Description
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R (K1) is a high-performance, semi-slick tire designed for track use and approved for road driving. It’s a step up from the standard Pilot Sport Cup 2, offering enhanced grip and precision for experienced drivers with ultra-high-performance vehicles, particularly during track days. The “R” designation indicates a focus on extreme dry grip and performance on race tracks.
Here’s a more detailed overview:
Key Features:
- Track-focused Design:The Pilot Sport Cup 2 R features a tread pattern with fewer, more rigid blocks on the outer shoulder and closer central grooves to maximize dry grip and driving precision.
- Motorsport Compound:The tire utilizes a motorsport-derived compound for exceptional grip, allowing for faster lap times and improved driving precision on the track.
- Increased Contact Patch:The optimized tread design results in a nearly 10% larger contact patch compared to the standard Cup 2, enabling better utilization of the car’s power and performance.
- Lap Time Smasher:The Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is designed to deliver faster lap times, with some reports indicating a 0.5-1 second per lap improvement over the standard Cup 2.
- Street Legal:Despite its track focus, the tire is street legal, making it suitable for both track and road use.
Considerations:
- Warm-up Required:Like racing tires, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R requires a warm-up phase to reach its optimal performance.
- Wet Performance:While street legal, the tire’s performance on wet roads or in standing water is significantly impacted, requiring careful driving and reduced speeds.