Looks like there is a $500 premium to pay for PS2 (N2) shoe set over four PSSs.
Excellence mag says N spec means tire developed with Porsche turbo. Includes wet/dry perf, sound, wear, dry grip, ride control, hydroplane resistance at high speed. Suspension tuned with N2 tires in mind, same with stability control. Says too, that electronic system makes decisions based on wheel speeds/tires.
Also, PS2's outer tread has black silica for dry and inner richer in silica for wet. No comparison with PSS.
Question: is set of PS (N2)s worth the $500 extra? Comments on 6speed earlier described PSSs as much quieter and somewhat better wet traction over their earlier PS(N2)s. There have been rumors that suspension issues etc, may not be factory warranty covered if N2s are missing, Any new updates on overall performance from those with earlier purchased PSSs?

 

Happy with the PSSs I put on last August. I don't have any comparison experience but I can say I just got new TPMS sensors under my CPO warranty and they didn't comment on the tires voiding my warranty. I don't see the need to spend the extra money when the PSSs are newer tech, better performing, and quieter.

 

Unless your car is pristine and covered under CPO for a long time, go for the PSS, it practically is and will be N certified. I have tried both and it's a huge step up.

 

I had both PS2 and PSS. Comparison is difficult because there was a gap in between my usage of the 2. But to best of my memory, all IMHO and anyone please correct me as needed:

1. Equal road noise, equal comfort between PS2 and PSS.
2. PSS has better dry traction per Michelin's claim (faster time at same track).
3. PSS does seem to last forever - very true to Michelin claim. Remarkable for such a high performance tire to have such long tread wear and I believe best in industry (tirerack has tread wear rating for comparison, where PSS is among highest for hi-perf tire IIRC). Mine has been on since 8/2011 I think - that's about 16,000 miles and it still has a lot of tread wear left. For comparison the PS2 rear was replaced at 12000 miles.
4. PSS is about 10% heavier than PS2. 2-3 lbs per wheel. Increased unsprung weight means worse steering, handling, braking, accel., etc. Particularly bad at outer part of wheel, as in the tire. How important is 10%? Up to drivers.
5. In US, it's unheard of to have problems with warranty claim from using non N Michelin tire. I could be wrong but I would be shocked if there is such a confirmed case, based on non N tire alone.
6. PS2 is being phased out. If you have a non-fixable flat, finding replacement in future could be difficult.
7. PSS also has claim of special construction between inside and outside part of wheel for wet + dry handling. I believe wet performance is either very similar or might even be better per Michelin claim.

I think that all things considered, PSS is actually the better choice for reasons above. Basic tire construction doesn't change but the compound used in the construction of the tire has changed/improved and PSS has the newer technology (twaron, etc.). The only negative is the increased weight - about 2-3 lbs per weight, a touch disappointing since this is unsprung weight is at outer part of wheel, where it would cause the most harm to handling, steering, etc.

 

I would add another negative. If you are leasing the car, you probably need to return it with Porsche spec tires or they will charge you. Perhaps someone has actual experience with this, as I'm speculating. That said, my car is CPO and I'm putting on PSSs. They are better in almost all respects and much cheaper. Basically, the downside is zero.

 

I have had both sets of tires and really like the PSS,s. Performance, value of there cost and all around great tire. My car is CPO and has been to dealer with nothing being said about N rated. Go with the PSS,s and put the saved $$ into another item for your car.