Jace7

what is the best winter tire/brand that will fit on the stock 21 inch GTS wheel?
not in a rush, being that summer just arrived, but I want to be prepared when winter comes later this year.

ltc

In general, winter tires are smaller than summer tires, as a narrower contact patch is generally preferred for winter/snow driving.

18" wheels are the most common Cayenne winter tire size, although there is nothing to prevent you from running a larger tire in the winter.

I don't recall seeing the updated Porsche recommended/N spec tire list since the introduction of the GTS, so I don't know what their position will be.

Jace7

The sales rep told me I need a minimum or a 19/20 inch wheel, just to clear the brakes becuase they are so big.
Trying to jsut get a grippy winter tire that will fit on the stock 21 in wheel.
Just something that will grab snow and ice....nothing too extreme, but I want the best.

pdxjim

So, are the GTS brakes the same as the turbo S brakes?

Jace7

yes. .14 mm smaller i think, because of the added weight of the turbo engine...
but ya, pretty much same specs.

BSL

No, they are the S brakes with red painted calipers--13.78" in front, 12.99" rear, versus the Turbo discs that are 14.49" front (and use an 18" wheel as standard).

If you want, you can use normal 18" turbo wheels for the winter, or get some Pirelli Snow and Ice for the 21's (unfortunately this isn't an "N" spec, but since it has been put on company cars in the US...).

Bob Rouleau

The dealer who says you NEED 19's or 20's for winter is wrong. 18 inch wheels clear the brakes just fine, in fact they are the standard wheel on the Cayenne Turbo in most parts of the world. If you are going to drive in snow, the 18 inch wheel with 255 width tires is best. At 19 inches the tires are 275's amnd in 21, 295's. In snow and on ice, narrower is better. In addition 18 inch tires have more sidewall far better protection against potholes. The 35 section tires on the 21 inch wheels are easily damaged by craters that appear in winter.

Best,

Jace7

much thanks.
I will probably size down for winter, but at least I know it's possilble/ not the best solution, but possible to put snow's on 21 inch wheels. Just wanted to see if they at least made them that big...

leek

I have the 21" wheels on my Turbo. As of November there was no N spec winter tire in 21". It was anticipated that Pirelli was going to produce a 21" tire but they were not yet available. I went with 19" and they just clear the rotors. There is little noticeable difference in handling. The tires are about 1-1/2" narrower. Car handled great in winter storm conditions.

Dennis C

I think snow tires are a good idea if your winters produce significant snowfall. I tried an all-season tire last winter on my 20" Sport Technos, and the handling on the snow was not especially good. It wasn't bad enough that I ever got stuck, but the car tended to slide more than I wanted. I am planning to buy a set of 18" wheels and put proper snow tires on them for next winter.

BSL

Must have been back-ordered then, because I saw a set in October...

AndreCT

I was told that the 18 inch Turbo wheels are the wheel of "choice" when I asked the dealer too.. Just got to figure out where to store the summer set.. they certainly are not easy to "hide" .

pdxjim

I opted for a simple, aftermarket design with the 18's. Makes it much easier to clean.

Cpa4S

if you are putting on snows just to deal with cool winter temperatures then 21 inch snows would be great. but if you are also trying to deal with actual snow then you have to go smaller!

my 18's were great last winter.

Jace7

We don't get a ton of snow. It will snow 10 inches one day and the next day be bright blue sky and mostly melted, BUT there are those occasional years when it comes and sits for a few days.

I will probably search for some 18 or 19 inch wheels/tires specifically for winter.
I don't think I really want to chance the pot holes and damaging the wheels which I think cost about $5,500, not to mention might want to have some fun in the snow.