The front tires feature three distinct compounds, each designed for specific handling characteristics. The inside portion of the front tread is tuned primarily for wet grip, ensuring the vehicle remains stable in rainy conditions. The middle section is optimized for dry performance, while the outermost part of the tire is composed of high-endurance rubber, designed to handle the extreme stresses of track driving.

The rear tires also feature a multi-compound design, though they are structured slightly differently. The outer portion is designed for dry performance, while the middle and inner sections are optimized for wet grip, ensuring that the car performs consistently well, whether on a dry track or a slick, rain-soaked road.

Developing a tire that meets the exacting demands of the AMG GT was no easy task. Michelin went through 25 different front compounds and 20 rear compounds before settling on the final formula. According to Pierre-Antoine Gregoire, the lead development driver for the project, much of the work focused on refining what he calls "soft handling." This term refers to subtle aspects of tire performance that drivers may not immediately notice but significantly affect how the car feels on the road.

Gregoire explains that small factors like how the car tracks on a straight road, the amount of dead zone in the steering, how the tires respond to sharp turns, and the feel of the sidewalls during quick transitions were all meticulously tested and adjusted. These seemingly minor details are essential for delivering the precise handling characteristics that Mercedes and Michelin wanted for the AMG GT.

One of the biggest challenges Michelin faced during this process was balancing the tire's wet and dry handling. Mercedes-AMG demanded that the tire perform exceptionally well in both conditions, which is no small feat. Wet and dry grip often require different compounds and characteristics, and optimizing for one can sometimes come at the expense of the other.

To meet this challenge, Michelin's engineers mixed and matched various compounds while also working to stay in sync with the AMG GT’s ongoing development. With the car’s handling and performance requirements evolving throughout its design process, Michelin had to continually adapt the tires to ensure they remained perfectly suited to the vehicle.

Ultimately, Michelin’s three-year journey to develop the perfect set of tires for the AMG GT is a testament to the complexity and importance of tire technology in modern performance cars. Every aspect of the tires, from the compounds used to their ability to perform in various conditions, plays a critical role in how the AMG GT handles, drives, and responds on the road.

What makes the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 for the AMG GT truly remarkable is not just the performance it offers but the engineering precision behind it. Tire development is often overlooked, but in cases like this, it is clear that bespoke tire designs can significantly enhance a car’s driving experience, making every aspect of the vehicle’s performance feel sharper, more responsive, and ultimately more satisfying for the driver.

In conclusion, while tires might seem like an afterthought to some, for high-performance vehicles like the AMG GT, they are central to the car’s identity. Michelin’s relentless pursuit of perfection, their willingness to go through 25 compounds to get the right blend, and their dedication to balancing both wet and dry performance demonstrate just how critical tire development is in the world of automotive engineering.