The Pilot Sport 4S is Michelin's premium Max Performance Summer tire, developed in collaboration with renowned vehicle manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. Drawing on advanced technologies refined during 24 Hours of Le Mans racing, this tire is designed for driving enthusiasts who want to unlock the full performance potential of their sports cars, high-performance sedans, and luxury vehicles. Optimized for warm dry and wet conditions, the Pilot Sport 4S, like other Max Performance Summer tires, is not suitable for use, storage, or operation in freezing temperatures, snow, or ice.
Certain sizes of the Pilot Sport 4S come with Michelin's innovative Premium Touch sidewall treatment. This unique velvet-like, checkered sidewall design is crafted using precision laser technology, adding a touch of sophistication to the vehicle's appearance. These specific sizes can be identified on the "Specs" page and in search results.
The tire's asymmetric tread design incorporates side-by-side rubber compounds inspired by the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The outer shoulder features a new hybrid compound focused on improving dry grip and braking compared to its predecessor, while the center ribs and inboard shoulder utilize a silica-enhanced compound to boost wet braking performance. Michelin’s Variable Contact Patch 3.0 technology ensures even pressure distribution across the tire’s surface during cornering, reducing hot spots and extending tire life under demanding driving conditions.
Internally, the Pilot Sport 4S is constructed with twin steel belts reinforced by a spirally wound hybrid layer of Aramid and nylon. This lightweight, high-strength reinforcement enhances high-speed performance, wear resistance, and durability. Michelin engineers carefully tune the filament tension to balance strength and flexibility, while the single-ply polyester casing provides a blend of responsive handling and ride comfort.
Select sizes of the Pilot Sport 4S are equipped with Michelin Acoustic Technology. This feature incorporates a sound-absorbing foam layer inside the tire to minimize cabin noise. These specific sizes are also highlighted in the Specs section and search results.
Additionally, some original equipment sizes of the Pilot Sport 4S integrate the Michelin Connected Tire System alongside Acoustic Technology. These versions, marked with Acoustic and Bluetooth logos on the sidewall, feature both the noise-reducing foam and a built-in sensor that transmits tire data to the vehicle’s systems.
Important Note: Tires exposed to temperatures below 20°F (-7°C) must be allowed to warm gradually to at least 40°F (5°C) for 24 hours before any use, including adjusting pressure, mounting, or supporting vehicle weight. Flexing cold rubber compounds in these conditions can cause irreversible cracking, which is not covered under warranty. Tires exhibiting compound cracking must be replaced due to improper handling or storage.