Few tires are as exclusive as the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2. We are talking about the OEM tire of the Ferrari 458 Speciale, the Mercedes SLS AMG Coupe Black Series, and the Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid.
In this review, we will explore what makes this tire so special, especially for motorsports applications.
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TL;DR: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
Before starting the engine and tackling the track, let’s briefly go over the ins and outs of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
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PROS
- Build for the track
- Outstanding durability
- Amazing cornering stability
- Unmatched dry performance
CONS
- Expensive
- Inadvisable for use on wet roads
Best For:
High-end sports cars, super sports cars, and competition-level cars, which require a tire that allows the car to be pushed to its limits
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Performance Ratings
A crucial aspect when evaluating the reliability of tire ratings is the number of miles reported. However, when it comes to a segment as unique as the Streetable Track & Competition DOT, there are other factors that must be taken into account.
On the one hand, this is a very specialized segment created for very exclusive vehicles, super sports cars. On the other hand, all the tires in this segment have less than 1M of reported miles, so the variance of their ratings is very high.
That said, we have provided the following links for your convenience.
- Dry Performance
- Wet Performance
- Comfort Performance
- Treadwear Performance
- Warranty
- Specs & Options
- Reviews
Photo credit: michelinman.com
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Dry Performance
|
Dry Performance Ratings |
|
|---|---|
|
Dry Overall |
9.4 |
|
Cornering Stability |
9.4 |
|
Dry Traction |
9.5 |
|
Steering Response |
9.2 |
Given that the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is a competition-level tire designed for supercars, its impressive dry grip was to be expected. If you are looking for an ultra-high performance tire that takes your car to the next level, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is for you.
Photo credit: michelin.com
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Wet Performance
|
Wet Performance Ratings |
|
|---|---|
|
Wet Overall |
5.4 |
|
Hydroplaning Resistance |
5.0 |
|
Wet Traction |
5.8 |
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2’s performance in the wet is poor for a reason. Neither the tread design nor its compound is intended to cope with hydroplaning or provide adequate traction in the wet. Keep this in mind as Michelin does not officially recommend the use of the Pilot Sport Cup 2 in adverse weather conditions.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Comfort Performance
|
Comfort Performance Ratings |
|
|---|---|
|
Overall Comfort |
7.6 |
|
Ride Quality |
7.8 |
|
Noise |
7.3 |
This is a category that many drivers underestimate—big mistake. There is nothing more annoying than the constant hum of a tire at high speeds. In that sense, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 offers acceptable noise levels as well as one of the best overall comfort ratings in its segment.
Photo credit: michelinman.com
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Treadwear Performance
|
Treadwear Performance Ratings |
|
|---|---|
|
Treadwear |
6.5 |
Michelin’s Bi-Compound technology, along with the Pilot Sport Cup 2 twin steel belts reinforced by spirally wound Twaron cords make this tire the most durable in its class. In other words, the ruggedness of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 may give you a noticeable advantage both during your spirited driving runs and during your track days.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Warranty
Treadlife Warranty
None.
Uniformity Warranty
Complaints regarding these tires’ uniformity must be subscribed in the first year of use or the first 2/32″ of wear.
Workmanship / Materials Warranty
Michelin provides an amazing 6-year warranty against defects in workmanship or materials. Moreover, it also offers free tire replacement for the first year, 2/32″ wear, or 25% wear.
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Road Hazard Warranty
None.
Manufacturer Special Warranty
This tire comes with a special warranty consisting of 60-day satisfaction (in which you can exchange the tire for a BFGoodrich or Uniroyal equivalent), and a 3-year flat changing service.
Tire Rack Road Hazard Warranty
Sadly, none.
Although the Pilot Sport Cup 2 is a competition-level tire, it has the full support of Michelin to guarantee its uniformity and premium workmanship and materials.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Specs & Options
One might think that a tire as exclusive as the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 would not be available in many sizes. Fortunately, that is not the case. The Pilot Sport Cup 2 is available for wheels from 17 inches to 21 inches and in rim widths from 225 to 325.
Another aspect to highlight is the 180 AA A UTQG of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, a value in line with this type of tire. For more information about the UTQG, we suggest you read this article.
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 has astonishing market coverage, which is excellent news for all motorsports enthusiasts.
Photo credit: michelin.com
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Reviews
Almost all of the reviews from drivers who have used the fabulous Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 are extremely positive. This does not surprise us at all, as 2/3 of the drivers have used the tire in Track / Autocross driving conditions.
To put it in perspective, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 was literally created to be used by high-end sports cars on tracks. Therefore, it is normal for all these users to agree that it is an outstanding tire.
On the other hand, a minority of drivers have evaluated the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 in Highway/City driving conditions and confirm that it is a tire that does not offer much traction on wet pavement.
All in all, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is a specialized tire that provides unsurpassed performance on the track or dry roads.
Quick Recap
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|
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 |
|
|---|---|
|
Dry |
9.4 |
|
Wet |
5.4 |
|
Comfort |
7.6 |
|
Treadwear |
6.5 |
End of the Road
While the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is an unusual tire, so is the type of vehicle it is intended for. This is a tire specifically created for the demanding racetrack environment. If you drive a super sports car, a high-end sports car, or a vehicle destined for the track, then the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 will not disappoint.