brad@tirerack.com

Several of you have speculated the differences between the new N-spec MPSC, primarily as introduced on the new GT3, and the "standard" one available in all sizes. I thought it may be some time to do a little digging.

In checking with our Michelin engineering contacts, they confirmed what we already knew, that OE tires are developed in conjunction with the vehicle manufacturer, and their exact design specifics are considered proprietary and confidential. Therefore, Michelin was unable to provide any details on the functional differences between the conventional Pilot Sport Cup and the N0 Porsche-OE derivative fitted to the new GT3.

Attached is a photo that illustrate some of the outward differences. I used the front 235/35R19 (97Y) which has both versions available.
MSPN 88851 235/35R19 (97Y) Conventional Pilot Sport Cup
MSPN 08291 235/35R19 (97Y) N0 Porsche-OE Pilot Sport Cup

Observations:
*The Porsche OE version has a narrow circumferential groove in the wide outside shoulder, where the conventional tire is solid (both have alternating oval openings).
*The circumferential grooves on the Porsche-OE version are much wider and the intermediate ribs much narrower than the conventional version.
*Not readily visible in these photos is the change to the inside shoulder. Where the notches are molded at partial depth on the conventional PSC, the Porsche-OE version has partial on the inside half, and is full-depth on the outside half of the tread block.
*Both versions are molded at 6/32" tread depth.
*All of these tread pattern changes indicate a move towards improved hydroplaning resistance with the Porsche-OE version versus the conventional tread pattern.
*The Porsche-OE version does not have a rim protector, while the conventional version does.
*The Porsche-OE version has one layer of Rayon for the body ply material, while the conventional tire has two layers.
*The Porsche-OE version is manufactured using Michelin's highly automated C3M manufacturing process, while the conventional version appears to be manufactured with standard hand-operated machinery.


As you can tell in the picture, the two tires look quite a bit different. The Porsche tire is on the right:

GT3 Nut

Thanks for the post

Bluehinder

What do these guys cost at GT3 sizes, N0 vs. regular cup?

va122

Will they be made in 18s for us 996 GT3 people?

eyue

How much difference in price and can anyone tell which one they are using while driving ? ( without told ) And I just had a new set on my 965 Turbo today, did not notice which one are they ?

eyue

Damon,
What should the pressure be for the MPSC at the track when cold or hot ? Does the tire needs more time to heat up than a normal street tire ? I am following the recommendation from owner's manual for the MPSC right now ! Should I lower them a bit ?

brad@tirerack.com

Check this out, hopefully it gives what you need:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=62

eyue

Thanks for the information !

MrBonus

Interesting read. Thank you.

rmag

Excellent post. Thanks Damon

DJF1

yeah great post... just to confirm the Porsche specific tread is only available in 19"?

Mad Manx

Useful information, thanks.

I can concur that the new 997GT3 MPSCs do indeed perform remarkably well in the cold and wet.

However, my concern is their short economic life. They start with 5mm tread and, for road use, replacement would need to be considered at 2mm.

Has anyone fitted an approved 'N-spec' road tyre on a 997GT3 (as an alternative to Cups/Corsas) ?

MJones

For road use I have a set of MPS2 that I use.
They are N spec and are OE on every P model including the CGT.

eyue

I've got 2 set of tires: MPS2 and MPSC ! I've tracked those MPS2 a few time and using daily, it's still running very smooth on and off the track. And the MPSC, I shall give them testing in 2 week ( track event in Sepang, Malaysia ) Can't wait for that !!!

brad@tirerack.com

Cups in 19", PS2 in 18 or 19"