Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flats?

[ManhattanBMW]

It is being reported that the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will have run-flat Michelin PSS's. Having lived (i.e, broken down with a flat tire) multiple times in my E46 M3, and now being the owner of a M6 (also without a spare or run-flats), I am curious if these run-flat PSS's are any good, and if so, whether they can be used on the M's without severely compromising performance.

Also, it will be intersting to learn more about the Vet's seven-speed manual transmission with Chevy's "Active Rev Matching" technology. As you all already know, fewer and fewer cars have manual transmissions, and there has not been many advancements in manual transmission technology in recent years, so it is laudable that Chevy has made this commitment.

[stealth.pilot]

I have used the PS2 runflats before and I imagine these will affect the PSS in the same way that run flat technology impacted the PS2.

I.e. this is what you should expect:
1) less stability over expansion joints and bumps. I.e. be careful when taking a high speed ramp. Because the tire flexes less, your contact patch will be adversely affected in these situations relative to a standard PSS.
2) less traction in the rain for same reason as above
3) less body roll and firmer ride
4) reduced ride quality (and in some cases you may hear rattles as a result of the reduced ride quality because it will transmit more vibration to the cabin).

Oh and as a previous PS2 ZP owner, I will never buy a Michelin run flat again - I got rid of them with 6/32 remaining and switched back to regular PS2s back in 2009.

[ManhattanBMW]

Thanks for that feedback. If that carries over to the PSS, that will be too bad since the M Mobility System is useless, and it discomforting knowing that your only recourse to a flat tire is being towed.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by ManhattanBMW

Thanks for that feedback. If that carries over to the PSS, that will be too bad since the M Mobility System is useless, and it discomforting knowing that your only recourse to a flat tire is being towed.

Personally it doesn't bother me. I'd rather not carry a 60lb full size spare in the trunk. And I think donuts are a waste of time - I'd rather tow the car than drive on a donut.

I haven't had a full puncture for over 15 years. Only punctures I get are an occasional nail which causes slow pressure loss but still drive able. I can top up with the compressor and get to a tire repair shop no problems. In Miami you are never more than 5-10 miles from a Michelin dealer.

I have a AAA membership and they can come out in less than 15 minutes most of the time.

[M5nut]

Anyone tried winter tyres?

[M5nut]

I presume the tyre noise would be horrid in the cabin and ride will suffer on run flats

[URBAN LEGEND]

I would change the tires. The car was developed with those tires in mind. I would leave well alone.

[jphughan]

FWIW, according to Autoblog's review and the spec page on the BMWUSA website, it seems that the M6 Gran Coupe is getting RFTs; the review car Autoblog got has PSS RFTs, though I'm betting other brands will be OEM as well. I'm betting this comes to the M6 and the M5 with LCI, though given how quickly these cars wear down tires, at least owners who don't want them won't have to live with them for too long.