Michelin develops bespoke rubber for the new Mercedes-AMG GT R

LinkedIn +

The road-legal Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are designed specifically for use on track and feature a new single rubber compound developed in motorsport series such as the World Endurance Championship.

The tire also has an optimized profile and asymmetric tread design. This combination has ensured an optimum balance between handling, grip and endurance on track which was specified by AMG’s engineers.

As AMG’s most advanced road car to date, the challenge for Michelin’s engineers was to design an ultra-high-performance tire which provides the highest levels of safety in a variety of road and track conditions while not compromising on tire life – particularly during circuit use.

During the 18-month development process Michelin produced and tested almost 900 prototype tires and 800 pre-series tires. These were extensively tested by both Michelin drivers and AMG’s engineers on a number of circuits including Nardo, Nurburgring and Michelin’s own Ladoux test tracks near Clermont-Ferrand, France.

In addition to the new mono-compound and asymmetric tread pattern, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires also incorporate the motorsport-developed track variable contact patch 3.0. This optimizes pressure in the tire’s contact patch so the same amount of rubber is always in contact with the road or track, whether driving in a straight line or cornering.

The Mercedes-AMG GT R is equipped with sizes 275/35 ZR 19 at the front and 325/30 ZR 20 at the rear.

Share this story:

About Author

mm

Rachel's career in journalism began around five years ago when she started working for UKi Media & Events, having recently graduated from Coventry University where she studied the subject. Her favourite aspect of the job is interviewing industry experts, including researchers, scientists, engineers and technicians, and learning more about the ground-breaking technologies and innovations that are shaping the future of the automotive and tire industries.

Comments are closed.