Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (PS4S)

Strengths

• Motorsports DNA: Developed with insight from Michelin’s extensive endurance racing heritage - Including Le Mans. This tire brings proven race technology to the street.
• Collaborative Development: Chosen by some of the most elite automakers—Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, and more—as factory equipment for their performance vehicles.
• Dual Compound Tread Technology:
• Outer Shoulder: Hybrid elastomers enhance dry grip for superior cornering stability and precision.
• Inner Tread: Silica-infused compound improves wet traction and braking performance.
• Variable Contact Patch 3.0: Optimizes the tire's footprint during cornering, maximizing grip through curves and turns.
• Hydroplaning Resistance: Four wide longitudinal grooves effectively channel water away helping loss of traction in wet conditions
• Ride Comfort: Provides excellent ride quality and low noise within its category, allowing the driver to enjoy the engine sound or have a conversation with passengers while comfortably navigating everyday rides.

Things to Consider

• Premium Pricing: Top tier performance positions it at the top price range in the Max Performance Summer category (UTQG 300).
• Track Limitations: Not suitable for sustained high-heat track sessions. Can overheat during intermediate to advanced-level driving on lapping days.
• Vehicle Compatibility: Best suited for super high-performance sports cars; for normal sports car owners, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 (AS4) may be a better option.
• Uneven Wear: Due to its asymmetric design and aggressive toe settings on certain performance vehicles may result in the inner tire tread to wear out faster than the outer tread, even with street-only driving. A less aggressive toe alignment is recommended for street use to improve tread life.

Grassroots Motorsports Review

If your daily driving often includes wet conditions, the Continental is the better option thanks to its superior hydroplaning resistance at higher speeds. However, if you primarily drive in dry conditions and only occasionally encounter rain, the new Michelin would be our top pick—especially if you're driving a modern, high-performance vehicle equipped with advanced stability and traction control systems.

Source: Tire Test: Continental vs. Michelin on a McLaren MP4-12C - Grassroots Motorsports