Tyres
All part of the performance
It’s not only the engine that creates the dynamic sports car performance of your Porsche. The tyres play an essential role too. After all, they are the only part of your Porsche in direct contact with the road. So every revolution of the engine, every movement of the steering wheel, and every touch of the brake pedal can only have an effect thanks to the right tyres.
Of course the right tyres vary according to the Porsche model, and the type of wheel. The wrong, non-approved choice could negatively affect performance, handling, and safety. That’s why your personal Service Advisor will provide you with the information you need on the latest Porsche-approved N-rated tyres, and why you should never fit any others to your Porsche.
Did you know that asphalt can reach temperatures of up to 60°C in the summer? Or that your Porsche is subjected to lateral loads of up to 1.3 g when cornering? Porsche-recommended tyres with N-marking use a special rubber compound which remains stable even at high temperatures. With a tread pattern optimised for summer road surfaces, they offer better grip, greater cornering stability and shorter braking distances. Optimum rolling resistance also helps to ensure their fuel efficiency.
‘N’ for safety and pleasure
Porsche N-marked tyres
All tyres from your Porsche Centre are part of the Porsche custom tyre range. This range has been created by Porsche over many years in close collaboration with leading tyre manufacturers. Porsche works with the tyre manufacturers to jointly develop the ideal tyre type for each model to meet its special performance requirements. The fact that the tyres have been thoroughly tested and approved by Porsche is indicated by their N-marking (the letter stands for “Nürburgring” where the tyres are tested).
Following the N, a second letter indicates the model line. Further details can be found in each tyre’s technical data.
For example, the Porsche 992 tyre will be marked NA, indicating it is:
N – approved by Porsche
A – developed for the Porsche 992
Porsche N-marked tyres differ from others primarily in terms of geometry, rubber composition and testing methods. Testing covers three main areas:
1. Subjective outdoor criteria, such as handling and driving comfort
2. Objective outdoor criteria, such as braking performance and service life
3. Indoor criteria, such as rolling resistance and high-speed performance
During development, tyre geometry and rubber composition in particular are tailored to Porsche vehicles. Whether all-season, summer, winter or sport, Porsche N-marked tyres provide excellent driving stability and maximum driving pleasure. They also ensure your vehicle retains its original driving performance and safety margins, even after being fitted with a new tyre.
Tyre construction
Carcass: several layers of rubberised textile fibres (mainly rayon) run radially (at right angles) to the direction of travel. These layers determine the tyre’s load capacity.
Belt layers: stabilise the contact area and provide directional stability. At least two crossed layers made of steel cords.
0° cover: this layer, made of reinforced, rubberised nylon threads, reduces the heat generated by friction. It ensures that the tyre retains its shape at high speed.
Tread: creates contact with the road. A negative profile assists water drainage; a positive profile affects grip, traction, stability and noise.
Tyre wall: protects the tyre from damage. Affects driving characteristics and comfort. The tyre designations are also stamped here.
Inner liner: airtight inner layer (butyl layer).
Bead core: is made of steel wire. Ensures the tyre fits securely on the rim.
Apex: is located above the bead core. It affects tyre deformation in the event of lateral forces, steering response and driving comfort.
Tyre marking
Tyre type: indicates the tyre model. The N-marked LATITUDE Sport 3 manufactured by Michelin is a tyre approved for the Macan.
N-marking (N0): identifies tyres developed specifically for the requirements of Porsche vehicles. The number describes the technical status at the time approval was obtained.
Tyre brand: indicates the tyre manufacturer. Michelin is the tyre cooperation partner of Porsche. Tyres are jointly developed specifically for Porsche vehicles.
DOT identification: provides information about the tyre’s manufacturer, size, type and production date. DOT stands for (US) Department of Transportation.
Production date: consists of the week and year of production (4812 = week 48, 2012). Incidentally, a tyre is considered new for up to 5 years after production.
Load & speed indices: indicate the tyre’s maximum load in encrypted form (101) and maximum permitted speed (Y) at the prescribed air pressure.
Tyre size: is determined by width in millimetres (265), height/width ratio in percent (40), tyre construction (R = radial tyre) and rim diameter in inches (21).
