Anyone waiting for Michelin PS4S in 18", don't bother

[I wanted a GTi]

As above, Michelin are not going to release the PS4S in 18" sizes and that was directly from Michelin. The only market that is going to get them is north America.

[Daz Auto]

Never ever?

I read that they would be available next summer. Though that was a few months ago and could have changed.

[I wanted a GTi]

Never ever?

I read that they would be available next summer. Though that was a few months ago and could have changed.

Part of the email.

What’s happening with Pilot Sport 4S?

Well in Europe the tyre is sold in 19” plus sizes, with only some limited production of 18” (in Michelin Factories in the USA) being made and sold only in their market

We make 19” plus sizes in Europe, and predominantly for cars with 250-300bhp+

 

Why?  Well the performance difference in 18” is seriously small (PS4 vs PS4S), unlike the old difference between Pilot Sport 3 and Pilot Super Sport (which was a major difference)

Hence the production in the US factories, will stay in the USA. Every time we import and approve a tyre for sale in Europe, you can imagine there is some cost.

[Booth11]

As above, Michelin are not going to release the PS4S in 18" sizes and that was directly from Michelin. The only market that is going to get them is north America.

I’ve shared a link to this thread on VWROC as some on there were hoping that 18” PS4S would be released next year.

[scanesare]

Half an hour ago before coming here I was trying to settle once and for all about what should be my summer tire plan come next spring as I currently run Clubsport Belvedere wheels all year round alternating between stock crappy Potenzas for the summer and Pilot Alpine 4 for the winter. Those are 18" and I have been contemplating whether it's wise to turn them into a winter set and switch to 19" only to be able to use the PS4S. Financially it would be a disaster to keep 1000-1200 eur wheels as a winter set and spend another 1500 eur at least for quality 19" alloys and PS4S tires but all those PS4S reviews were quite tempting.

What's worse, I've often been worried about using the car too little to its true potential due to very little time available to enjoy it on proper roads. Do I really need the PS4S for the 2-3 track days per year and all that cost that comes with switching to 19"? Especially when the alternative is the PS4 that everybody swears about being so good. Deep down I knew that I didn't actually need the 4S over the 4 (I just wanted it) and that statement from Michelin regarding the very small performance difference in 18" between PS4 and PS4S comes as a salvation really. In fact, I might even go for 19" summer alloys for the nicer look and still opt for the PS4. It should be night and day compared to the Potenza's and I honestly don't care so much about a couple tenths or so shoved off my lap times.

Overall, I think this development is in fact for the better for my case, both in financial and practical aspects.