Michelin Pilot Super Sport - Test Results

Test Statistics

12

Tests Completed

3rd

Average Position

1st

Best Result

6th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Michelin Pilot Super Sport - Official Image

Across 11 summer tests, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport consistently delivers top-tier dry performance with engaging handling and precision, averaging a strong 2.7 overall. It secured multiple wins and frequent podiums early in its lifecycle, and even in later comparisons remained competitive. The main trade-off is wet performance variability, where it occasionally trails newer rivals, especially in wet braking and standing-water conditions.

Performance Strengths
  • Dry Performance and Handling Strong
    • 1/7 overall with fastest dry lap in 2011 Sport Auto test ('razor sharp turn-in')
    • 1/4 overall in 2011 TireRack Max Performance Summer test
    • 1/2 overall in 2016 head-to-head vs Continental SC6, praised for feel/feedback
    • 2/9 overall with 1/9 dry handling in 2017 Motor Mag test
    • Dry braking 1/3 in 2020 OE vs Aftermarket test; Dry handling 2/3 (+3%)
  • Steering Precision and Driver Feedback Strong
    • 2011 Sport Auto: 'highest level of grip' and 'razor sharp turn in'
    • 2015 Auto Bild: 'outstanding turn-in and great feel'
    • 2016 H2H vs SC6: 'more feel and feedback through the Michelin'
  • Overall Competitiveness/Awards Strong
    • Average overall position 2.7 across 11 tests
    • Overall wins: 1/7 (2011 Sport Auto), 1/4 (2011 TireRack), 1/2 (2016 H2H)
    • Podiums: 2/7 (2014 Auto Review), 2/7 (2015 Auto Bild), 2/9 (2017 Motor Mag), 2/3 (2020 OE vs Aftermarket)
Performance Weaknesses
  • Wet Weather Performance Moderate
    • 2017 Motor Mag: Wet braking 5/9 (+5.3%)
    • 2016 EVO: Struggled with standing water; overall 6/9
    • 2020 OE vs Aftermarket: Wet braking 2/3 (+6%), Wet handling 2/3 (+1.9%)
    • 2016 AutoBild Sports Cars: Article notes SC6 better in wet and steering
  • Aging vs New Rivals Moderate
    • 2016 AutoBild Sports Cars: SC6 'better dry grip and steering feel' per article
    • 2012-2016 tests show mixed podiums with mid-pack results: 4/9 (2012 Sport Auto), 6/9 (2016 EVO), 3/6 (2016 AutoBild)
Performance Over Time

Test History

2
of 3
OE vs Aftermarket - Is the tire your vehicle came with always the best tire?

2020
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

Strong:
Subj. Comfort, Dry Braking, Dry Handling, Wet Braking, Wet Handling
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2
of 9
2017 Motor Mag UHP Tire Test

2017
Winner: Continental ContiSportContact 5 P

Strong:
Dry Braking, Dry Handling
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1
of 2
Michelin Pilot Super Sport VS Continental Sport Contact 6

2016

View Test
6
of 9
2016 EVO Summer Performance Tire Test

2016
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 6

The Michelin ruled the dry testing, both in outright performance and subjective steering feel, but it struggled in the wet running, one of the slowest on test. Excellent if you prioritise dry runni...
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3
of 6
2016 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test

2016
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 6

Good
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1
of 5
2015 Top 5 Summer Performance Tires

2015

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2
of 7
2015 Auto Bild Performance Tire Test

2015
Winner: Hankook Ventus S1 evo

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2
of 7
2014 Auto Review Max Performance Tire Test

2014
Winner: Continental ContiSportContact 5 P

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport has been created using technology from the 24 hour race at Le Mans, and you can tell on the track! It’s one of the best tires on the track and road in the dry,...
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4
of 9
2012 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test

2012
Winner: Pirelli P Zero

In the dry, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is the benchmark, characterised by a quick, very precise turn in and excellent lateral grip. Unsurprisingly for a dry optimised tire, the Super Sport o...
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1
of 4
2011 Tirerack Max Performance Summer Tire Test

2011

This is the new super star in the Max Performance Summer category
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1
of 7
2011 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer Tire Test

2011

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport left the most sporty impression, characterised by extremely precise steering and agile handling. Over 10 dry handling laps the Pilot Super Sport shows no degradation ...
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6
of 9
2011 Autoreview Max Performance Summer Tire Test

2011
Winner: Continental ContiSportContact 5 P

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a good example of how it's extremely difficult to achieve excellent in all areas. Michelin have prioritised dry grip and steering feedback with the Pilot Super Spo...
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