[pkincy]

There are two different Michelin PS 4S tires sold. One is the OEM version which has a TPC number from GM. The other is the retail version stocked by most tire shops. Tire Rack does stock both the TPC coded tires as well as the retail Pilot Sport 4Ss. Different prices. The only differences I have been able to confirm are the tread depths. Our fronts arre 8.5 32nds deep and the retail models are 9.5 32nds tread depth. Our rears are 9 32nds of tread depth and the retail model is 9.5 32nds of tread depth. I did ask Tire Rack if there are any other differences and in their reply they gave me several paragraphs of govt speak but the only difference they would confirm is the obvious tread depth differences. So some pictures. The first two are of the OEM tire with the TPC code prominently displayed on the tire under the size.

Next, some pictures of the same sized retail spec Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.

As you can see the sidewall markings are quite different. If anyone can find out any more information on possible differences please add the information to this thread.

 

[silversport]

when I have seen this in the past it is some specification from the car manufacturer on the tire manufacturer...I'd look to Cadillac (but don't know who would be able to give you a proper answer)...

Bill

 

[jim1890]

I believe the compound is different between the two. You might see a slight difference on the track as far as lap time.

 

[pkincy]

when I have seen this in the past it is some specification from the car manufacturer on the tire manufacturer...I'd look to Cadillac (but don't know who would be able to give you a proper answer)...

Bill

Yes, it is a GM Tire Performance Criteria rating that indicates some differences from the non TPC equivalent tire. Frankly the only difference we have identified so far is positive. An extra 32nd up front and an extra half 32nd in the rear in tread depth. My wild guess is that it likely doesn't extend to compound difference. The annual open house for HRE has already passed and I quite often attend and they always have a Michelin tire engineer giving seminars. But that is not til next June. So if anyone attends an event that has a Michelin tech person in attendance, please ask.

 

[Theroider]

Here’s some details on the BW tire spec. It’s a special compound. I think I read elsewhere that it’s a mix of the Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/06/2022-cadillac-blackwing-sedans-feature-unique-michelin-tires/

 

[mattnukem]

Mostly on the same topic here... the BW rear tires are load rated at 99Y, which kind of seems like overkill for street use.

I say this because I'm having a very hard time finding all-seasons for the Winter (Northern Virginia, gets too cold for Summers, but doesn't snow much, thus all-seasons). The only option that meets this rating is Michelin's A/S 4's, but they're of course not available until late October... maybe. My usual tire place can't even order them right now. Continental's DWS 06 is rated for 95Y in the rear size, or a difference of under 200 pounds. Seems like I could get away with that given the set would only be used for street use in the middle of Winter, and they're actually available. Also quite good; I've had them on other cars, and their grip level is quite impressive for an all-season.

Any thoughts?