Michelin Pilot Super Sports (MPSS) are the best road tyre I have ever experienced with no reservations.
I've started this update to the MPSS review strongly because a couple of days away from the end of life of the first set on my RS3 they have been everything the Michelin marketing material promised. This is going to be a tyre bore post but I think that's ok because many other RS3 owners want to know where to spend their money when it comes to replacement tyres.
After about 8000 miles, including 300 on track (150 wet/150 dry), another 100 on a handling day dancing between the cones and plenty of spirited cross country cornering that I've posted about on here my front MPSS 235/35 tyres are ready for replacement.
Even Wear
But just take a look at how well they have held up:
The wear is as good as identical across the width of the tyre. At 235 width most tyres I've experienced wear either the edges (Conti 5p oh deary me) or the centre of the tyre because the tyre deforms and bulges in the middle at high speed. Michelins use of stronger binding for the centre of the tyre has worked it's magic here, demonstrated by the even wear rate. Even the track mighty Toyo R888 will destroy it's centre section in a few miles of high speed driving if the temperatures are not controlled.
Shoulder Wear
Even more impressive is the tyre edge or shoulder wear. The MPSS still retains the same pattern as when new and that is remarkable:
To have withstood the occasional trackside kerb, understeer push on through high speed corners and the occasional over excited entry to a tight roundabout is something I've seen no other tyre do. The outer edge tread blocks were falling apart on the Conti 5Ps at 3000 miles as a comparison. This isn't something that worries me and I ran my Conti's to 8K but I know others have been convinced by dealers to replace the front tyres at as little as 4k miles.
Inner Edge
The inner edge is equally in tact:
The inner edge of the tyre is equally intact. This isn't a great picture but it's one I wanted to show because I've lost count of the number of times I've seen tyres look perfect on the outer edge but be worn to the canvass on the inner edge. The MPSS again maintains an even wear pattern.
Longevity
I'm probably not the best person to ask about longevity but the MPSS lasted about 8000 miles on my RS3. The advantage over the Conti 5P is that performance remained strong to the end of the life of the tyre, the Conti was a real handful below 3mm.
Fuel Consumption
Unquestionably the MPSS being a grippier tyre dropped the RS3 average about 1.5 mpg on each tank of fuel (27.5mpg on Conti 5P vs 26 mpg on MPSS), a tiny price to pay for the far greater performance in my opinion. Interstingly since the APR Stage I map the fuel consumption average is up to almost 29mpg...
Wet Weather Performance
Although the MPSS has a lower rating than the Conti 5P I could tell no difference. I prefer the handling of the car on the MPSS, I feel much more aware of the limit of grip and able to react to it. Yes the car will move around a degree ot 2 more but ultimately it's the same secure grip and go feeling, just that bit more alive.
On track (dry)
The biggest compliment i can give the MPSS is that they almost have the drip of Toyo R888's on a dry track. Yet at the same time you can enjoy (eg overtake everything!) if it rains and drive home safely on wet roads which is not an experience I'd want to repeat on R888s. You need the youthful invincibility of youth to drive on R888s in the wet for too long.
Yes the MPSS howl and complain as they reach the limits of grip but somehow they continue to grip. When you do reach the edge of adhesion the slide is neutral, progressive and controllable. After 10 laps the performance remains consistent and for track days a 10 lap stint is enough because by then everything from the brakes and tyres to the engine are getting a little warm.
On track Wet
A heart in mouth moment as the front tyres slide wide through a 65mpg right hand corner is about as exciting as the MPSS ever got, because the brief slide through some deep water was followed by an immediate return to full grip. Wet weather on track makes these tyres come to life, get them warm and the grip levels are insane. There is nothing to match the RS3 in the wet (luckily no TTRS or other fast Audi's have been present!), ultimate peak speeds ar down by 10mpg but the lap integrity is maintained. By contrast anything front wheel drive is spinning it's power away. Most RWD cars sensibly stay in the pits, or prepare to pirouette. Seriously if you want some fun go to a wet track day with the RS3 you will get some open jawed amazement at the speed the car can carry in those conditions.
Should you buy some?
Unreservedly yes if you want the most mainly road and occasional track day fun, there is no better 'modification' for the RS3 at this price. If budget is more important and you want a similar road only improvement I trust evo magazines reviews of the Goodyear Eagle F1.
Conclusion
I'll end where I began -Michelin Pilot Super Sport the best all round tyre I've experienced with no reservations.