Michelin Pilot® Sport PS2™ ZP Tire Offers a Superior Level of Perf. for Corvettes

[Rob]

Michelin Pilot® Sport PS2™ ZP Tire Offers a Superior Level of Performance for Corvette Owners and Enthusiasts

A Complete Portfolio of Michelin UHP Tires Now Available For Corvette Models

Release date: July 16, 2009 GREENVILLE, S.C. --

Recognized as the tire brand of choice for the world's greatest supercars, Michelin's Pilot® Sport PS2™ ZP (zero pressure) tire is now available for the Corvette C5, C6, C6 Z06 (August 1st) and ZR1. The addition of the tire sizes for the Corvette C6 Z06 completes the transformation of Michelin's ultra-high performance portfolio which began in December, 2007 with Michelin's first ever original equipment fitment for the Corvette ZR1.

The Michelin/Corvette relationship began with Pratt & Miller in 2004 as a partner-race team collaboration through the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It has been a winning combination ever since with 48 victories in 54 races in ALMS competition and four wins at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. The race team's continued success set the stage for the ZR1 program as well as the development of new Corvette tires for the replacement market.

Michelin's latest ultra-high performance tire combines Michelin's latest Zero Pressure™ (ZP) technology with race-proven, yet road-worthy capabilities to maximize the performance of a true American sportscar.

The Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tire also benefits from generations of Michelin run-flat technology innovation and is specially-tuned for the ultimate in no-compromise performance- superior cornering grip and tuned sidewall rigidity for lateral acceleration, all combined with exceptional ride comfort, noise reduction, wet handling and extended tread life.

"Drivers of ultra-high performance vehicles demand the very best for their vehicles. For these enthusiasts, the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tire is the only choice; we created this tire with these drivers in mind," said Nicolas Goubert, brand category manager, Michelin North America. "Our Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tires provide precision handling and control in high-speed cornering and maximized grip in both wet and dry conditions without sacrificing the ride."

As an ultra-high performance summer tire, the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tire evolves from the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 family of low-profile, Z-rated tires. The Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tire offers all the impressive performance characteristics of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, plus run-flat capability.

It also delivers comfort levels similar to those of standard Pilot Sport PS2 tires, while delivering improved cornering control, thanks to an advanced sidewall and variable contact patch technology.

Featuring a unique, asymmetric tread pattern and a highly-customized tread compound, the Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tire delivers an astonishing level of wet and dry performance for crisp cornering and high-speed capability.

The asymmetric tread design presents large outer shoulder blocks and continuous intermediate and center ribs to enhance steering response and cornering stability. The inner tread design features a higher groove to rubber ratio with wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that help channel water through the footprint to enhance wet road traction. In addition, the Pilot Sport PS2 ZP features excellent tread life similar to the standard Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, without sacrificing performance.

Available replacement tire sizes for the Corvette include:

For the Corvette C5:

• P245/45ZR17 95Y Pilot Sport 2 ZP
• P275/40ZR18 99Y Pilot Sport 2 ZP

For the Corvette C6:

• P245/40ZR18 93Y Pilot Sport 2 ZP
• P285/35ZR19 99Y Pilot Sport 2 ZP

For the Corvette C6 Z06: (available August 1st 2009)

• P275/35ZR18 (87Y) Pilot Sport 2 ZP
• P325/30ZR19 (94Y) Pilot Sport 2 ZP

For the Corvette ZR1:

• P285/30ZR19 (87Y) Pilot Sport 2 ZP
• P335/25ZR20 (94Y) Pilot Sport 2 ZP

For Corvette C6 Z06 owners willing to maximize their car's track performance, Michelin recommends the usage of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup. The size selection made by Ron Fellows shows a significant track time improvement. The most appropriate fitment is:

• P265/35 18 (93Y) Pilot Sport Cup
• P325/30 19 (101Y) Pilot Sport Cup

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelinman.com) employs more than 22,600 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.