Watch the engineering and science behind the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, explained:
A replacement for the popular Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires will arrive beginning in January. The new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S will be available in USA and Europe beginning January 2017 (for Europe) and March 2017 (for US) and will launch in 34 sizes for 19- and 20-inch wheels, which Michelin says covers 92% of the market. Michelins expects the PS4S tires will become "one of the most successful sports tires ever designed by Michelin for the general public."
Dry and Wet Braking
The PS4S' bi-compound technology benefits both the tire's wet and dry surface braking performance. The outer tread uses a new hybrid compound that promotes grip on dry surfaces while the inner part uses a new compound that contains silica and functional elastomers which allow the tire to offer consistent grip in the wet.
Tests performed by TÜV SÜD in June and July 2016 show the PS4S having a shorter stopping distance than five premium competitors (Bridgestone Potenza S001, Continental SportContact 6, Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, Pirelli PZero Nero GT) on both dry and wet surfaces.
Lap Time
The TÜV SÜD testers also found that the PS4S delivered the best lap time on a 2.6 km (1.6 mile) circuit, completing the course 0.40 seconds faster than the nearest competitor and 1.39 seconds quicker than the slowest – results that support Michelin's claim that its new tires offers "exceptional steering precision and directional stability," providing "maximum performance and safety on all surfaces."
Longevity
Longevity was evaluated by DEKRA Test Center, using 255/35-19 96Y XL PS4S tires. These tires were the only one to last longer than 50,000 kilometers (31,068 miles). The Michelin tires reportedly achieved a mileage of 52,032 kilometres (32,331 miles), a distance exceeding that of its nearest rival, the Pirelli PZero Nero GT, by 2,602 kilometers (1,616 miles).
According to Michelin, the Pilot Sport 4 S also "passes a new milestone in terms of reducing road noise, while providing good levels of driving comfort." Other bells and whistles include a velvet-like sidewall relief, like that seen on the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, as well as a wheel protecting design.
