These were just installed today to replace the original Pirelli P Zero 4 (ELECT) summer tires. The PZ tires were great and were impressively grippy in the rain, even heavy rain on hard acceleration, until recently when temperatures dropped below 50 degrees when they sometimes feel scary at speed. PZ tires had under 2500 miles when they were replaced. Curbed one front wheel last week and there was no curb protection whatsoever (see pics for comparison); fortunately it didn't cost much to repair it locally and came out perfect.
The new tires have a surprising velvet sidewall texture and differed from all product photos of this tire. Michelin confirmed via chat that these tires do have the velvet sidewall. They're laser-etched, reflect light based on direction, have a suede-ish texture, and give a premium look. Here it is on the Pilot Sport 4S Limited Edition: https://www.tirerack.com/videos/index.jsp?video=509&tab=Tires
These were only installed today, but first impressions are very good; steering feel and response is outstanding, and cold-weather wet grip, even while new is a big difference from the OEM tires. Very confidence-inspiring for sure. Car is also less bumpy and there's less noise.
As for the 265mm front tires (255/35 not available for these tires until next winter supposedly), they suit the car very well; car feels as agile, if not more than the original summer tires which sometimes felt very hard to steer; as a bonus the extra width and the PS A/S4's rim protection should protect the wheels better from curbing.
old Pirelli's and lack of protection against curb rash:
The new tires have a surprising velvet sidewall texture and differed from all product photos of this tire. Michelin confirmed via chat that these tires do have the velvet sidewall. They're laser-etched, reflect light based on direction, have a suede-ish texture, and give a premium look. Here it is on the Pilot Sport 4S Limited Edition: https://www.tirerack.com/videos/index.jsp?video=509&tab=Tires
These were only installed today, but first impressions are very good; steering feel and response is outstanding, and cold-weather wet grip, even while new is a big difference from the OEM tires. Very confidence-inspiring for sure. Car is also less bumpy and there's less noise.
As for the 265mm front tires (255/35 not available for these tires until next winter supposedly), they suit the car very well; car feels as agile, if not more than the original summer tires which sometimes felt very hard to steer; as a bonus the extra width and the PS A/S4's rim protection should protect the wheels better from curbing.
old Pirelli's and lack of protection against curb rash:
