Update: Find our review of the new Pilot Sport 4 S vs Pilot Super Sport on youtube here
Michelin have officially launched the replacement to the "internet's favourite tyre". The new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S betters the Michelin Pilot Super Sport in every measurable category, and looks to extend its dominance over its rivals in the maximum performance tyre sector.
As with the Pilot Super Sport, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is only available in larger sizes and aimed at high performance vehicles. At launch it is offered in 19" and above, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 covering the 16" to 18" fitment.
Launched at the Thermal Club in Palm Springs, Michelin gave Tyre Reviews an early opportunity to drive on the new tyre, covering road and track driving on various vehicles.
Development
The obvious question is why have Michelin chosen to replace the Pilot Super Sport when it's still widely regarded as class leading in the segment? Michelin have always been a company to push the boundaries of tyre technology, and the lessons Michelin have learnt in motorsport such as Le Man and Formula E where longevity, wet and dry grip are key, can be transferred to the new tyre without any compromising other aspects of the tyre.
During the development of the Pilot Sport 4 S Michelin looked to improve every area of the Pilot Super Sport, but specifically targeted dry laptime and dry and wet braking as the key areas to improve.
In order to improve the dry lap time Michelin used an updated hybrid nylon and aramid belt. This helps prevent the tyre deforming at high speed or load, meaning Michelin have more control over the contact patch on the road, and the driver's steering inputs are transmitted quickly through the tyre to the road without excessive tyre deformation.
To improve wet and dry braking, Michelin have updated their manufacturing process in order to lay two types of compound across the surface of the tyre to target both wet and dry grip, called "bi compound" technology. This technology is directly taken from competition tyres, and uses a new type of compound for the inner part of the tyre to improve wet grip.
Wear has never been a problem for Michelin, with the Pilot Super Sport being one of the best wearing tyres in the class, but Michelin have again improved the tread life by using a custom computer model to carefully control the high pressure part of the tyre surface in order to keep temperatures even, and wear low.
Other additions include a deep rim protector, and Michelin's patented velvet sidewall technology, to give the tyre a unique premium look
The Drive
During the time in Palm Springs, Tyre Reviews had the opportunity to test the new Pilot Sport 4 S during road driving on an Audi R8 V10+, Ferrari California T and a Mercedes C63 AMG S, and on the track using a BMW M4.
During each drive, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S proved to be an incredible tyre, providing endless grip whatever the surface, and each vehicle felt stable and balanced when pushed to, and past the limit.
In the next few weeks the Tyre Reviews BMW M3 will be fitted with a set of the new Pilot Sport 4S, allowing a direct comparison to the Continental Sport Contact 6 and the Pilot Super Sport on the road.
Last year our video test of the Pilot Super Sport VS Sport Contact 6 concluded that despite slightly lower wet grip levels, the Pilot Super Sport was still the tyre to have due to the balance and feedback it provided on the M3.
If all the data and experience from the launch event is correct, the Pilot Sport 4 S will be the new benchmark tyre for sports cars.
Do you know if they are going to be making a 225-40-18 in PS4’s as I really want a set of these. I don’t get why they would mis such a popular size.
They already make it in America, they just don't import it to the UK. No idea if / when that will change.
Was Tyre Reviews not at the Primacy 4 launch or was there not such an event?
There wasn't one, there was an event around the Primacy 4 but it was too limited to write up first hand impressions of the tyre
hello, I have just ordered 4 new summer tires for my Benz C350e. These are 19 inch tires, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
I read on the internet that you need MO for Merceds Benz.
Is that right or not necessary?
The MO version of the tyre will have been developed with your vehicle, but it is also fine, and sometimes even better, to fit a newer tyre.
thanks, so tires without MO can be good too?
Yes, the PS4S will be great on your car :)
nice to hear?, thanks again!
Let me know how you find them :)
Ok!
Hi, I have a Skoda Octavia VRS Diesel currently running 225/40/R18 Bridgestone Potenza S001
I've just purchase the Xtreme 19inch Alloys and wondering what would be the best set up for the new alloys - 225/35/r19 - 235/35/r19 - and what would be the best tyres for theses.
I can't comment on wheel and tyre size changes as it varies from vehicle to vehicle, best to check owners forums to see what others have done.
As for the tyres, the 4S is still the current market leader.
Hi, I have a Renault Megane 3 RS Trophy, I use my car all day and I can't descide if I should go with the Pilot Cup 2 or the Pilot Sport 4s (235-35-19). Since I live in Belgium there is quite a bit of rain and standing water, that keeps me doubting. For winter use I switch to winter tyres, so they wouldn't be used in winter or very cold conditions. What would be your recommendation for the summer, the Cup 2's or the P4S? ps: keep up the great reviews!
I feel like only you will be able to answer that based on your usage and weather patterns. What's the current tyre?
A Continental sportcontact 5p, the car came on those. But on my previous car I had the PS4, I liked those a lot more than the conti's. I would like a little more grip for the trackdays, but I do drive 80% of the time on the road. It depends on how managable the Cup 2's are in the wet with a +300hp fwd car
Have you watched this video?
https://www.youtube.com/wat...
Yes I did, you'd drive them all somer long, since you know when they switch on and how to manage them in the rain. The Megane is my first FWD car, I used to drive BMW's, and I find it harder to manage the loss of grip in the front, than in the rear. I'm not doubting the fact that I can drive them, it's just that I don't know if the gains in dry grip and precision are worth the losses in the wet. I suppose that you would just run them, like you say in the video, so maybe I should give it a go as well. Baring in mind that they need some heat and being careful when very wet.
Personally I'd run with the Cup 2s and be careful in the wet / standing water. I think you'll find them a nice step up on the PS4 in terms of feedback and enjoyment. Whatever you decide let me know how you get on.
Will do! Thank you very much for the help!!!
ps: Keep up the great reviews!
Would these be a good replacement on my Ford Edge? Conti Sport Contact 5 only gave 14k miles on the front!
Yeah, similar dry and wet performance but should offer better milage
Hi, fo r my Audi S5 V8 with 255/35R19 Dunlop SP Sport GT and I can't choose my next tires. Favorites are Michelin PS 4s , GoodYear AS3, conti 6, new Pirelli P Zero. I like hardness and sportiness of Dunlops, but they aren't good on wet, GoodYear are cheapest, Michelin most expensive (of course). the most driving is in the city, but GY AS3 are too comfortable amd some saz strange steering feel(I also have had GY AS2 years ago). Any help ?
The PS4S is the segment leader at the moment, the Conti is also very good but doesn't wear quite as well.
Hi! PS4 OR PS4S are better for a passenger car? Mostly for tours, not everyday city use.
They're very similar on the road, and usually you which one you fit is dictated by size availability
Hi - my car (Giulia Quadrifoglio) came with PZero Corsas. Are the Pilot Sport 4 S sensible replacement? How do they compare? Thanks
Yes, they'd be a good replacement. You'd find the Michelin likely to be better in the wet and more comfortable, with similar dry grip.
Similar dry grip to the Corsas? Great. Thanks for the quick reply!
I've not tested them back to back, but for what you'd notice on the road, yes. The Michelin's should warm up a little quicker too.
Thank you!!
ARGH!! They don't come in my size! 285/30/19.
I feel your pain, I had to go to a non-oe size to get a set on my M3!
Did you go up or down in tyre width?
I went up 10mm width each end, but it has left me with a little rubbing issue.
I would like to know how these tyres handle corners in the wet. The Pilot Sport 3 tyres handled moist conditions pretty well, certainly better than Pirelli, so how do these new 4 S tyres manage wet asphalt in the bends?
Extremely well, they're currently some of the best wet handling tyres on the market.
Does Jon still own/run this site who also post on Overclockers UK forum from time to time? If so please drop me an email as got a question to ask you about Michelin please. :)
Emailed :)
Wouldn't mind seeing a comparison of the 4s against the Michelin pilot super sport
We'll be swapping between the MPSS and the MP4S on the M3 over the next few weeks and working out what's best!
This wear result of 4S is just amazing, makes Conti looks like 2nd league!