Michelin Pilot Super Sports on GS460 - Wow!
05-27-11, 12:52 PM
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Michelin Pilot Super Sports on GS460 - Wow!
I mounted a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports on my GS460 earlier this week and I have put about 600 miles on them. 245/40R18 Y rated XL load factor - same as the PS2s they replace.
I am coming from Michelin PS2s with 50-60% tread remaining, so I am comparing a set of just broken in new Michelin Pilot Super Sports against a set of Michelin PS2s in prime condition.
First of all in terms of overall style the PS2 and PSS feel similar, which is good because the PS2 was probably the most complete performance tire out there. That said the PSS is a significant upgrade.
1) Off the line dry grip really is like Sport Cups. With the PS2s, I could brake loose the rear end when pulling out of the garage into the street full throttle corner. With the PSS it simply won't happen. In fact I have tried full throttle cornering in several situations but I cannot get even the traction control light to blip. This will certainly improve 0-60 times.
2) Improvement in turn-in characteristics. The car feels sharper on turn-in. Remember both the PSS and PS2s being replaced are XL load factor, so that's not at play here. The car really feels much more responsive and precise on turn-in than the PS2s and it makes it feel more BMW like (because BMWs RFTs have similar characteristics).
3) Incredible grip in corners. I used to take one of the highway ramps at 75mph* (this is a 90 degree 40mph ramp) with the PS2s. The fastest I did that ramp was 80mph*, and while at 80mph you would only get a slight whine, the car did feel a little shaky because of the expansion joints. Yesterday I took this ramp at 85mph* and the Super Sports were silent and completely composed over the expansion joints relative to the PS2s. It wouldn't surprise me if I could take this corner at a 100 (although I'll save those antics for track). And then when I floored the throttle at the midpoint, it just accelerated without drama.
4) The biggest improvement is the wet grip. I always find the limit when driving the PS2s in the rain. With the PSS I could not find it. It almost felt like driving in the dry. There was incredible traction, no traction control lights even under full throttle. Not even a hint of aquaplaning. Remember this is Florida tropical rain I'm talking about. I can't wait for the hurricane season to really test these tires in the rain.
5) Improved ride comfort and noise. The ride comfort is significantly improved. It is almost as smooth as riding on Michelin Primacys. The noise is slightly reduced - but certainly quieter over concrete surfaces.
Unfortunately one of my tires is punctured already and had to be patched. I may just replace it to make sure the set is still Z-rated.
* This number is for dramatization purposes. In fact I was driving in accordance with speed limits at all times.
I am coming from Michelin PS2s with 50-60% tread remaining, so I am comparing a set of just broken in new Michelin Pilot Super Sports against a set of Michelin PS2s in prime condition.
First of all in terms of overall style the PS2 and PSS feel similar, which is good because the PS2 was probably the most complete performance tire out there. That said the PSS is a significant upgrade.
1) Off the line dry grip really is like Sport Cups. With the PS2s, I could brake loose the rear end when pulling out of the garage into the street full throttle corner. With the PSS it simply won't happen. In fact I have tried full throttle cornering in several situations but I cannot get even the traction control light to blip. This will certainly improve 0-60 times.
2) Improvement in turn-in characteristics. The car feels sharper on turn-in. Remember both the PSS and PS2s being replaced are XL load factor, so that's not at play here. The car really feels much more responsive and precise on turn-in than the PS2s and it makes it feel more BMW like (because BMWs RFTs have similar characteristics).
3) Incredible grip in corners. I used to take one of the highway ramps at 75mph* (this is a 90 degree 40mph ramp) with the PS2s. The fastest I did that ramp was 80mph*, and while at 80mph you would only get a slight whine, the car did feel a little shaky because of the expansion joints. Yesterday I took this ramp at 85mph* and the Super Sports were silent and completely composed over the expansion joints relative to the PS2s. It wouldn't surprise me if I could take this corner at a 100 (although I'll save those antics for track). And then when I floored the throttle at the midpoint, it just accelerated without drama.
4) The biggest improvement is the wet grip. I always find the limit when driving the PS2s in the rain. With the PSS I could not find it. It almost felt like driving in the dry. There was incredible traction, no traction control lights even under full throttle. Not even a hint of aquaplaning. Remember this is Florida tropical rain I'm talking about. I can't wait for the hurricane season to really test these tires in the rain.
5) Improved ride comfort and noise. The ride comfort is significantly improved. It is almost as smooth as riding on Michelin Primacys. The noise is slightly reduced - but certainly quieter over concrete surfaces.
Unfortunately one of my tires is punctured already and had to be patched. I may just replace it to make sure the set is still Z-rated.
* This number is for dramatization purposes. In fact I was driving in accordance with speed limits at all times.
05-28-11, 09:13 AM
#3
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
These tires are just out of this world!
100mph curves (on track of course!)
It haven't had such awe and incomprehension of grip since I drove a Lotus Espirit!
100mph curves (on track of course!)
It haven't had such awe and incomprehension of grip since I drove a Lotus Espirit!
05-31-11, 07:02 AM
#7
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
06-09-11, 01:24 PM
#12
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
This picture shows you what I mean.
06-10-11, 03:47 AM
#13
Here you go, pics of rear tires! Both tire brands same size... 275/30/19.
Notice the more vertical tire wall on the Yokohama than the Falken. Even the edge of my wheel lips stick out now compared to before.
Current Falken 456
Previous Yokohama S.Drive
Notice the more vertical tire wall on the Yokohama than the Falken. Even the edge of my wheel lips stick out now compared to before.
Current Falken 456
Previous Yokohama S.Drive
06-10-11, 04:52 AM
#14
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Yeah I don't like stretched. I like the approach of Michelin which makes the tire as wide as possible with a flat tread area to maximize contact.
I don't know if you saw the results of the most recent Tire Rack One Lap of America time trials, but the Michelin PSS shod cars blew everyone else away.
http://www.tirerack.com/features/mot...astresults.jsp
I don't know if you saw the results of the most recent Tire Rack One Lap of America time trials, but the Michelin PSS shod cars blew everyone else away.
http://www.tirerack.com/features/mot...astresults.jsp
