If you enjoy going fast, the Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS is the track car to own, and what use is the best track car without the best track tires?
Porsche offers six different tire options specifically homologated for the GT3 RS, and the wonderful people at Autobild have tested them all!
The tires on test are the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, brand new Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS, and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport RS - and the three more street-oriented options - the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, Pirelli P Zero Corsa, and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport R.
While the tires were tested in the wet, most of the scoring was based on the dry performance. The tires were tested on both a single lap of the long punishing Nardo test facility, and long six lap runs.
We're finally going to find out what the fastest tire in the world is, and the result might surprise you!
2 categories (5 tests)
| Test Category | Best Performer | Worst Performer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry (3 tests) | |||
| Dry Braking | ▲ Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport RS: 26.8 M | ▼ Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2: 30.9 M | 4.1 M (13.3%) |
| Dry Handling | ▲ Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS: 138.92 s | ▼ Pirelli P Zero Corsa: 142.12 s | 3.2 s (2.3%) |
| Dry Handling Long Run | ▲ Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS: 142.45 s | ▼ Pirelli P Zero Corsa: 147.55 s | 5.1 s (3.5%) |
| Wet (2 tests) | |||
| Wet Braking | ▲ Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport R: 28.2 M | ▼ Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2: 30.7 M | 2.5 M (8.1%) |
| Wet Handling | ▲ Pirelli P Zero Corsa: 84.4 Km/H | ▼ Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R: 78.9 Km/H | 5.5 Km/H (7.0%) |
Dry
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS, and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport RS all demonstrated exceptional dry braking performance, with stopping distances ranging from 26.8 to 27.2 meters (88 to 89 feet). The Pirelli Trofeo RS stood out in particular due to its consistency, as it was the only tire to consistently achieve sub-27-meter stops across multiple runs.
Among the more street-focused tires, the Pirelli P Zero Corsa impressed with a stopping distance of just 29.5 meters (97 feet), edging out the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport R, which required 30.9 meters (101 feet) and 30.5 meters (100 feet), respectively.
It's worth noting that the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 exhibited slightly more ABS intervention than the other tires, likely due to its compound prioritizing track longevity over outright grip. However, all six tires provided more than adequate dry braking performance for spirited road and track driving.
A single lap of dry handling is a high important test for these tires. In the track-focused group, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS emerged as the fastest option, setting a blistering lap time of 2:18.92. The Trofeo RS provided exceptional grip and a wide operating window, allowing the driver to push the limits with confidence. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport RS and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R followed closely, with lap times of 2:19.33 and 2:19.42, respectively. Both tires offered precise turn-in and good feedback, but the Cup 2 R struggled slightly with pickup during the second lap. All very close.
Among the street-oriented tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 set the benchmark with a lap time of 2:21.39. The Cup 2 provided a stable and predictable balance, with minimal understeer and good overall grip. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport R and Pirelli P Zero Corsa were close behind, posting times of 2:22.01 and 2:22.12, respectively.
While ultimate single-lap pace is undoubtedly important, consistent performance over multiple laps is arguably even more important for the use case of these tires.
The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS was once again the fastest, delivering remarkably consistent lap times throughout the six-lap run. The Trofeo RS maintained its performance within a narrow margin, with its fastest and slowest laps being separated by a mere 0.5 seconds. This consistency demonstrates the tires ability to withstand heat cycling and provide a stable platform for extended track sessions.
Among the street-oriented tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 put in a strong performance. Despite its focus on road use, the Cup 2's harder compound allowed it to maintain a competitive pace throughout the six laps, with a variance of just 0.6 seconds between its quickest and slowest times. This showcases the tire's impressive versatility, making it a strong choice for drivers who desire a blend of track performance and street comfort.
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport RS and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, while demonstrating blistering single-lap pace, struggled somewhat to maintain their performance over the course of the six-lap run. Both tires exhibited a more significant drop-off in lap times, with the Cup 2 R, in particular, struggling with excessive pickup as the laps progressed.
Wet
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport R demonstrated the best wet braking performance of the group. The Supersport R brought the GT3 RS to a halt in just 28.2 meters (92.5 feet), showcasing excellent water evacuation and a well-balanced compound that maintained grip even in challenging conditions.
The Pirelli P Zero Corsa and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS followed closely, with stopping distances of 28.7 meters (94.2 feet) and 29.4 meters (96.5 feet), respectively. These results highlight the impressive wet weather capabilities of Pirelli's tire lineup, particularly considering the track-focused nature of the Trofeo RS.
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R required slightly longer distances to come to a stop, at 30.7 meters (100.7 feet) and 29.8 meters (97.8 feet), respectively. This could be attributed to their compounds prioritizing dry grip and track longevity over outright wet performance.
It's worth noting that the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport RS was not tested in the wet braking evaluation due to the tire not arriving in time.
The Pirelli P Zero Corsa was the fastest around the wet handling lap, setting a lap time nearly three seconds quicker than its nearest competitor. The testers noted Corsa's ability to find grip was like a full racing wet tire, with precise turn-in, a stable rear end, and controllable oversteer. The Corsa also exhibited exceptional resistance to aquaplaning, maintaining a clear contact patch even at speeds up to 150 km/h (93 mph).
The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS, despite its track-focused design, also put in an impressive performance in the wet. The Trofeo RS delivered a confident and communicative driving experience, with predictable and easily controllable oversteer. Like the Corsa, the Trofeo RS demonstrated excellent aquaplaning resistance, with a breakaway speed of 135 km/h (84 mph).
Among the other tires tested, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport R delivered respectable performances, but struggled to match the outright pace and confidence inspired by the Pirelli offerings. The Cup 2 suffered from a lack of front-end grip, while the Supersport R exhibited a tendency to oversteer more abruptly than the Pirellis.
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, designed primarily for dry track use, struggled the most in wet conditions. The Cup 2 R had a lower aquaplaning threshold than its competitors, with a breakaway speed of just 120 km/h (75 mph). The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport RS was again not tested.
Results
1st: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS (N0) excels in dry conditions in every curve, tracking perfectly as if on rails. It offers two laps of peak performance in hot laps and significantly more manageable wet handling than the others. It is also the least expensive tire in the group. The tire and ABS unit don't work well together during wet braking. The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS (N0) was a standout performer in both dry and wet conditions, delivering a driving experience that left many testers in awe. In the dry, the Trofeo RS provided exceptional grip and a wide operating window, allowing drivers to push the limits with confidence. The tire's feedback was excellent, with precise turn-in and a stable rear end that made it easy to control oversteer. In the wet, the Trofeo RS continued to impress, offering a level of grip and control that belied its track-focused design. Drivers praised the tire's progressive breakaway characteristics and its ability to maintain performance over multiple laps. Overall, the Trofeo RS was a favorite among testers, delivering an engaging and confidence-inspiring driving experience in a wide range of conditions. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1st: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (N0) demonstrates convincingly sporty handling behavior and neutral balance. It offers very high endurance during long runs and good wet performance. It exhibits critical behavior during wet braking and has too much braking distance and ABS intervention on dry surfaces. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (N0) impressed drivers with its predictable and confidence-inspiring handling characteristics. The tire provided a neutral balance, allowing for precise turn-in and a stable rear end. Drivers praised the Cup 2's progressive breakaway characteristics, which made it easy to approach the limit without sudden surprises. The tire's compound, while focused on longevity, still delivered impressive levels of grip and a comfortable ride on the street. However, some drivers noted that the Cup 2 could be more prone to understeer than its competitors, particularly in wet conditions. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2nd: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R (N0) is extremely fast with extremely precise turn-in and good feedback on dry surfaces. It provides peak performance, but only for one lap, and has short braking distances. It is also the lightest tire. It is very susceptible to pick-up and only offers one lap of full peak performance. It is also the most expensive tire in the test. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R (N0) was a formidable contender in dry conditions, delivering blistering single-lap pace and precise handling. Drivers praised the Cup 2 R's immediate turn-in response and its ability to generate high levels of grip. The tire's feedback was excellent, allowing drivers to push the limits with confidence. However, some testers noted that the Cup 2 R could be more sensitive to surface imperfections and temperature changes than its competitors, requiring a more precise driving style to extract maximum performance. In wet conditions, the Cup 2 R struggled to match the grip and control of the Pirelli offerings, with a lower aquaplaning threshold and a more abrupt breakaway character. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2nd: Pirelli P Zero Corsa | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Pirelli P Zero Corsa (N0) is the absolute number one in wet handling, performing as well as normal summer tires. It provides good feedback on dry surfaces. It does not turn in quite as precisely as the competition in long runs and hot laps. The Pirelli P Zero Corsa (N0) was a revelation in wet handling, delivering performance that rivaled dedicated racing wet tires. Drivers were astounded by the Corsa's ability to find grip in even the most challenging conditions, with precise steering response and a planted rear end that inspired confidence. The tire's feedback was excellent, allowing drivers to easily modulate the throttle to control oversteer. While the Corsa's turn-in may not have been quite as razor-sharp as some of its competitors in dry conditions, its overall balance and progressive behavior made it a favorite among drivers who prioritized a communicative and engaging experience. Read Reviews Buy from £624.74 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3rd: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport RS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport RS (N0) has a wide limit range and good feedback on the first hot lap. It is as fast as the others. Due to its soft rubber compound, it picked up the most debris during the long run, then exhibited oversteer and understeer. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport RS (N0) proved to be a capable performer in dry conditions, delivering impressive single-lap pace and a wide operating window. Drivers praised the tire's grip and feedback, noting a slightly more forgiving nature compared to the Michelin Cup 2 R. The Supersport RS's balance was described as neutral, with a hint of understeer that could be easily managed with throttle inputs. However, some testers noted that the tire could be more susceptible to picking up debris on the track, which could affect performance over longer stints. While the Supersport RS was not extensively tested in wet conditions, its overall dry performance and user-friendly character made it a popular choice among drivers who prioritized a balance of speed and predictability. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3rd: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport R | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport R (N0) has the best wet braking performance of all six tires. It has slightly less responsive steering and is not quite as precise as the other two. Despite its good wet braking, it fails in wet handling, which can be really dangerous. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport R (N0) delivered a mixed bag of experiences for drivers. On one hand, the tire provided exceptional wet braking performance, offering the shortest stopping distances of any tire tested. However, this seemed to come at the expense of wet handling, where the Supersport R struggled to match the confidence and stability of its competitors. In dry conditions, drivers found the tire to be responsive and grippy, but noted a slightly less direct steering feel compared to the Michelin and Pirelli offerings. Overall, the Supersport R was praised for its braking performance, but left some drivers wanting more in terms of overall balance and handling finesse. Read Reviews Buy from £486.50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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