The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 has just been replaced with the all new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect.
You'd be forgiven for thinking this was just an update to include the Michelin Track Connect tyre pressure monitoring system, however the differences between the two tyres run much deeper.
The Cup 2 Connect has a new construction and a new compound which bring both improvements in driving enjoyment and lap time when compared to the original Cup 2.
The full press release is below, and if you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments. And no, I don't know why this tyre wasn't called the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 3.
If travel restrictions lift, Tyre Reviews should be testing the new Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect before the summer is out.
Press Release
New MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 CONNECT
Faster, longer-lasting performance, 100% Connect Ready(1)
- Gain of 7.29 seconds after 10 laps (2)
- Designed for high performance and sports vehicles
- 41 sizes available for more than 180 vehicle models
- Connectable with MICHELIN Track Connect in all dimensions
- World premiere : the BMW M2 CS will be the first car fitted with MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 Connect tyres as original equipment
The new MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 CONNECT tyre has been designed with an integrated container intended to receive a sensor, which make it the first 100% Connect Ready tyre on the market. Users then just have to insert the MICHELIN Track Connect solution sensors in order to take advantage of the multiple functionalities of the solution and optimize their performance even more during track days. Dedicated to 80% on track and 20% on the road, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 CONNECT tyre remain versatile for an everyday use while offering high potential on track.
New architecture for more stability and more security
To combine both excellent feeling and high efficiency, the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 CONNECT tyre combines in its construction two polyester plies, two steel plies and a polyamide ply. It also benefits from several advanced technologies :
- Wavy Summit Architecture: waving of the summit plies by addition of rubber under the structural steel cable of the tyre, giving the advantage of reducing response time and increasing the feeling of sportiness behind the wheel.
- Dynamic Response Technology: high density aramid and nylon hybrid belt which promotes driving precision and tyre behavior under load. This belt, which is located just below the tread, is both very resistant and light. Thus, at equivalent weight, the associated nylon and aramid are five times more resistant than steel.
These technical improvements allow higher cornering speeds and excellent stability at high speeds. On the track, this also results into better lap times (2) and more safety on the circuit and on the road.
New tread for better control and longer life
- Bi Compound Technology: the asymmetrical and non-directional tread pattern of the MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 CONNECT tyre uses “Bi-Compound” technology with at the external side a specific elastomer whose rigidity is adapted to provide maximum grip on dry surfaces when cornering, and inside a more rigid elastomer which optimizes precision and control.
- High Molecular Chain: the MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 CONNECT tyre benefits from a new rubber compound with “functional elastomers”, allowing to obtain a more homogeneous material and better rolling resistance (energy efficiency), but also a stronger grip on wet ground thanks to a higher dosage of fine silica.
- Track Longevity Technology 2.0: reinforcements on external shoulder make the tyre more resistant to wear on track and make it possible to increase performance and maintain it lap after lap.
Multiplied benefits on track, even more with MICHELIN Track Connect
Thanks to these technologies, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 CONNECT tyre extend not only the driving experience from a subjective point of view (steering control and handling thanks to an optimized footprint) but also in an objective manner. It is indeed 7.29 seconds(2) faster after a serie of 10 laps than the previous MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 tyre. Using MICHELIN Track Connect solution allows - thanks to the optimal pressure recommendations delivered through the app - to drive even faster and consistently with a gain of 7.40 seconds (3) after a serie of 15 consecutive laps.
The BMW M2 CS will be the first car fitted with MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 Connect tyres (245/35 ZR19 (93Y) XL TL PILOT SPORT CUP 2 * DT1 MI for the front and 265/35 ZR19 (98Y) XL TL PILOT SPORT CUP 2 * DT1 MI for the rear), meaning that the MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 is the first connect ready(1) tyre homologated as original equipment.
Also available for replacement market in 41 dimensions (95% market coverage) on sizes from 17 to 21 inches, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 CONNECT tyre is compatible with the majority of sports cars on the market, from 200 to over 750 HP. It is aimed at beginners or experienced drivers, allowing them to increase their driving experience and improve their lap times on track.
(1) Connect Ready : the tyre has been designed with a specific container, the user has just to insert the sensors of the Michelin Track Connect solution to make the tyre connected.
(2) Internal study, Porsche 991 GT3 equipped with MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP 2 Connect size 245 / 35ZR20 and 305 / 30ZR20 on the Valencia circuit (07/2018) and Renault Megane 3 RS equipped with 235 / 35ZR19 Charade and Ladoux circuit N ° 3 (10/2018) after 10 towers, in comparison with previous generation MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2.
(3) Internal study certified by a bailiff, Porsche 991 (991) GT3 RS equipped with MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 CONNECT on 265 / 35ZR20 and 325 / 30ZR21 with MICHELIN Track Connect carried out at the Andalucia Spain circuit (11/2019) after 15 laps, vs previous generation MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2. Actual running conditions may vary.
For europe do we get the 240 treadwear tire or the 180 as a cup 2 connect? Thank you
Good question, I think that will have to be a question for Michelin though!
Why not Cup 3? Probably because for the time being the Cup 2 R is still the big dog above the Connect, and it would weird to put have a "Cup 3" that's worst than a "Cup 2".
Or maybe Michelin didn't feel it was a big enough step for the Cup 3 name. Or maybe tyre companies just like making our lives difficult (I'm looking at you Pirelli)
with this new updated tyre I believe that Michelin has successfully defeated all competitor brands for track day users.
this tyre effectively allows track day enthusiasts to monitor important parameters via app.
at the moment no other tyre company is offering the same functionalities therefore if the price gap is not too big I see no reason to opt for other brands.
I think Pirelli have a similar system on some of their tyres, but it doesn't seem to be quite as far along as the Michelin version :)
I am aware that we are moving towards winter tyre season however it would be really interesting if you could review the new Michelin pilot sport cup 2 connect with a focus on the app functions and the information feedback it delivers during driving
Thanks in advance
I was meant to have that done this year but I sadly ran out of time.
It's one for spring next year for sure!
this year covid really changed our lives
however thanks for the excellent job and the interesting reviews
It's been an interesting year that's for sure! There's some good winter testing coming up soon, and hopefully lots more next year if the world returns back to more normal
Old post I know. But I'd like your thoughts on SC2 vs SC2 Connect on an M3 E92. I currently running SC2 and aren't that impressed with the performance due to, what I suspect is, the weight of the car. In corners it feels like I have lateral movement that I didn't experienced with PSP for instance.
Do you think upgrading to SC2 would improve handling in that regard?
I don't know, I've yet to drive on them. Honestly, probably not as much as you want, the e92 is a heavy girl.
You mostly on track?
I use my car mostly as a daily (except during winter). The plan however is to do track days more frequently. Nürburgring was canceled last summer for obvious reason but I've signed up for a few track days this year back home.New suspensions with -3 camber is coming on next week :)
Apart from the 4S, which I assume is the obvious choice after SC2, what else would you recommend that can handle the weight? Is it PSS as I had before or...?
I liked the F1 SuperSports on my e92 over the 4S, however if you can find a set of Giti GTR3s they might give you the feel you're after. They're hard to find at the moment though.
I actually considered F1 last year thanks to your recommendations but could not find any in my dimensions. Now I'm going for 19" and my options are way better. I totally forgot about these. Thank you!
About Giti, I've read some conflicting reviews. In one brake test on standing water, the difference was full 5m. 87m from 80kph. Can't help but suspect that the tests were manipulated by Giti, providing you with specially treated tires. Like Nokia did with their winter tires. When one reviewer bought the same tires off the shelves they didn't performed nearly as well as the handed ones.
I think your channels is one of the most rewarding ones as it's both informative and entertaining about things I actually can benefit from AND you reply to comments!
Yes, I'm am a subscriber and I love your content. Keep it up!
Which test? I've not had the Giti in a group test, but as it's a track tyre it's going to be beaten by road tyres in the wet. For its class, it's very good. I'm confident I don't have "special" tyres :)
I was a test made by Swedish Auto Motor & Sport where they also tested other track tires like Micheline, Toyo and Goodyear. I was convinced that I've seen on YT you testing the same tires and that the results were similar except for Giti, but turned out it wasn't the exact same tires. Aslo, you drive on different track and with different car. My conclusion was based on incorrect information. I should have double-checked before I spoke. My bad!
You must mean this test?
https://www.tyrereviews.com...
I do need to test it against some more tyres, I hope to do it this year (covid allowing!)
"You'd be forgiven for thinking this was just an update to include the Michelin Track Connect tyre pressure monitoring system, however the differences between the two tyres run much deeper."
Well, I'm forgiven then :D