Oops, I did't realize that wasn't in the column heading. You are correct and I've edited that post to reflect your observation.

 

Thanks for everyone's feedback! I got the PSS' mounted this past weekend, and immediately notice a much quieter and friendlier ride than the Pirelli's that came with the car...I haven't had a chance to really go after it handling wise, but from what I've seen so far, I'm extremely pleased. Oh, and the estimate to repair the wheel well damage and bumper (without replacing) is $2000. And, the insurance will pick up the cost of the blown tire. So, I'm out of pocket $1000 deductible minus $400 for the tire, mounted and balanced, for a $600 true cost to me.

 

I was just at the Detroit auto show and checked out the Michelin exhibit. They had PSS that were N rated and PS2 that had no N rating. I thought the PSS was not N rated.

 

By the way, brand new Pirellis would also be much quieter than worn out PSSs. This is the case with all ultra high performance summer tires.

 

There IS a big difference between Porsche N rated and NON-porsche N rated tires.

 

Please elaborate. I haven't been able to get that info yet.
I'll be getting new tires soon and am deciding between MPSS & MPS2s.

All things thus far point to MPSS as the superior tire. All except that they aren't "N" rated by Porsche.

So somebody, if you have definitive info as to why MPSS aren't better (for daily spirited driving and the occasional track day or three per year), please share.

Thanks!

 

According to some old threads here,the N rated tire may have a different rubber compound or be slightly different than the same tire with no N. Porsche has its own standards re long term high speed driving and other tire standards.
I was surprised to see an MPSS with a N on it and a MPS2 with no N last week at the Detroit auto show Michelin exhibit.

 

We learn at Porsche school that companies such as Michelin, Bridgestone, Yokohama, Goodyear, etc are outsourced by Porsche to specifically engineer their N-spec tires for optimal performance and function compared to the regular "off-the-rack" tire of the same exact model (such as a stiffer sidewall).

One of the accounts from our instructor was that a 997tt owner purchased a set of PSS's based on the "better facts" and noticed MUCH more road noise and a "loose" rear end feeling when taking hard corners (weaker sidewalls). Once he changed back to PS2's all of his complaints went away; even he was shocked.

Not saying everyone will experience these feelings, but just that this is the information I've been given.

The N-rated Michelin PS2 rear tire (295/35ZR20) for Panamera GTS and Turbos have been discontinued and now the PSS have taken over as the "N-rated" tire for Michelin summers.

 

Regarding the information you've provided about PSS Vs PS2's for the 997 (specifically for the case you've mentioned: a Turbo)..
Flee630: I appreciate the bit of information you've provided. Sincerely. I will take it into account when making my choice. Although some-what substantiated coming from a Porsche driving instructor; I just note that this info is after all, only directly an account from an individual's experience and Not from a Porsche rep/tech as I would have preferred. I will weigh this along with the wealth of other individual accounts (many of whom say they'd prefer the PSS) on relatively equal footing. So..

There it is. That said, I'm still leaning towards PSS. It's been recommended by many people I know that have experienced it first hand as a daily and on the track.

 

I am a Porsche dealer certified technician and the information I stated came from a certified Porsche Instructor at our school in Easton, PA. Don't know where you got a Porsche Driving instructor from

Cheers!

 

PS2's better tire hands down and quieter.

 

After weighing the facts, and experiences shared here and elsewhere:
- mps2 Are "N" spec, mpss are Not "N" spec
- mpss and mps2 are both very popular performance summer tires and have good reputation on track and for daily driving
- no definitive evidence, data presented (or that I could find) that shows one is superior to the other. Tirerack's survey marginally gives mpss the upper hand, but it's only a survey..and not tested objective data.
------------
Weighing the above, given my conservative preference to err on the side of caution, I've decided to go with mps2's .
Sure, PS2's cost a few hundred more, may last a few thousand miles less given tread rating difference; but I've trusted Porsche enough to buy the car; I have no reason to distrust them, particularly not on the guidelines they've provided for their tires.

The tires are on order, will be installed on Wednesday with full 4 wheel alignment if needed.

Thanks for everyone's help.