Michelin Pilot Super Sport Review — The Original Supercar Benchmark, Still Available in NZ
Overall Rating: 9.2 / 10
Category: Ultra High Performance Summer
Price in NZ: From $554 per tyre
Best for: Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche — OEM supercar replacement for pre-2020 vehicles
Available sizes: 18″ – 22″ rims
Quick Verdict
The Michelin Pilot Super Sport was the benchmark ultra high performance tyre for most of the 2010s. OEM on Ferrari 458, Ferrari F12, Lamborghini Gallardo LP570, McLaren 650S, and Porsche 991 GT3 among many others, the Pilot Super Sport established Michelin’s dominance in the supercar segment before the Pilot Sport 4S took over. It remains in production and available in NZ for owners of these iconic vehicles who need exact OEM-match replacement tyres to maintain factory handling calibration. At $554, it is more expensive than the newer Pilot Sport 4S ($524) — reflecting its premium OEM positioning rather than superior current performance.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Ultra High Performance Summer |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | A (highest) |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | D |
| Speed Ratings | Y (300 km/h), ZR |
| Available Rim Sizes | 18″, 19″, 20″, 21″, 22″ |
| NZ Price Range | $554 – $1,200+ (size dependent) |
| Key Technology | Dual compound tread (original generation), Twaron fibre construction |
| OEM | Ferrari 458, Ferrari F12, Lamborghini Gallardo LP570, McLaren 650S, Porsche 991 GT3 |
Performance Profile
The Pilot Super Sport uses Michelin’s original dual compound tread design — the technology that the Pilot Sport 4S later refined further:
Dry performance: Class-leading when launched (2011), still excellent. Sharp, communicative steering, high lateral G-force capability, and strong dry braking make it a genuine driver’s tyre.
Wet safety: EU Label A — Michelin’s original dual compound formula achieves top wet grip despite the extreme dry performance focus.
Tread life: Above average for a supercar tyre — the Twaron fibre belt construction contributes to Michelin’s characteristic compound longevity.
PSS vs Pilot Sport 4S — Which Should You Choose?
If your car originally came with Pilot Super Sports: maintain the PSS — the vehicle’s chassis is calibrated for this tyre’s specific characteristics. The 4S has slightly different handling feel.
If you’re choosing a new UHP tyre for your supercar and it doesn’t have PSS as OEM: choose the Pilot Sport 4S — it is the current product with improved compound technology and at a lower price ($524 vs $554).
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland: Excellent for OEM replacement. Ferrari 458 and McLaren 650S owners in Auckland running PSS tyres will find the compound handles Auckland’s rain confidently (A-rated wet grip) while delivering the dry performance these cars demand.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- OEM on Ferrari 458, Ferrari F12, McLaren 650S, Porsche 991 GT3 — exact factory calibration
- EU Label A wet grip — top safety rating
- Michelin dual compound heritage and Twaron construction
- Still available in NZ for older supercar OEM replacement
Cons
- More expensive than the superior Pilot Sport 4S ($554 vs $524)
- EU Label D fuel efficiency — high rolling resistance
- Summer compound only
Sources
- Michelin Pilot Super Sport specifications — michelin.com — accessed 2026-06-04
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/michelin/ — accessed 2026-06-04
Related Pages
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S — the recommended current generation
- Michelin Tyres NZ — brand overview