2003-2009 Nissan 350Z Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Tire Review: Tread, Traction, and Value

The Pilot Sport series has served as the OEM high-performance tire for dozens of sports cars world wide, including the 2003-2009 Nissan 350Z, and is the standard for streetable performance. Michelin’s Pilot Sport PS2 picks up where the first Pilot Sport left off, delivering superior cornering ability and traction but with an asymmetric tread pattern for enhanced water shedding ability.

The tread pattern of the PS2 allows water to escape easily, maximizing the contact patch in wet conditions. Two different tread compounds make up the outside of the tire, including a hybrid silica/carbon black compound that spans from the tire’s outer shoulder to the center tread as well as a high-silica compound used in the tire’s inside shoulder. The large outer shoulder blocks and continuous intermediate and center ribs combined with the asymmetric tread pattern enhance steering response and cornering stability. Each tread compound was specially formulated for its specific location on the tire. Individually, these two compounds improve dry and wet traction, but combined they deliver high speed stability and crisp cornering.

Also highlighted in the tread design are the lateral notches and wide circumferential grooves that assist in channeling water through the footprint to improve wet traction. The PS2’s internal structure is supported by two high-tensile, lightweight steel cord belts that are further reinforced by individual Aramid/nylon hybrid filaments to provide stiff sidewalls for better high-speed durability without sacrificing ride quality.

The Pilot Sport PS2 is available in many sizes, from 205/50R17 to 335/30R20. With a tread wear rating of 220, the PS2 won’t be the longest lasting tire you’ve ever driven on. Although pricey, this tire offers best-in-class handling for the discerning Z enthusiast.

Yesterday, we covered the General Exclaim UHP. The PS2 is considered a step up in performance, and consequently in price. Had a chance to try them both out? What do you think, is it worth it?

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