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Any Tire recommendations for AMG GTR with Carbon Ceramic Brakes? Daily driven (mixed city/highway). I prefer Michelin PS4 or PS4S or PS4AS, but it seems that the rear size aren't offered for the GTR model. I checked Costco, Tire Rack and Discount Tires, and they only have the correct size for front tires. I only see Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)
Looks like I'll have to compromise either with either incorrect width (345/30-R20) or incorrect sidewall (325/25-R20).
Last edited by Aaron Bui; Dec 16, 2025 at 05:23 PM.
Any Tire recommendations for AMG GTR with Carbon Ceramic Brakes? Daily driven (mixed city/highway). I prefer Michelin PS4 or PS4S or PS4AS, but it seems that the rear size aren't offered for the GTR model. I checked Costco, Tire Rack and Discount Tires, and they only have the correct size for front tires. I only see Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)
Looks like I'll have to compromise either with either incorrect width (345/30-R20) or incorrect sidewall (325/25-R20).
i will need to change mine soon but held off because of the season. Ill be going with the ps4s 285/35/19 and 345/30/20. Lots of room in those fenders on our cars which i want to fill
Yeah, tire choices for the GT R and up are very limited. Pretty much only the Cup 2, Cup 2 R and for non-track tires the P Zero. I drove the BS on the Nürburgring a few years ago at an AMG event. Weather forecast said rain, so they put the P Zero on the car, which was the worst thing about it. The rears wouldn't hold and ESP/Traction Control constantly cut in. These are not really daily cars.
Your logic is sound, but in reality I found the 305 too narrow for the 12" rear wheels on the GTC. The sidewall literally sloped inwards like the tire was stretching to fit the wheel. Once I moved to the wider tire (either 335 pilot super sports or 325 cup2 for track), it looked and performed better.
Your logic is sound, but in reality I found the 305 too narrow for the 12" rear wheels on the GTC. The sidewall literally sloped inwards like the tire was stretching to fit the wheel. Once I moved to the wider tire (either 335 pilot super sports or 325 cup2 for track), it looked and performed better.
I like the stretched look and when you say performed better, in what sense? A mild stretch actually improves cornering as it stiffens the sidewall and the angle of the sidewall makes the tire less likely to roll over its side. It's like spreading your legs when standing. That angle gives you much better stability side to side.
I like your analogy and at first thought the sloped sidewall looked good, but once I put on the tire that fit the rim, I decided I like that better. For that lateral stability, I use 2.5 degrees neg camber.
To your question: I had better traction exiting turns and could get power down earlier so lower lap times by a bit. I run with traction control fully off to keep things more exciting. It's hard to control for all variables, but it felt and seemed to clock faster in the closest comparisons that I had. For the past few years, I only track with 325 Cup2 which are much better than the 305 PSSs. Additionally, the GTC and GTR are mechanically similar and since for the GTR the wider tires are recommended, that suggests it helps performance rather than the opposite.
I like your analogy and at first thought the sloped sidewall looked good, but once I put on the tire that fit the rim, I decided I like that better. For that lateral stability, I use 2.5 degrees neg camber.
To your question: I had better traction exiting turns and could get power down earlier so lower lap times by a bit. I run with traction control fully off to keep things more exciting. It's hard to control for all variables, but it felt and seemed to clock faster in the closest comparisons that I had. For the past few years, I only track with 325 Cup2 which are much better than the 305 PSSs. Additionally, the GTC and GTR are mechanically similar and since for the GTR the wider tires are recommended, that suggests it helps performance rather than the opposite.
Yeah, more contact patch will give you more traction and as far as I know the GT R has more negative camber out of the gate, so that compensates for it. You basically did a GT R setup. All things being equal, though the mild tire stretch helps. For road driving you don't need super fat tires. Smaller tire are also lighter, so less unsprung weight. Sounds like OP isn't tracking his GT R, so a street setup makes much more sense.
Do you believe it is better to go down on width to 305 rather than up to 345?
And if you DO go down on the rears, since the correct size is not available, why did you also go down for the fronts? The 275 width is offered in PS4S
I generally do, yes, especially if you mostly do street driving. Smaller tires as I said above are lighter, so you have less unsprung mass, making the car nimbler. Less rotational inertia that has to get moving and has to be slowed down again. The GT R is technically made to be a track car, not a daily driver. As for why to go down in size for the fronts, because otherwise you change the car's understeer/oversteer characteristics and balance. Too much rubber in the front and not enough in the rear will make it oversteer more and the opposite will make it understeer, so you wanna maintain the ratio between the contact patch front to rear.
Last edited by superswiss; Dec 17, 2025 at 01:46 AM.
Do you believe it is better to go down on width to 305 rather than up to 345?
And if you DO go down on the rears, since the correct size is not available, why did you also go down for the fronts? The 275 width is offered in PS4S
From a performance standpoint, it’s hard to justify dropping to 265/305 on a GTR when Michelin PS4S is available in 275/35ZR19 front and 315/30ZR20 rear.
That setup is far closer to the OEM 275/325 sizing, so your front–rear balance remains essentially intact, and any impact on steering feel or traction balance is negligible.
The speedometer deviation is also minimal, far less than with a 305 rear.
To put numbers on it:
- OEM rear (325/30R20): ~27.7" diameter, ~750 revs/mile
- 315/30R20: ~27.5" diameter, ~757 revs/mile
That translates to only about a 0.9% speedometer offset, which is well within acceptable tolerance for street and spirited driving.
While the overall diameter change is small and not something most drivers would ever notice, if you’re a true perfectionist, there is a calibration procedure that can correct even this minor discrepancy :
From a performance standpoint, it’s hard to justify dropping to 265/305 on a GTR when Michelin PS4S is available in 275/35ZR19 front and 315/30ZR20 rear.
That setup is far closer to the OEM 275/325 sizing, so your front–rear balance remains essentially intact, and any impact on steering feel or traction balance is negligible.
The speedometer deviation is also minimal, far less than with a 305 rear.
To put numbers on it:
- OEM rear (325/30R20): ~27.7" diameter, ~750 revs/mile
- 315/30R20: ~27.5" diameter, ~757 revs/mile
That translates to only about a 0.9% speedometer offset, which is well within acceptable tolerance for street and spirited driving.
While the overall diameter change is small and not something most drivers would ever notice, if you’re a true perfectionist, there is a calibration procedure that can correct even this minor discrepancy :
Thank you for sharing the actual measurements. I definitely want Michelin PS4S if possible.
If you had to choose between 275/35/19 front and 315/30/20 rear or 285/35/19 front and 345/30/20 rear. You would take the first one, correct?
From a performance and vehicle-dynamics standpoint, it really comes down to your primary objective.
As @superswiss correctly pointed out, there are valid reasons to size down if ultimate performance isn’t the goal and the car is used mainly on the street (though, admittedly, this chassis begs to be driven hard on track).
If you’re running a single wheel/tire setup year-round and expect to drive in cold temperatures, heavy rain, or even light snow, downsizing can be beneficial.
Narrower tires improve cold and wet compliance, cut through standing water more effectively, and generally behave better when temperatures drop.
On the other hand, if weather versatility isn’t a concern and you’re primarily chasing an aggressive stance, the 285/345 combination certainly delivers visually.
The tradeoff is meaningful: altered front-to-rear balance, increased rolling resistance, heavier steering effort, and a tendency toward understeer unless other chassis adjustments are made.
Given that Cup 2s are not well suited for street use and the colder winter weather in VA, the most balanced choice for single wheel set, year-round street driving with strong performance capability, while staying close to the car’s OEM engineering intent, is the 275/315 setup.
It preserves handling balance, steering feel, and traction characteristics without introducing unnecessary compromises.
One small point: note that if you opt for the 305. The PS4S call for max 11.5" rim and yours is 12" rim. Not a big issue, but out of spec for a safety item.
Just remember that PS4S tires are not to be used below -7 deg C (19.4 deg F) and, similar to Cup 2 tires, get progressively harder as temperatures cool, especially as temps drop below 10 deg C (50 deg F).
Just remember that PS4S tires are not to be used below -7 deg C (19.4 deg F) and, similar to Cup 2 tires, get progressively harder as temperatures cool, especially as temps drop below 10 deg C (50 deg F).
Exactly, spot on, and especially important for those of us in the northern regions.
That’s precisely why I run a dedicated winter wheel and tire setup with Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4s. They deliver outstanding grip even at 10°F (-12°C), and I drive on them throughout the winter (excluding snow deeper than ~1").
The car remains remarkably planted and confidence-inspiring, yes, even at very high speeds (and believe me, it's high).
In this regard, wouldn't a set of PZ4s in the required sizes be a good alternative?
Originally Posted by G. P
From a performance and vehicle-dynamics standpoint, it really comes down to your primary objective.
As @superswiss correctly pointed out, there are valid reasons to size down if ultimate performance isn’t the goal and the car is used mainly on the street (though, admittedly, this chassis begs to be driven hard on track).
If you’re running a single wheel/tire setup year-round and expect to drive in cold temperatures, heavy rain, or even light snow, downsizing can be beneficial.
Narrower tires improve cold and wet compliance, cut through standing water more effectively, and generally behave better when temperatures drop.
On the other hand, if weather versatility isn’t a concern and you’re primarily chasing an aggressive stance, the 285/345 combination certainly delivers visually.
The tradeoff is meaningful: altered front-to-rear balance, increased rolling resistance, heavier steering effort, and a tendency toward understeer unless other chassis adjustments are made.
Given that Cup 2s are not well suited for street use and the colder winter weather in VA, the most balanced choice for single wheel set, year-round street driving with strong performance capability, while staying close to the car’s OEM engineering intent, is the 275/315 setup.
It preserves handling balance, steering feel, and traction characteristics without introducing unnecessary compromises.
One small point: note that if you opt for the 305. The PS4S call for max 11.5" rim and yours is 12" rim. Not a big issue, but out of spec for a safety item.
In this regard, wouldn't a set of PZ4s in the required sizes be a good alternative?
Good point, that could indeed be a solid option if your goal is to be at the OEM sizing.
I’ll note that I don’t have direct seat time with the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4).
On paper, the specs look strong, but in most independent comparison tests (including Tire Rack and similar outlets), the PZ4 tends to trail the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in several key performance categories.
Below is a collection of several comparisons with links to the relevant sources:
Quick top-line
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (PS4S): best overall for dry lap speed, steering precision, wet braking, and balanced performance for drivers who want the fastest, most consistent tire in mixed conditions. Tyre Reviews+1
Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) : superb wet handling and aquaplaning control, slightly more comfortable/quiet on road in many tests, and very capable on track — but normally a touch behind the PS4S in dry braking and lap time. Tire Rack+1
Technical comparison (by key metric)
Dry grip & lap performance
PS4S usually records the faster dry lap times and sharper turn-in due to a very stiff shoulder compound and carcass tuning. Test references repeatedly show Michelin leading dry time metrics. Tire Rack+1
PZ4 is very capable on track — stable, confidence-inspiring and often close to the PS4S — but generally a hair slower on measured lap times.
Wet braking & straight aqua
PS4S has the edge in wet braking across multiple independent tests (average wet stopping distances shorter by ~5–6% in aggregated test data). For example, aggregated wet braking figures show the PS4S around 33.5 m vs ~35.6 m for the PZ4 in comparable test groups. Tyre Reviews+1
PZ4 often shines in dynamic wet handling and aquaplaning stability — testers report more predictable lateral grip at higher wet cornering speeds. In short: Michelin stops shorter; Pirelli lets you carry more corner speed in the wet. Tire Rack+1
Steering feel & driver feedback
PS4S = very precise, immediate steering feedback and a “connected” feel that drivers praise. Great for carving fast corners and extracting time. Tire Rack
PZ4 = slightly more comfort-oriented compliance and a more forgiving sidewall; steering is accurate but a touch less razor-sharp than the Michelin. Tire Rack
Comfort & noise
PZ4 generally scores better or equal for ride comfort and is often marginally quieter in independent tests. The Pirelli’s ride tends to be a little more forgiving over choppy pavement. Tire Rack+1
Wear & durability
PS4S typically has better treadwear and lifespan in owner reports and comparative threads; Michelin compounds balance grip and longevity well. Pirelli can wear faster under aggressive use in many real-world reports. (community and forum consensus) Reddit+1
Rolling resistance / efficiency
Tests indicate small differences; Pirelli sometimes measures marginally better rolling resistance in specific tests, but real-world effect on fuel/efficiency is minor. Pitstop Arabia
Practical takeaway (Just an opinion based on the above)
If your priority is fastest dry lap times, track days + strong wet braking, and the most repeatable performance: choose Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. It’s the safe, fastest all-rounder.
If you want outstanding wet cornering confidence, a slightly more comfortable street ride, and a tire that’s still very capable on track: Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) is an excellent choice. It’s especially attractive if your local climate produces frequent wet conditions.
If budget is a factor: compare price vs expected wear — the PS4S often costs more up front but may last longer, making lifetime cost comparable.
The PZ4 seems to be a marked improvement over the prior generation. I have no seat time with the PZ4, either, but I had the prior generation P Zero on my previous car. I put the last set on in 2015. They specifically were the Audi RO1 version that were specifically made for the RS5 and appear to be discontinued now. I believe the PZ4 came out in 2016. I did like the P Zero in the dry. The dynamics were actually great. They progressively broke free at the limit and made the car fun to drive. On the other hand, it was the only tire I ever aquaplaned with during the rainy winter season here in NorCal. I never aquaplaned with any Michelin tire. I switched to the PSS and then PS4S after that. It's interesting to read that the PZ4 gets high marks on aquaplaning control. Sounds like that's one thing they focused on. I guess I wasn't the only one with aquaplaning issues.
I agree, unless you are dead set on wanting to get the PS4S which will require compromising on the sizes, going with the PZ4, especially for exclusive road use, would be the most sensical choice.
Last edited by superswiss; Dec 18, 2025 at 04:30 PM.
... It's interesting to read that the PZ4 gets high marks on aquaplaning control. Sounds like that's one thing they focused on. I guess I wasn't the only one with aquaplaning issues.
....
I thing the PZ4's 280 treadwear gives it a better lateral grip than the 300 of the PS4S, but that's about it.
I thing the PZ4's 280 treadwear gives it a better lateral grip than the 300 of the PS4S, but that's about it.
Not sure that's it. Treadwear rating can't be compared across different brands as there is no universal standard and independent body that certifies treadwear, so it's only relevant within one manufacturer. 280 for the PZ4 only means the thread lasts 2.8 times longer than a 100 treadwear Pirelli and similarly the PS4S with a 300 rating lasts 3 times as long as a Michelin with a 100 rating. Each manufacturer tests treadwear on their own and there is no process that normalizes the treadwear rating across all manufacturers.
Not sure that's it. Treadwear rating can't be compared across different brands as there is no universal standard and independent body that certifies treadwear, so it's only relevant within one manufacturer. 280 for the PZ4 only means the thread lasts 2.8 times longer than a 100 treadwear Pirelli and similarly the PS4S with a 300 rating lasts 3 times as long as a Michelin with a 100 rating. Each manufacturer tests treadwear on their own and there is no process that normalizes the treadwear rating across all manufacturers.
You are right. My bad. I am so used to compare within the Michelin brand, that I just carried it to Pirelli.
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