Michelin UHP OE deals continue with AMG, Corvette fitments in 2013

Michelin’s supply of its high and higher than high performance Pilot Sport branded tyres as original equipment has continued to yield new deals moving into 2013. The all new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series will be fitted with the new Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyre, while specially developed Pilot Super Sport ZP tyres will be fitted to the full 2014 range of Chevrolet Corvette Stingray models.

Mercedes-AMG set demanding criteria for the tyres that will equip its supersport model, according to Michelin. The new Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyre complies, displaying Mercedes-AMG´s own certification markings for the model. The tyres are designed to provide continuous precision steering whether taking to the track with cold or heated tyres. They also have enhanced responsiveness , increased grip, heat resistance for more consistent performance, and adherence, balance and stability on wet surfaces.

Michelin says that delivering performance in these areas is the result of a co-development project involving teams from the Michelin Technology Center and engineers from the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer. The project comprised more than 100 dynamic evaluations and test sessions conducted on tracks in Northern and Southern Europe; 1,800 prototype and special series tyres; 800 pre-series tires; and speeds of up to 315km/h.

The deal bringing the Pilot Super Sport ZP to the Corvette Stingray came about as a result of Michelin’s relationship with Chevrolet at the American Le Mans Series. The French tyre giant previously gained fitments for the 2009 Corvette ZR1 and 2011 Corvette Z06.

The tyre includes features such as Michelin’s most advanced tread compound; a footprint shape designed by computer modelling and analytic tools usually used to predict the stresses acting on race tyres, utilised for the first time on a road-going tyre; a new aramid cap ply tuned for optimum contact patch control for high speed and performance handling and longevity; a specially adapted internal rubber compound to reduce rolling resistance; and asymmetric run-flat inserts and carcass configuration.

John Moloney, vice president of original equipment marketing at Michelin North America, said that “owners of the 2014 Corvette Stingray will enjoy a tyre that is tuned specifically for their vehicle and delivers the road-handling, grip, cornering ability and progressive feel they expect – on the track or touring top-down through the countryside.”

Lee Willard, lead Michelin technical engineer for the Corvette project, said the opportunity to “develop a tyre for the breakthrough next-generation Corvette” had led to Michelin making “a significant advancement in what is possible for an ultra-high performance tyre.”