FYI: Porsche’s collaboration with Michelin revives the Carrera GT’s performance with a new high-performance tire.
Porsche and Michelin Partner to Elevate the Carrera GT with Revolutionary Tires
Porsche is renowned for its dedication to excellence and innovation, and now it’s reaffirming this commitment by enhancing the driving experience of its iconic Carrera GT, over two decades post-launch. In an exciting development, Porsche has teamed up with tire giant Michelin to produce a new range of tires aimed at dramatically boosting the performance of these legendary supercars.
Continuing the Legacy
In an industry that often moves on from past models, Porsche’s initiative is both rare and commendable. The mission is straightforward: to cater to the needs of the illustrious Carrera GT owners worldwide. The collaboration has led to the creation of a new tire, the Pilot Sport Cup 2, specifically designed to replace the original Pilot Sport 2 that debuted with the car in 2003.
Expert Collaboration
Jörg Bergmeister, a seasoned Porsche factory racing driver, played a pivotal role in this project. His firsthand experience on the racetrack has been instrumental in developing these tires that promise better traction and performance, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Back in 2013, the Pilot Super Sport set the standard, but the new Pilot Sport Cup 2 aims to surpass this.
Engineering Triumph for a Select Few
The Carrera GT, a limited-production marvel with only 1,270 units ever made, has always captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts, including celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, and Ralph Lauren. Given that these cars have appreciated to seven-figure values, Porsche’s decision to invest in tire development highlights the brand’s commitment to maintaining its legacy and rewarding dedicated owners.
Performance Boost
While Porsche has been tight-lipped about specific improvements in handling and lap times, the braking enhancements are notable. Under testing, the Carrera GT equipped with the new tires stopped a significant eight feet shorter from 102 mph and an impressive 39 feet shorter from 194 mph. Such figures underscore the comprehensive performance uplift that the new tires provide, reinforcing the Carrera GT’s place as a driving purist’s dream.
Managing High-Octane Power
Powered by a F1-inspired V10 engine revving up to 8,400 rpm, the Carrera GT is a challenging vehicle that demands regulation without electronic aids beyond its anti-lock braking system. The addition of these new tires enhances driver control, offering a more forgiving driving experience that balances the car’s raw power with improved manageability.
A Glimpse into the Future
“The Carrera GT is truly a dream car,” said Jörg Bergmeister, who shared his excitement about the new tires, noting that their development for such an aged vehicle underscores its continuing importance to Porsche and its clientele. This innovation not only caters to a niche market but also demonstrates the relentless progression in tire technology, which feeds forward into mass-market applications.
Conclusion
Porsche’s commitment to excellence continues to shine as it collaborates with Michelin to ensure that the Carrera GT remains a high-performance marvel. By equipping this automotive legend with cutting-edge tires, Porsche not only enhances the driving experience but also solidifies its reputation for innovation and customer satisfaction.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
