CUP2 tires recommendation
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CUP2 tires recommendation
Hi, I've read dozens of threads here, but I still can't answer my dilemma, so I'd be extremely thankful for any help.
I'm driving my 992 Turbo pretty hard on mountain roads - good asphalt quality and I'm pushing it to the limits only when it's warm (e.g. my avg gas usage last 800km was ~40l/100km = 5.88 mpg). This is my daily car and Im driving it when it's raining as well, but then I'm careful and mostly driving in cities and with city speeds. I've got Pirelli PZero now, but I wanted to upgrade to something better. I started looking for Michelin Pilot Sport 4S N0, but I just learned they are not available for 992 Turbos, only for regular 992 (it's a different size of tire). It's a bummer, because they look (based on reviews) like something I want. I started considering CUP2 instead, but now I see they have different homologation ratings - N0, N1, N2, N3, and also there is "R" model, but this seems extremely track focused. My question is – what tires would you recommend. If I want to try CUP2, which "N" number should I chose?
Best,
pman3
I'm driving my 992 Turbo pretty hard on mountain roads - good asphalt quality and I'm pushing it to the limits only when it's warm (e.g. my avg gas usage last 800km was ~40l/100km = 5.88 mpg). This is my daily car and Im driving it when it's raining as well, but then I'm careful and mostly driving in cities and with city speeds. I've got Pirelli PZero now, but I wanted to upgrade to something better. I started looking for Michelin Pilot Sport 4S N0, but I just learned they are not available for 992 Turbos, only for regular 992 (it's a different size of tire). It's a bummer, because they look (based on reviews) like something I want. I started considering CUP2 instead, but now I see they have different homologation ratings - N0, N1, N2, N3, and also there is "R" model, but this seems extremely track focused. My question is – what tires would you recommend. If I want to try CUP2, which "N" number should I chose?
Best,
pman3
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The number following the "N" represents the version of the tire (higher the number, newer the iteration). If this matters to you, get the tires with the latest version number.
Three Wheelin'
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For example, in the PSC2 265/35R20-325/30R21 sizes I use, the N0 spec is optimized for the 918 Spyder while the N2 spec is optimized for the 991.2 GT2/3RS.
Last edited by CanAutM3; Mar 28, 2024 at 05:54 PM.
Three Wheelin'
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OP, I have the same car as you and run the PSC2 in 991.2 GT2/3RS N2 spec. The tires have a slightly wider nominal width than the TT OE tires at 265 front and 325 rear but the tread itself is significantly wider. My 992 TT is my daily driver and I drive it rain or shine. I’ve experienced no issue daily driving the PSC2 even in heavy rain.
Another option would be the 992 GT3 N0 spec PSC2 which are same 255/315 stock size as the TT. Both, the 991.2 GT2/3RS or 992 GT3 tires will fit the base turbo wheels, but they are a better fit on Exclusive Design wheels that are 0.5” wider front and rear and are a better match for the GT3 wheels for which the tires are optimized for.
The PSC2R is definitely too extreme for the daily drive and will suffer a fair bit in wet weather. Further, they seem to heat cycle out rather fast, so far from optimal for daily use.
Another option would be the 992 GT3 N0 spec PSC2 which are same 255/315 stock size as the TT. Both, the 991.2 GT2/3RS or 992 GT3 tires will fit the base turbo wheels, but they are a better fit on Exclusive Design wheels that are 0.5” wider front and rear and are a better match for the GT3 wheels for which the tires are optimized for.
The PSC2R is definitely too extreme for the daily drive and will suffer a fair bit in wet weather. Further, they seem to heat cycle out rather fast, so far from optimal for daily use.
Last edited by CanAutM3; Mar 28, 2024 at 02:01 PM.
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IF you want something that heats up faster and provides better turbo grip, Nankang AR1, they are amazing and do not throw rocks as bad as cup2s.
I could not get cup2s to hook up well, they take a decent amount to warm up, especially if ambient is low.
I could not get cup2s to hook up well, they take a decent amount to warm up, especially if ambient is low.
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@null @CanAutM3 @Angryinch Thank you so much for the responses, I appreciate it a lot!
@CanAutM3, interesting! I did not know that. I don't have exclusive wheels, if I knew they are wider, I'd probably take them
I like the idea of having a wider tread, do you know if the PSC2 in 991.2 GT2/3RS N2 spec. You've written that on exclusive-wheels the fit will be "better", so, hmm, what could happen if my fit is "worse" 
I can't ask Porsche dealerships, they don't know anything about it, at least here ... @Angryinch I was thinking about Nankang AR1, but I've read they are really bad at rain, worse than PSC2. This is still my daily driver, and I would be concerned about it. What do you think? Regarding ambients - my ambient temperature when doing spirited driving is in the range of 10 - 30 Celsius degrees (50 - 86 Fahrenheit), but mostly in the mid-upper range of that.
@CanAutM3, interesting! I did not know that. I don't have exclusive wheels, if I knew they are wider, I'd probably take them
I like the idea of having a wider tread, do you know if the PSC2 in 991.2 GT2/3RS N2 spec. You've written that on exclusive-wheels the fit will be "better", so, hmm, what could happen if my fit is "worse" I can't ask Porsche dealerships, they don't know anything about it, at least here ... @Angryinch I was thinking about Nankang AR1, but I've read they are really bad at rain, worse than PSC2. This is still my daily driver, and I would be concerned about it. What do you think? Regarding ambients - my ambient temperature when doing spirited driving is in the range of 10 - 30 Celsius degrees (50 - 86 Fahrenheit), but mostly in the mid-upper range of that.
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@null @CanAutM3 @Angryinch Thank you so much for the responses, I appreciate it a lot!
@CanAutM3, interesting! I did not know that. I don't have exclusive wheels, if I knew they are wider, I'd probably take them I like the idea of having a wider tread, do you know if the PSC2 in 991.2 GT2/3RS N2 spec. You've written that on exclusive-wheels the fit will be "better", so, hmm, what could happen if my fit is "worse" I can't ask Porsche dealerships, they don't know anything about it, at least here ... @Angryinch I was thinking about Nankang AR1, but I've read they are really bad at rain, worse than PSC2. This is still my daily driver, and I would be concerned about it. What do you think? Regarding ambients - my ambient temperature when doing spirited driving is in the range of 10 - 30 Celsius degrees (50 - 86 Fahrenheit), but mostly in the mid-upper range of that.
@CanAutM3, interesting! I did not know that. I don't have exclusive wheels, if I knew they are wider, I'd probably take them
I like the idea of having a wider tread, do you know if the PSC2 in 991.2 GT2/3RS N2 spec. You've written that on exclusive-wheels the fit will be "better", so, hmm, what could happen if my fit is "worse" I can't ask Porsche dealerships, they don't know anything about it, at least here ... @Angryinch I was thinking about Nankang AR1, but I've read they are really bad at rain, worse than PSC2. This is still my daily driver, and I would be concerned about it. What do you think? Regarding ambients - my ambient temperature when doing spirited driving is in the range of 10 - 30 Celsius degrees (50 - 86 Fahrenheit), but mostly in the mid-upper range of that.
Last edited by gthal; Mar 29, 2024 at 11:03 AM.
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I was worried about my Sport Cup 2 tires in cold/wet weather based on everything I've read but they are no issue. My GT3 is my daily car in Spring/Summer/Fall most days (Canadian weather). I've driven with them around the city in temps as low as 2-3 celcius and in rain when the ambient temperature was around 6-10 celcius. No issue at all. In that weather I'm not pushing the car hard but they didn't feel any different than PS4S tires. On the highway in rain, I just slow down a bit and watch for standing water. If you drive the car in wet or low ambient temp weather like you would on a 30 degree celcius sunny day, you might have an issue. If you drive in less than ideal weather with some degree of common sense, the Sport Cup 2 tires aren't an issue. Below freezing might be different
It only takes 1 second to find out why Cups are one of the best warm weather, not wet tires - and when it happens it will be unexpected.
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@Richard_Wallace Thanks for the reply, which worried me a lot.
Uh, so what options do I have? Are Pirelli PZero the only option here? According to my Porsche Dealer, only tires I can get for my car (992 Turbo with 315/30 and 255/35 tire sizes) with 911 homologation are Pirellis and Pilot Sport Cup2. There is no homologation of Pilot Sport 4s for 911, and according to my friends from Porsche Center, installing ND0 homologation (for Panamera) would result in bad handling, as these tires are designed to handle engine placement differently. I will be driving this car daily, sometimes as today – I just did 1000 km between Spain and Portugal, unfortunately in heavy rain, straight for 10 hours of driving. I could be careful with Cup2, but if it "eventually end in disaster", then I don't want to do it. But also, I'd like to have better grip than Pirellis, especially when doing spirited driving when it's warm. Maybe my request is just undoable, but if anyone has any hints, please share them Thanks!
Uh, so what options do I have? Are Pirelli PZero the only option here? According to my Porsche Dealer, only tires I can get for my car (992 Turbo with 315/30 and 255/35 tire sizes) with 911 homologation are Pirellis and Pilot Sport Cup2. There is no homologation of Pilot Sport 4s for 911, and according to my friends from Porsche Center, installing ND0 homologation (for Panamera) would result in bad handling, as these tires are designed to handle engine placement differently. I will be driving this car daily, sometimes as today – I just did 1000 km between Spain and Portugal, unfortunately in heavy rain, straight for 10 hours of driving. I could be careful with Cup2, but if it "eventually end in disaster", then I don't want to do it. But also, I'd like to have better grip than Pirellis, especially when doing spirited driving when it's warm. Maybe my request is just undoable, but if anyone has any hints, please share them
Thanks!
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Edit: I also found that there are Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (NOT 4S, just 4) with N0 homologation (e.g. here: https://www.pneuslider.pt/pneu-auto/...1-105y-1424872) . Would they be better than Pirellis PZero for spirited driving? I know I sound like a noob, but in this topic I am one, and unfortunately, when Im trying to chat about it with my dealer, people they tell me they don't know anything about tires, they can only check for me availability of a model I will provide them with.
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I find the Perelli’s to warm up a bit quicker than the cup2s. Both are good tires you can’t go wrong with either.
Cup twos are a little bit more sketchy when it’s cold out and raining heavy. If it’s raining heavy, you have to really take your time I find, I do not trust them in the rain as much.
AR1 our attract Tire for the road. They are also a little sketchy in the rain, but provide phenomenal grip.
For me, the Cup2s took forever to warm up and if they’re not warm, the traction is terrible.
Remember, you can run 265 and 325 on the stock turbo wheels. I think these are the GT three RS size?
Cup twos are a little bit more sketchy when it’s cold out and raining heavy. If it’s raining heavy, you have to really take your time I find, I do not trust them in the rain as much.
AR1 our attract Tire for the road. They are also a little sketchy in the rain, but provide phenomenal grip.
For me, the Cup2s took forever to warm up and if they’re not warm, the traction is terrible.
Remember, you can run 265 and 325 on the stock turbo wheels. I think these are the GT three RS size?
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Edit: I also found that there are Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (NOT 4S, just 4) with N0 homologation (e.g. here: https://www.pneuslider.pt/pneu-auto/...1-105y-1424872) . Would they be better than Pirellis PZero for spirited driving? I know I sound like a noob, but in this topic I am one, and unfortunately, when Im trying to chat about it with my dealer, people they tell me they don't know anything about tires, they can only check for me availability of a model I will provide them with.
The PZero would be comparable to the 4S in my experience. There is also the PZero Corsa. Similar to the Cup 2 in performance but better ride compliance and better in the wet (reportedly) and N rated for the GT3 so likely a decent match for the Turbo.
Last edited by gthal; Mar 31, 2024 at 09:46 PM.
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I find the Perelli’s to warm up a bit quicker than the cup2s. Both are good tires you can’t go wrong with either.
Cup twos are a little bit more sketchy when it’s cold out and raining heavy. If it’s raining heavy, you have to really take your time I find, I do not trust them in the rain as much.
AR1 our attract Tire for the road. They are also a little sketchy in the rain, but provide phenomenal grip.
For me, the Cup2s took forever to warm up and if they’re not warm, the traction is terrible.
Remember, you can run 265 and 325 on the stock turbo wheels. I think these are the GT three RS size?
Cup twos are a little bit more sketchy when it’s cold out and raining heavy. If it’s raining heavy, you have to really take your time I find, I do not trust them in the rain as much.
AR1 our attract Tire for the road. They are also a little sketchy in the rain, but provide phenomenal grip.
For me, the Cup2s took forever to warm up and if they’re not warm, the traction is terrible.
Remember, you can run 265 and 325 on the stock turbo wheels. I think these are the GT three RS size?
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Pilot Sport 4 are not the tires you want. They are a step down from the 4S. Just because a tire is N0 doesn't mean they perform well on your car. If Porsche is building the tire specs for a GT3, they won't be the same as a tire designed for a Cayman. My point being just having the N0 designation may not mean it works well for the specific Porsche model you own. At least that is how I understand it.
The PZero would be comparable to the 4S in my experience. There is also the PZero Corsa. Similar to the Cup 2 in performance but better ride compliance and better in the wet (reportedly) and N rated for the GT3 so likely a decent match for the Turbo.
The PZero would be comparable to the 4S in my experience. There is also the PZero Corsa. Similar to the Cup 2 in performance but better ride compliance and better in the wet (reportedly) and N rated for the GT3 so likely a decent match for the Turbo.
I have the Cup 2s on my GT3 and Mclaren, they are awesome when warm or hot out and dry. But I am going to switch them both to PS4S when done (Though neither of them have the certs for each OEM) - Most of my buddies run the Mercedes PS4S on the 720s, and do a non-branded on the GT3s. So you don't necessarily have to have porsche branded on the car. Yes I hear people that if not might be terrible handling, etc. But likely not if all 4 are done at the same time.
Last edited by Richard_Wallace; Apr 1, 2024 at 10:31 AM.
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Could someone explain why maybe the OP couldn’t just go with 911 Carrera S - PS4S spec tires? They are very wide, in fact the 305 rears are the widest I’ve seen for any 305, 315, or 325 tires. And the PS4S is a better tire than the Pzero.
Per TireRack:
OEM Pzero for 992 TT
Front: 255/35/20, tread width 8.5”
Rear: 315/30/21, tread width 11.2”
PS4S for 992 S spec
Front: 245/35/20, tread width: 8.7
Rear: 305/30/21, tread width: 11.8”
Per TireRack:
OEM Pzero for 992 TT
Front: 255/35/20, tread width 8.5”
Rear: 315/30/21, tread width 11.2”
PS4S for 992 S spec
Front: 245/35/20, tread width: 8.7
Rear: 305/30/21, tread width: 11.8”
Last edited by reddsektor; Apr 1, 2024 at 11:18 AM.