Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

Initial Review, 500 Miles on Tires
August 07, 2012

Preface: I upsized from the stock 245.40.18F/265.35.19R to 265.35.18F/295.30.19R so any performance improvements that follow may be partly due to the higher tread contact.

Moved from stock Bridgestone RE050A to Michelin PSS and it's like going from JV to varsity:

-The PSS is noticeably gripper than the RE050A; I haven't tracked it yet but I have explored the outer limits of grip on exit ramps and the PSS has stuck like glue so far

-The PSS is quieter and gives a more compliant ride (but the NISMO 350Z has a loud and rough ride due to its stiff suspension setup)

-Wet grip is excellent with decent corner grip and no hydroplaning

-Despite the wider width, the PSS weighs less (26 lbs./28 lbs.) than the RE050A (29 lbs./31 lbs.)

-The PSS has a higher treadwear rating than the PS2 and better tread depth so it should last longer

-Overall, the PSS gives me absolute driving confidence in all situations along with a quieter and more compliant ride and it truly feels like a luxury tire; the RE050A may be in the same class but it's analog while the PSS is digital

A few caveats:

-I've lost one mile per gallon (maybe due to the wider width or the gripper rubber or both, who knows)

-Steering effort is a bit heavier but turn in is about the same as the RE050A (again most likely due to the wider than stock front tire size)

-Even though I went down one aspect ratio size from stock front and back, the PSS has a taller sidewall than the RE050A

-Obvious statement is obvious: the PSS ain't cheap but they're worth every extra penny

Easily the best tire I've ever owned. The PSS is installed as stock rubber for many of the leading performance cars in the world. All those marques can't be wrong.