GT3 Michelin Cup Sports v Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Choice ?

[343bhp]

can you spec for a new car the road tyres instead of the cup tyres for the new 997 GT3 RS ? any advice pl or is an after delivery extra cost to be charged by the OPC ?

thanks,

[flow99]

My OPC advised that GT3 would arrive with either the Pirelli Corsa's or Michelin Cup tyres, and had no choice in the tyre fitted. So any alterntive tyre would need to be fitted post delivery; I'm sure your OPC could arrange that for a suitable price.

[Geneve]

The GT3 and RS comes from the factory with 'sports' tyres - either Michelin Cups or Pirelli Corsas. Both are a new evolution specifically designed for the GT3 in road or track use.

I can only speak for the Cups, but they are brilliant and their wet performance is astonishing.

The drawback is their limited life. They start with about 5mm of tread and wear quite quickly (depending on use) - rears 3-5k, fronts much better. When they are down to 2mm they are going to be less effective in the wet. And they are quite expensive - around £300 each and not available through the discount outlets.

There are now 'approved' N-spec road tyres - probably the same ones fitted to the 997TT. These will doubtless be better in very wet conditions (standing water) and start with 8mm tread so will havea much longer life. They will, however, be less responsive than the 'Cups' or 'Corsas'.

I think many GT3 road drivers may go to the road tyres, particularly over winter, and it will be useful to hear their experiences. Little used or unused Cups will be sought after.