The Rise & Fall of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, once a beloved champion in the ultra-high-performance (UUHP) tire segment, has encountered some challenging times lately. Known for its exceptional performance and widespread acclaim, the tire that once reigned supreme is now facing stiff competition as other brands close the gap. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the glory days of the Pilot Sport 4S and examine the recent struggles it has encountered.
Table of Contents
Press Test Performance (2024-2018)
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has had a remarkable journey in the ultra-high-performance tire segment, with its press test performances reflecting both its dominance and recent challenges. There was a golden period in 2020-2021 when the Pilot Sport 4S consistently outperformed its competitors, securing first place in multiple tests, including the 2020 Auto Bild UHP 19 inch Tire Test, the 2020 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test, and the 2021 Tyre Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test, among others.
However, in recent years, the landscape has shifted. By 2022, the Pilot Sport 4S began to see stiffer competition, placing 2nd in the Tyre Reviews UUHP Summer Tire Test. The trend continued into 2023 and 2024, with the tire ranking 3rd in the 2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test and 2nd in the 2024 Auto Bild Sports Car Tire Test. Despite its continued relevance, these results indicate that competitors have made significant strides, challenging the once-unquestioned dominance of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
Dry Braking
Dry braking is a crucial performance indicator for UUHP tires, and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has shown varied results over the years. From 2018 to 2020, it consistently performed well, often leading tests with a positive edge in dry braking.
However, starting in 2021, a downward trend emerged, with occasional underperformance, such as a -1.1% edge in the 2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tire Test. By 2024, this trend continued, with a -2.1% edge in dry braking in the Auto Bild Sports Car Tire Test, indicating that competitors are catching up and challenging its previous dominance.
Wet Braking
Wet braking is another key performance indicator for UUHP tires, and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has experienced a more pronounced decline in this area over the years. Initially, from 2018 to 2020, the tire performed relatively well, with positive edges in several tests, such as a 7.9% edge in the 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tire Test and a 3.3% edge in the 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tire Test.
However, starting in 2021, the wet braking performance began to falter. The tire showed a -5.1% edge in both the 2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tire Test and the 2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test, marking a noticeable decline. This downward trend continued into 2022 and 2023, with the tire recording a -5.3% edge in the 2022 Tyre Reviews UUHP Summer Tire Test and a -2.9% edge in the 2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test. By 2024, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S had dropped further, with a -7.9% edge in the Auto Bild Sports Car Tire Test, indicating that its wet braking performance has been significantly outpaced by competitors.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S successor?
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, launched in 2017, set the benchmark for UUHP tires, dominating the market for several years. However, as time has passed, the field has caught up significantly, with several new tire launches challenging its supremacy. The Continental SportContact 7 (2022), Bridgestone Potenza Sport (2021), Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 (2022), and the recent Vredestein Ultrac Pro (2024) have all introduced advanced technologies and performance improvements that have eroded the Pilot Sport 4S’s lead in key performance areas like wet and dry braking.
Adding to the challenge, Michelin announced the Pilot Sport S5 as the successor to the 4S last year, but to much disappointment, it has been made available only in specific original equipment (OE) sizes. With no confirmed date for a broader replacement launch, many are left wondering when this long-awaited update will fully enter the market. As competitors continue to push the envelope with their latest releases, enthusiasts and industry experts alike are scratching their heads, questioning when Michelin will step up and deliver a successor that can reclaim its crown in the UUHP segment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, once the undisputed leader in the UUHP tire segment, is now being overtaken by competitors, with the Continental SportContact 7 seizing the crown. While the long-awaited Michelin Pilot Sport S5 has been introduced, its limited availability in specific OE sizes leaves the market still waiting for a full-fledged successor. As Continental takes over as the new benchmark, the question remains: will Michelin step up and deliver the next game-changer to reclaim its dominance in the UUHP landscape?