Modern Tyre Technology Beats Fastest Lap Time By 16 Seconds

Article written by Bush Tyres

Modern Tyre Technology – New V Old

Michelin have been making tyres for Porsche for well over 50 years- to celebrate their long partnership an image was released in 2020 showing the difference in the tyres since 1970.

The physical difference in size is hard to ignore, as cars have grown bigger, faster and more powerful, the tyre technology has changed.  Tyres have continually developed to give drivers the best performance possible in nearly all driving conditions.

In the last 20 years though, tyres haven’t changed that much in appearance. What you are unable to physically see is the hidden technological advancements in tyre construction. This only becomes apparent when you put the latest tyre technology to the test.

The car chosen as the benchmark was the 2004 Porsche Carrera GT powered by a 5.7 litre naturally aspirated V10 engine producing well over 600hp at 8000rpm. Capable of just over 205mph and with 0-62mph and 0-100mph times of 3.9 seconds, 6.8 seconds. There was nothing much faster than this car back in 2004. Porsche made a total of 1270 and many are now held in private collections or museums.

Originally the car was supplied on the Pilot Sport 2 tyres, with development in 2013 when Pilot SuperSport where then also offered. The latest change to Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres came in 2023 and was carried out as Michelin continued to work with Porsche to develop new tyre technology for the Carrera GT.

Previous examples of the car where tested and driven around the Nordschleife race track within the Nürburgring complex by racing legend Walter Röhrl in 2004 in an impressive 7 minutes and 28 seconds. More recently Sport Auto along with racing driver Jörg Bergmeister took the stunning Fayence Yellow example and fitted the car with the newly developed Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres. Seen here in 265/35 ZR19 front and larger 335/30 ZR20 rear sizes.

Did the car improve its time? Was it down to the driver, changes to the car’s setup, or has someone snuck in and secretly fitted a turbo or supercharger. Well, you would think that given the near 16 second (3.5%) improvement in lap time. The majority if not all the improvement being put down to the changes in tyre technology.

Further Proof

In a similar test, released Dec 24, YouTube channel ‘Engineering Explained’ did a comparison of old tyres vs new tyre technology at the continental “Contidrom” test track in Wietze, Germany. The 6^th Generation Golf GTi and a newer and more powerful 8^th Generation car were used. The test demonstrates the differences in old and new tyre technology by swapping and measuring lap times and braking distances with the different generation tyres fitted to each car.

The results were highly informative and marked differences in performance were noted in nearly all areas, despite the differences in horsepower. This was especially apparent in wet conditions. As Jason puts it himself in the test “Tyres beat horsepower” when it comes to performance improvements.

Both examples here show us that even with all the horsepower in the world under the bonnet. With the wrong tyres, it could all just be wasted without the right tyres.

If you are lucky enough to drive a classic supercar like the Carrera GT or whatever car you drive. Choosing the right tyres is crucial to maximise performance and safety.

To begin the search for your next tyres, click here or call in to one of our local branches where our teams of dedicated tyre experts are on hand to give you the latest information and offers on the best tyres for your vehicle. Enhance grip, comfort and safety by always choosing the best tyres available for your vehicle.

See the difference for yourself