Last year, Ford inked a long-term partnership with Michelin to supply the shoes for the Ford Performance vehicle lineup which included the Shelby GT350 and GT350R.
While the latter receives the barely street legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, the standard GT350 is equipped from the factory with the Michelin Pilot Super Sport, a tire that debuted some five years ago which has been widely regarded as one of the best high performance summer tires on the market.
Amidst the hubbub of the 2016 Paris Motor Show, Michelin issued a press statement that detailed plans to replace the hugely popular Pilot Super Sport (PSS) tires with the Michelin “Pilot Sport 4 S” (PS4S) tires beginning next year.
If independent lab testing data is an indication of real world performance, lap times everywhere are going to improve with the PS4S which has demonstrated better braking in both wet and dry conditions, better wear with greater than 30,000 miles longevity, and even reduction in road noise.
According to Michelin, the PS4S will also feature a velvet-like sidewall relief much like that on the Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and a wheel protecting design.
So what of the hugely popular tire it replaces? The PS4S will eventually completely replace the Pilot Super Sport we all know and love.
It remains to be seen whether the 2018-19 Shelby GT350 which may see a longer production life than expected will receive the PS4S as original equipment. Assuming superior performance, similar pricing and no supply issues from Michelin, it seems probable.
And if you’re a 2015-17 GT350 owner ready with cash-in-hand, you’ll have to wait until March 2017 to purchase the PS4S in the United States with Europe receiving it two months earlier. The PS4S will be available in 34 sizes to fit 19 and 20-inch wheels.
Check out the full press release of the upcoming Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires that could become the OEM tires for the 2018+ Shelby GT350 Mustang.