Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Review

Sporting an asymmetrical tread pattern, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is a high performer when installed in sports cars but also suffices for use in passenger cars. The tires additionally excel in rolling resistance are low in noise and offer the best dry performance.

Most motorists believe that driving a car is all about mastering its mechanical aspects, but what they don’t know is that driving a car involves controlling it anonymously in various critical weather conditions and in the process also enjoying handling it. The above cannot be achieved without the incorporation of high performance tires.

If you are into car racing and are at crossroads of which tires to use in the upcoming race, we have a reliable suggestion, the Michelin Pilot Sport cup 2. The tires are known to be high in grip especially when new, not very famous when it comes to wet braking, and an excellent performer in dry handling.

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Breakdown and Review

As mentioned earlier the Michelin pilot sport cup 2 is exceptionally faster on dry track thanks to the Bi-compound technology used in the construction of the tires. The technology uses an endurance racing compound on the outer tread and a rigid elastomer on the inner tread. The above technology will ensure that you cover more laps in less time.

When it comes to driving on wet tracks the tires still offer reliable performance and which has been enabled by the +20% deeper tread depth. The tire performance on a wet track is unmatched, especially when compared to its predecessors. The deeper tread depth works to drain away excess water on the tires thus ensures that the car remains stable on the road while minimizing the chances of hydroplaning.

Driving tests have however shown that the performance of the tire was not as good when driven on standing or running water. If you find yourself under the above conditions then you should expect the car to be a bit unstable.

The tire is also capable of covering up to 50% more track laps thanks to the Track vitality technology that effectively combines the contact patch  with a race inspired strengthened shoulder. The tires offer a reliable grip but you must note that the tread life is quite short thus more miles means increased wear.

Motorists might also want to be keen on where they use the tires because some motorists have expressed concerns about the tire quality. Claiming that it punctures easily thus technical roads are a no go zone.

What we liked

• The tire is low on noise
• Has a good rolling resistance
• Offers the best wet and dry performance
• Slow wear of the outer shoulder

What we did not like

• The tires puncture easily
• The tires perform poorly in standing water

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Specifications

Model	Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
Rim Diameter	18 inches
Tread depth	7.2 32nds
Rim Width	9.5 inches
Load index rating	92.0
Performance on a wet track	1.2 seconds per lap
Performance on a dry track	1.8 seconds per lap
Weight	22.9 pounds
Action	Check Price Here

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Features

Reliable track endurance

If you wish to push your car for higher performance on the track then the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 will more than suffice. The tire’s track endurance capabilities utilize Michelin’s track longevity technology that has adopted a highly abrasion resistant compound on its reinforced external shoulder to achieve improved track tolerance.

Increased lap time consistency

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 offers an excellent grip and a reliable steering precision when engaging the tight corners. The high-performance tires are best utilized by professional drivers that are out for a reliable consistency of lap times.

Offers unmatched steering precision and handling

Steering precision and handling coupled with excellent grip and control have been enabled through the use of the multi compound technology that utilizes two types of rubbers on the tread. So, for optimized steering control motorists have been furnished with the rigid compound, and for a reliable grip when cornering, motorists have been equipped with a high molecular chain elastomer. The above also ensure that motorists get to enjoy comfort filled and dry lap times.

Available in variable sizes

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 comes in a wide variety of sizes. Thus motorists will have to choose among the 43 available sizes, if you opt for wider tires then you can be sure that handling and cornering will be taken care of because of the wide tread faces and the stiff side walls. What’s more is that by using wider tires, you conveniently decrease the braking distances when driving on dry pavement.

And for motorists who want to equip their cars with the wide Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires they can expect increased acceleration. The above does not mean that the smaller tires are any less efficient, on the contrary, they help improve the car’s fuel economy, the above is because the rolling resistance sips less fuel when driving. Smaller tires also offer less sidewall rolling when engaging sharp corners they also offer better handling, improved traction, and encourage more torque to be transmitted to the ground because of the smaller-sized wheels.

The tires are grippy

The Michelin Sport Cup 2 are grippy when used on dry roads, they have an efficient lateral grip and a progressive breakaway. Motorists must, however, be careful because the tires are known for overheating, and are not at their best when driven in wet conditions.

The tread pattern and depth of the tires, does not provide much control in the rain, motorists should, therefore, expect aquaplaning even when driving at slower speeds. The tires are also quiet in dry conditions and offer a reliable and compliant drive.

The tire is resistant to wear

Michelin Pilot sport cup 2 tires feature a reinforced external shoulder, this feature helps reduce damage normally caused by driving the car because of their strength and durability. Reinforcement additionally improves resistance to mechanical damage that could result from driving at high speeds.

In tire manufacture, reinforcement may involve increasing the thickness of the face, and the shoulder of the tire, and which also encourages enhanced traction and adhesion.

Equipped with performance enhancing technology

Michelin Pilot sport cup 2 is known to offer a faster performance when driven on dry track thanks to the incorporation of the Bi-Compound technology known to use an endurance racing compound on the outer tread, and which is coupled with a rigid elastomer in the inner tread.

The tires are recyclable

Michelin has over time promoted global sustainability by manufacturing tires that are recyclable. Of the vast tire products produced by the manufacturer, about 75% are recyclable leading to the renewal of natural rubber and biodiversity. Most importantly is that the manufacturer promotes clean energy in the long term even with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2.

Who is it best suited for? 

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire is best suited for use by motorists who are out for higher performance and precision handling when on track.

Are there alternatives to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2?

Yes, there are alternatives to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 that are equally efficient when it comes to water evacuation, have efficient cornering capabilities thanks to the wide shoulder, and have an improved rubber compound and tread design. The alternative tires are the Mastercraft Avenger G/T Performance Radial tire, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Ultra high-performance tire, and the Fullway HP108 all-season high-performance radial tire.

Features of the alternative Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2

Model	Mastercraft Avenger G/T Performance Radial Tire	Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Ultra High-Performance Tire	Fullway HP108 All-Season High-Performance Radial Tire
Brand	Mastercraft	Firestone	Fullway Tires
Tread Depth	10.5 32nds	10 32nds	10 32nds
Load Capacity	1874 pounds	1477 pounds	1653 pounds
Rim Width	N/A	9 inches	8 inches
Rim Size	15 inches	18 inches	18 inches
Size	255/60R15	255/35R18	235/45Z18
Action	Check Price Here	Check Price Here	Check Price Here

Verdict: So, should I buy the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2?

Yes, you should buy the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 because it offers excellent grip and control, it boasts of a high level of steering precision and handling. The tire has been designed for longevity and tracks endurance, and lastly, it offers great consistency of lap times.

FAQ’s

When should I replace my Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires?

Michelin recommends for the tires to be replaced after 10 years from the date of manufacture. The tires should be replaced by new ones even if they seem to be in good condition.

What is the maximum mileage warranty for the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires?

The maximum mileage warranty for the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires is 30,000 miles.

Are my Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 directional?

No, the pilot sport cup 2 are not directional thus when mounted on the wheels with the correct side facing out, they can easily be rotated side to side.