 R19
P335/25 R20
I need a set in the spring (car getting parked for the winter) and I'd rather have new tires than the old ones that came on it. (Pilot Super Sport).....
Thanks
Mark
Hi Mark,
In those sizes you'll be looking at the Pilot Sport 4 S - http://www.tyrereviews.co.u...
We'll have a full list of sizes soon :)
Will Michelin be replacing the PS3 in 16" sizes anytime soon? My car has some old PE2s on and I was hoping the new PS4 would be out in my size in time to replace them.
Hi Karl,
As far as we're aware, the PS3 will continue to be the 16" sports tyre choice from Michelin.
They should just discontinued PS3 and let PS4 replace the whole range of PS3 including the 16" sizes.
They should introduce PE3 / PP3 as direct replacement for PS3 to serve the comfort-bias, 'sporty' touring market. That should solved all the confusions.
Michelin technical told me over the phone today that the PS4 will REPLACE the Super Sport altogether in all sizes. It also replaces the PS3.
There is a 20" coming soon with N0 rating which will fit my Cayman 981 (235 35 20 & 265 35 20) as well as being OE for the new 718 model.
They advised against fitting Super Sports as they are not N rated.
is that confirmed information?
As far as we are aware, it is not confirmed information.
The Pilot Super Sport will be replaced in 2017, but the replacement will be a new tyre, not simply a Pilot Sport 4 in a bigger size.
I phoned Michelin again and they revised this slightly by saying all OE manufacturer marked Super Sports will remain. Generic Super Sports will be discontinued. So in my case my Cayman 981 sized generic 20" tyres will be replaced by the PS4 once the 718 is launched into showrooms.
I spoke with Jamie McWhir on both occasions, manager UK technical services.
Thank for you the update David, it's really appreciated.
Can you explain the difference between 'OE Manufacturer' and 'generic' in this case? And how it applies to Porsche as an example?
Yes, e.g. 235 35 20 & 265 35 20 Super Sports for my 981 are not "N" marked (or AO; MO; * etc marked) and so they are "generic" and will be discontinued. Where a SS tyre IS currently homologated for a manufacturer, and marked with the manufacturer's code (e.g. N0, MO, AO, * etc) it will continue to be made. For more info, see: http://www.tyrereviews.co.u...
Thanks for the info. That's how I understood it.
All sizes are extra load. I've used PS3 without XL marking as my car doesn't need XL tires. Little concerned about comfort of XL tires comparing to regular tires. Any feedback will be appreciated.
Hi,
Chances are non XL tyres will be manufactured as the range increases.
Without testing between the non-XL and XL version of the tyres it is hard to say accurately, but usually the comfort penalty of an XL tyre is minimal.
During our first drive, we found the tyre to be quite a comfort improvement over a Continental Sport Contact 2.
http://www.tyrereviews.co.u...
How does this and the PS3 compare for ride comfort?
We've not yet had chance to try them back to back, but some in the review section has:
http://www.tyrereviews.co.u...
I've bought a set of PS4 and they are quite comfortable, better than the Nexen previously fitted. Excellent grip too. Excellent wet traction. All round an excellent tyre and I would recommend it.
Hello, what about the Series 50? On my BMW 130i I need 225/45 R17 in the rear, but 205/50 R17 in the front. I am using Michelin PS2 now - perfect tyre, so would be happy to upgrade to PS4 later on. Thank you for your answer.
Hi Tomas,
We asked Michelin the question, here's the reply:
Sadly it's one we won't cover initially, as we've been working on * fitment for BMW, primarily the Primacy 3, So no immediate plans for 205/50-17 in Pilot Sport 4.
Hello,
Thank you very much for your quick response.