​As is the case in just about every industry, competition among top tire manufacturers is constant and spirited. Each manufacturer vies for recognition and top placements across the broad spectrum of tire categories.
Historically, this ongoing competition has meant that the subjective and objective rankings in each tire category are pretty volatile. Just as one tire establishes itself as the go-to, another will edge its performance and (sometimes also) undercut its price.
And while there have been perennial top tires in certain categories, shifts in rankings are far more the norm.
What is definitely uncommon is for one tire to achieve a firm and almost inarguable position as best in class for years at a time, and over multiple generations of tires. But that's exactly what Michelin has done in the street performance tire category.
Two recent performance tire tests have reemphasized Michelin's hold on the top of the street performance tire market, and more specifically, Michelin Pilot Super Sport supremacy.
As we suggested some time ago in our own Michelin Pilot Super Sport review, the "PSS" is a generational sort of performance tire. At the time of the review, we predicted that it would take a monumental effort from the competition to surpass its breadth of capabilities.
Tire Rack recently pitted the Pilot Super Sport against three new competitors in a comparison test -- the Kumho Ecsta PS91, Pirelli P Zero (current "PZ4" generation), and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3.
Each of these performance tires came to market long after the Pilot Super Sport, and therefore had the advantage of the PSS as a developmental reference point. Nevertheless, the Michelin emerged the clear favorite overall. See the full Tire Rack comparison test here, and check out the video below.
Across the pond, UK publication Auto Express tested the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 against eight worthy competitors. (The Pilot Sport 4 is said to be the successor to the PSS.) Here again, the Michelin performance tire achieved the top placement with the P Zero just behind.
Pirelli has made serious performance and qualitative gains with their latest P Zero generation. Prior to the introduction of this latest "PZ4" generation, the P Zero was starting to be comprehensively overshadowed by more modern options. The latest P Zero iteration is the real deal, and as an original equipment tire for a number of performance vehicles, definitely value-added to those cars.
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 displayed commendable performance and qualities in both tests. This tire should give Goodyear a new foothold and some credibility in the performance tire category moving forward.
The Continental ContiSportContact 5 was featured in the Auto Express test, and it is the Continental ExtremeContact DW that continues to be overlooked in our view. The ExtremeContact DW remains our preferred street performance tire from Continental despite its maximum performance limitations. For more information see our Continental ExtremeContact DW review.
Overall, tire matters have never been better for performance driving enthusiasts!