Michelin Gains First Corvette OE

Michelin has won its first-ever Corvette original equipment fitment for the 2009 Corvette ZR1. The ZR1, which General Motors describes as the highest-performing production supercar in the company’s history, will be fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP zero-pressure tyres, designed specifically for it.

“The Corvette ZR1 is a historical breakthrough OE fitment for Michelin,” said Tom Chubb, vice-president, Marketing for Michelin Automotive Industry Division. “When given the opportunity from GM, we knew we had to bring our best technology to the table and set a benchmark in the industry for performance. I am happy to say we achieved that goal by delivering the highest level of combined technologies and safety elements – without compromising road manners or performance.”

The ZR1 will ride on P285/30R19 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tyres in the front and P335/25R20 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tyres in the rear, all of which will be manufactured near Michelin’s North American headquarters in Greenville, S.C. In addition to the Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tyres developed for the 2009 Corvette ZR1, Michelin earlier announced, plans for expansion of new ZP run-flat replacement tyre sizes for the C5, C6 and C6 Z06 models available in 2008.