PIRELLI TROFEO RS vs MICHELIN CUP 2R

As any returning readers will know, here at JCR, we predominantly use Michelin Tyres. The specific tyre we use on the day being determined by the weather and objectives of the day. Ranging from the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S through to Pilot Sport Cup 2 or even Pilot Sport Cup 2R when we want to lay down a lap time.

Today however, we received a delivery from Pirelli. Many of you may have already heard, but Pirelli have recently released their new Trofeo RS tyre. The top of the range most track focused road tyre, to directly rival the likes of the Michelin Cup 2R.

Pirelli describe this tyre as follows:

“Designed for hyper cars and super cars to primarily maximize dry performance on track through an ultra-low profile and extreme new asymmetric tread pattern which provides high grip, excellent dry braking and optimal balance in dry handling, while maintaining consistency and durability.

The P Zero™ Trofeo RS, homologated for use on the road, allows the driver to exploit the full performance envelope of the car thanks to advanced materials and technologies derived directly from Pirelli’s motorsport experience.”

What we’re interested in is performing a direct comparison between both the Pirelli Trofeo RS and Michelin Cup 2R. This test will be conducted on track with both tyre sets installed being brand new. We’ll look at peak performance through lap times but also how the tyre performs across multiple extended runs as well as providing feedback on subjective feel.

Before we get the tyres installed and get to testing on take, we have taken some measurements and already found some interesting differences. It’s worth noting that all of the following measurements are based off Porsche 992 GT3 RS fitment (275/35/20 front tyre and 335/30/21 rear tyre). The first of these differences is in the weight. The Pirelli Trofeo RS weighs in at a staggering 4.78 KG more (per set) than the equivalent Michelin Cup 2R tyre.

This may not sound like a lot in the grand scheme of things, but this difference represents 64.59% of the difference in weight saving offered up between the 992 GT3 RS Aluminium Wheels and the Magnesium wheels. A not so insignificant difference, especially when you consider this is rotating mass.

In addition to the weight differential, there are also some dimensional differences too. The Pirelli Trofeo RS is in fact 3.5mm taller in the sidewall (total 7mm) than the Cup 2R tyre in the stock 275/30/20 front and 335/30/21 sizes. However, where the Pirelli is taller, the Michelin is in fact a little wider in the tread section, the Cup 2R is 15mm wider at the front and 8mm wider at the rear. Certainly interesting observations, even before the tyre has been installed to the car.

With all of the above being said, we can’t wait to get out on track and give these Trofeo RS’s a go. Porsche have been running this tyre on some of their development cars so it’ll be interesting to see what it offers across the board.

We currently have three sets of these tyres available to purchase so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. All that’s left to do now is get out on track and test the new Pirelli Trofeo RS back to back against the excellent Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R.

See you out on track!