Press: New Michelin Tires for C5, C6 and C6 Z06

[Rob]

Michelin(R) Pilot(R) Sport PS2(TM) ZP Tire Introduces a New Level of Performance for Corvette Owners and Enthusiasts

GREENVILLE, S.C., June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognized as the tire brand of choice for the world's greatest supercars, Michelin is introducing the Pilot(R) Sport PS2(TM) ZP tire, now available for the Corvette C5, C6Z06 as a plus-one fitment and additional sizes for the C6 model in October. The ultra-high performance tire combines Michelin's latest Zero Pressure(TM) technology with race-proven, yet road-worthy capabilities to maximize the performance of a true American sportscar.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080625/LAW071-a)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080625/LAW071-b)

An ultra-high performance summer tire, the new 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 lining 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.

"The Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tire sets the standard for what an ultra-high performance run-flat tire can do," said Nicolas Goubert, brand category manager, Michelin North America. "For Corvette enthusiasts seeking top performance and excellent wear life from their supercars, the Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tire is the only choice, providing precision handling and control in high-speed cornering and maximized grip in both wet and dry conditions without sacrificing the ride."

Available on Aug. 1, 2008, replacement tire sizes for the Corvette C5 include:

245/45ZR17 95Y Pilot Sport 2 ZP
275/40ZR18 99Y Pilot Sport 2 ZP


Available on Aug. 1, 2008, replacement tire sizes (as a plus-one fitment) for the Corvette C6Z06 include:

P285/35ZR19 (87Y) Pilot Sport 2 ZP
P335/30ZR20 (94Y) Pilot Sport 2 ZP


Available in Oct. 2008, replacement tire sizes for the Corvette C6 will include:

245/40ZR18 93Y Pilot Sport 2 ZP
285/35ZR19 99Y Pilot Sport 2 ZP


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 (http://www.michelin-us.com) employs more than 22,300 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.

For more information, visit http://www.michelinmedia.com or contact:

Lynne Slovick
Michelin North America, Inc.
office: 1 864 458 6365
mobile: 1 864 561 9914
lynne.slovick@us.michelin.com

Eric Booth
Hill & Knowlton
office: 1 949 223 2330
mobile: 1 562 252 6036
e-mail: eric.booth@hillandknowlton.com

offer comfort levels near those of the standard PS2 tires while delivering improved cornering control, thanks to an advanced sidewall and Variable Contact Patch technology.

Website: http://www.michelin-us.com/
Website: http://www.michelinmedia.com/

 

[NORTY]

It appears that Michy is using the ZR1 for their flagship tires (19's & 20's). They have "double sidewalls" (1 for runflat stiffness & the other for high lateral loads.) They are "warranted to last 20,000 miles" (under "normal" driving.) With a ZR1? HA! It'll be interesting to see what they weigh.

The tires for the ZR1 are built with a "durable transition area between the sidewall and the tread surface." This should reduce "steering snap" as found on edges of roads where the tire "climbs" up an edge. At speed this can/ does cause violent steering inputs to correct and loss of control if going fast enough. (It'll certainly "throw you about" inside the car if not belted in securely.) Anyway, I hope the tire works well as traction is going to be critical for a 600ft.lb., 3300lb car.

 

[Tuna]

I noticed that the standard C6 tires are just "Y" rated and not "(Y)" rated. The GY F1 GS2's on the 2008 are "(Y)" tires since it's supposed to be 190 MPH capable.

So, if you buy "Y" rated tires, you'll have to keep it under 186 MPH. :nono :Silly :crazy

 

[dougatl]

And you'll notice the tire sizes Michelin lists for the Z06 are actually not the same size as the stock tires for the Z. They list 19 for front and 20 for rears, not what the Z currently runs with.
doug

 

[Tuna]

Well, the release does note that the ZO6 fitment is a "plus-one" fitment.

 

[LexionC6]

So does this mean if I were to order a 09 C6 after the Oct. date, would I be able to get the Michelin tires instead of the Goodyears?

 

[PeterG]

So does this mean if I were to order a 09 C6 after the Oct. date, would I be able to get the Michelin tires instead of the Goodyears?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That is a great question in need of the only acceptable answer: Yes... Let's hope so.

 

[yellow_2002_germany]

I wonder when it is time for me to replace my Firestones if I will be able to afford the Michelins??