Approximately 70 per cent of all Porsche models ever built are still on the road today. To satisfy the need for suitable tyres, Porsche has developed, tested and released tyre products that are properly tuned to specific vehicle generations – including tyres released in coordination with Pirelli.
The new developments match the historic originals in terms of their look and profile design, but when it comes to driving properties they fulfil the requirements of modern generations of tyres. For model years 1959 through 2005, a total of 32 new tyre recommendations are available for the Porsche model series 356 (B and C), Boxster (986) and 911 (G model, 964, 993 and 996) as well as for the transaxle model series 924, 928, 944 and 968. The classic tyres also have the Porsche “N” certification designator, which identifies them as tyres with special Porsche release.
These tyres are not simply reissues of the historic models. Rather they combine the look of the originals with the driving properties of modern tyres. Authentic profile patterns, tyre dimensions and cross-section ratios – from the 1960s to the 1990s – accentuate the exceptionally genuine appearance of historic sports cars from Zuffenhausen.
The material composition of the tyres delivers ideal properties in terms of traction and loads. The supporting structure of the tyres matches that of current tyre carcasses. The rubber mixture has additives used in today’s tyre technology.
The new tyres combine excellent grip with good rolling resistance figures. Despite excellent wet grip, they are quiet – and therefore they fulfil all vehicle approval criteria of official EU tyre regulations. Thanks to these newly tuned tyres, classic Porsche models can exhibit much more balanced driving properties today.
In tuning the tyres, the Porsche tyre testers also worked together with former rally world champion Walter Röhrl, who was able to offer valuable tips on the driving properties of tyres based on his extensive background of experience with the historic Porsche models.
Walter Röhrl summarises the benefits of the tyres, which were re-developed from the ground up, as follows: “The driving properties in the early years were not as full or balanced as they are today. The new generation of tyres is more fitting than ever to the driving style of a challenging sports car.” Porsche tyre tester Dieter Röscheisen discusses the benefits customers can expect from the specially tuned tyres: “The new tyre releases will make it possible for classic models to follow the curve into the modern era with exceptionally good and balanced driving properties.”
These tyres, as well as the recently released tyres, can now be ordered from any Porsche Classic Centre at Porsche Centres. Porsche Club members can benefit from an exclusive cashback offer on Pirelli tyres when purchased through official Porsche Centres and Pirelli Performance Centres.
Find out more here.