October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Porsche Carrera GT Runs the Nürburgring About 20 Seconds Faster on New Tires

The Carrera GT on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 N0 tires was reported about 20 seconds quicker than its 2004 Nordschleife Supertest—but the runs were years apart, not a controlled back-to-back test.
Entry214 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The Porsche Carrera GT fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 N0 tires was reported to be about 20 seconds quicker around the Nürburgring Nordschleife than its 2004 Sport Auto Supertest result. That is a comparison between separate tests—not a newly certified lap record or a controlled back-to-back tire test.

What the 20-second comparison says

Auto Motor und Sport reported that a Carrera GT on the newer tires improved by about 20 seconds over the car’s 2004 Sport Auto Supertest on the 20.6-kilometre Nordschleife layout. The later run was a Sport Auto Supertest production featuring Porsche test and development driver Jörg Bergmeister. The report does not provide precise old and new lap times in its accessible article, so the stated difference should remain approximate. Auto Motor und Sport’s report

This is not evidence of a new Nürburgring record. Nor does the comparison establish that the tires alone caused the entire difference: it concerns sessions held years apart, and the accessible report does not document identical weather, track surface, or other test conditions.

What changed—and what did not

The 2004 test car used Michelin Pilot Sport tires with Porsche’s N marking, according to Auto Motor und Sport. The later run used the Carrera GT-specific Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 N0. The newer car was described as being in delivery condition, without chassis adjustments. Auto Motor und Sport identifies the newer tire’s increased grip and the resulting stability as the main explanation for the improvement, while the separate-session comparison leaves other variables unresolved.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Hot Wheels Premium Car Culture Collectible Toy Car, 1:64 Scale Die-Cast Porsche Carrera GT, Timeless Icons Vehicle with Real Riders Tires
  • Create an elite Hot Wheels collection with a Hot Wheels Premium Car Culture vehicle.
  • Each 1:64 scale die-cast car or truck has premium execution with Real Riders tires and Metal/Metal body and chassis.
  • Different themed mixes are released throughout the year to appeal to collectors and to represent the most on-trend vehicles from around the world.
  • The box art enhances collectability, making each one perfect for play or display.
  • Each Hot Wheels Car Culture vehicle is officially licensed and designed for the true automobile enthusiast.

Porsche’s October 2024 announcement introduced the tire update and discussed its potential to improve lap times generally; it did not publish the 20-second comparison. That figure belongs to the later Auto Motor und Sport/Sport Auto report. Porsche’s announcement

How the Carrera GT’s new tire is designed

The Carrera GT originally had bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. A Pilot Super Sport update followed in 2013, and the Pilot Sport Cup 2 supersedes it. Porsche’s N marking identifies tires developed specifically for Porsche vehicles; the initial version of this Carrera GT tire is designated N0.

Rank #2
Pirelli P Zero 305/30ZR20 (103Y)
  • PIRELLI P ZERO - 305/30ZR20 (103Y) XL
  • Porsche 911 Carrera / S (991) (R)
  • 220 AA A
  • Fit type: Universal Fit
  • Load capacity: 1929 pounds

Porsche says the tire was developed with Michelin, Porsche Classic, and the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach, with handling and safety on wet and dry roads among the goals. Its tread uses different compounds: silica-based inner sections are intended to support wet grip, while the outer shoulder and tread blocks target dry grip. Porsche also says Nordschleife driving-dynamics and handling work helped optimize the contact patch. These are the manufacturers’ descriptions of the design, not independent comparative tire-test findings. Porsche Newsroom

What Porsche says about braking and control

Porsche reports that the new tire shortens braking distance by 2.5 metres from 100 km/h and 12 metres from 200 km/h. Those are manufacturer figures; the announcement does not make them independent test results. Porsche development driver Jörg Bergmeister said the tires make the car easier to drive at speed and improve feedback near the limit, where the driver can feel more distinctly when grip begins to fade.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Hot Wheels 2006 First Editions #8 Porsche Carrera GT FTE Wheels #2006-8 Mattel Diecast Collectibles Collector Car
  • 2006 First Editions #8 Porsche Carrera GT FTE Wheels #2006-8 Mattel Hot Wheels Diecast Collectibles Collector Car
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Availability and the car’s rarity

Porsche says the model-specific Pilot Sport Cup 2 N0 can be ordered through Porsche Centers. Owners should confirm the correct fitment and local availability with a Porsche Center or tire specialist before ordering. Porsche reports that 1,270 Carrera GTs were manufactured from 2003 to 2006, making correct specification and sourcing especially relevant to owners maintaining one of the cars. Porsche Newsroom

The result is a striking illustration of how a purpose-developed modern tire can change the way an older supercar uses its performance. It is best read as a reported improvement across two Supertests, with greater grip and stability offered as the main explanation—not as a definitive tire-only experiment.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Hot Wheels Premium Car Culture Collectible Toy Car, 1:64 Scale Die-Cast Porsche Carrera GT, Timeless Icons Vehicle with Real Riders Tires
Hot Wheels Premium Car Culture Collectible Toy Car, 1:64 Scale Die-Cast Porsche Carrera GT, Timeless Icons Vehicle with Real Riders Tires
Create an elite Hot Wheels collection with a Hot Wheels Premium Car Culture vehicle.; The box art enhances collectability, making each one perfect for play or display.
$16.00
Bestseller No. 2
Pirelli P Zero 305/30ZR20 (103Y)
Pirelli P Zero 305/30ZR20 (103Y)
PIRELLI P ZERO - 305/30ZR20 (103Y) XL; Porsche 911 Carrera / S (991) (R); 220 AA A; Fit type: Universal Fit
Bestseller No. 4
Motormax Porsche Carrera GT Convertible 1/24 Diecast Model Dark Silver 73305
Motormax Porsche Carrera GT Convertible 1/24 Diecast Model Dark Silver 73305
Openable doors; 1:24 Scale Measuring 7.5x3x2.5 inches; Made of diecast metal with plastic parts, rubber tires
$31.99
Bestseller No. 5
Hyper-Spec 1:24 2005 Porsche Carrera GT Die-Cast Car, Toys for Kids and Adults(Black/White)
Hyper-Spec 1:24 2005 Porsche Carrera GT Die-Cast Car, Toys for Kids and Adults(Black/White)
Crafted from durable materials such as 100% die - cast metal and premium rubber tires; Scale is 1:24
$25.17
Best Value
Hyper-Spec 1:24 2005 Porsche Carrera GT Die-Cast Car, Toys for Kids and Adults(Black/White)
  • Crafted from durable materials such as 100% die - cast metal and premium rubber tires
  • Our high - end casting method allows for feature rich details, such as an opening hood, doors , detailed interior, and trunk
  • Scale is 1:24
  • Collect them all
  • Ages 8+
Rank #4
Motormax Porsche Carrera GT Convertible 1/24 Diecast Model Dark Silver 73305
  • Openable doors
  • 1:24 Scale Measuring 7.5x3x2.5 inches
  • Made of diecast metal with plastic parts, rubber tires
  • New in Window Box

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.