ME’s Better Michelin Tires

[John]

Michelin's Majorly Improved PS4 tires for the 2020 ME Corvette!

Since tire performance is an absolute major factor in sports car performance, going from the C7’s Michelin PSS tires(except for the Cup 2’s on the Z07 versions), to the greatly improved Michelin PS4’s will in and off itself, help massively make the ME a more capable vehicle than a PSS shod C7.



Here is what it looks like (thanks to TireRack). It has a 9% longer tread life rating than the PSS (which Michelin says translates to an additional 2,700 mile average tread life increase)



For those who want to watch another excellent video by Jason Fenske of “Engineering Explained” of the differences/improvements of the PS4’s (lengthy, 9 minutes, by worth it IMO), specifically learning the details of its structure and composition:

And a comparison video by England’s TyreReviews.com

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S - Launch and First Drive

Michelin have officially launched the replacement to the "internet's favourite tyre". The new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S betters the Michelin Pilot Super Sport in every measurable category, and looks to extend its dominance over its rivals in the maximum performance tyre sector.



As with the Pilot Super Sport, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is only available in larger sizes and aimed at high performance vehicles. At launch it is offered in 19" and above, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 covering the 16" to 18" fitment.

Launched at the Thermal Club in Palm Springs, Michelin gave Tyre Reviews an early opportunity to drive on the new tyre, covering road and track driving on various vehicles. Development


The obvious question is why have Michelin chosen to replace the Pilot Super Sport when it's still widely regarded as class leading in the segment? Michelin have always been a company to push the boundaries of tyre technology, and the lessons Michelin have learnt in motorsport such as Le Man and Formula E where longevity, wet and dry grip are key, can be transferred to the new tyre without any compromising other aspects of the tyre.

During the development of the Pilot Sport 4 S Michelin looked to improve every area of the Pilot Super Sport, but specifically targeted dry laptime and dry and wet braking as the key areas to improve.

In order to improve the dry lap time Michelin used an updated hybrid nylon and aramid belt. This helps prevent the tyre deforming at high speed or load, meaning Michelin have more control over the contact patch on the road, and the driver's steering inputs are transmitted quickly through the tyre to the road without excessive tyre deformation.



To improve wet and dry braking, Michelin have updated their manufacturing process in order to lay two types of compound across the surface of the tyre to target both wet and dry grip, called "bi compound" technology. This technology is directly taken from competition tyres, and uses a new type of compound for the inner part of the tyre to improve wet grip.



Wear has never been a problem for Michelin, with the Pilot Super Sport being one of the best wearing tyres in the class, but Michelin have again improved the tread life by using a custom computer model to carefully control the high pressure part of the tyre surface in order to keep temperatures even, and wear low.



Other additions include a deep rim protector, and Michelin's patented velvet sidewall technology, to give the tyre a unique premium look The Drive


During the time in Palm Springs, Tyre Reviews had the opportunity to test the new Pilot Sport 4 S during road driving on an Audi R8 V10+, Ferrari California T and a Mercedes C63 AMG S, and on the track using a BMW M4.



During each drive, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S proved to be an incredible tyre, providing endless grip whatever the surface, and each vehicle felt stable and balanced when pushed to, and past the limit.

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article...irst-Drive.htm

[Frenzy36]

Great info it's always nice to keep up on the latest tread and rubber compounds that produce longevity and braking and handling capabilities.

[Bikerjulio]

So these are not run flats then?

[NewYuriCity]

So these are not run flats then?

The tires the test miles have been driving on are Michelin Pilot 4S ZP tires, meaning yes they are run flats. A good indication that these are the final production version tires is that I don’t believe the Pilot 4S is currently available as a run-flat, meaning the C8 would be the first car with run-flat Pilot 4S tires.

Look just clockwise of the checkered flag after “Pilot Sport 4S” for the ZP (zero pressure) markings.

[Bikerjulio]

OK got it. So the tires tested in the OP are not the tires that would appear to be on the new ME. I asked because the reviews didn't mention it.

Different manufacturers seem to have differing approaches. My VW has no spare and came with regular tires. My C6 is running on regular tires as well.

[NewYuriCity]

Yes and no, while they’re technically not the same tires the compound will likely be 99% the same if not exact, the sidewalk will likely just be stiffened up to support the tire in the case of a loss of pressure. That will change some of the handling characteristics because of the stiffer sidewalk but Michelin’s technology for the run-flats has gotten to be pretty incredible and I’m sure this next generation tire will be better still. Regardless, this should be a VERY good tire!

[John]

Good eye and analysis NewYuriCity! The tires that the C7 customer cars have are far evolved from those that the first Michelins put on early C7 development cars. Corvette tires are always a specifically engineered for a Corvette (are a “spec” tire), meaning that a PSS of a specific size is diffferrent from a PSS of the same size for another performance sports car.

During the C7’s development process, Michelin and Corvette, which have at least one engineer working with the other company during the development process, went through at least three different tire versions until the C7 went into the customer production version.

First, GM gave Michelin specs for the first C7 mules, such as its wheelbase, weights X pounds, has corner weighting of Y, these spring rates, and so much more. Michelin, for as we know they have engineers who then traveled full time with the Corvette C6.R team and has already developed the tires for the C6 performance models, engineered tires specially for the first C7 mules. GM evaluated those, and of course as it was very early in the development of the C7 proces (could well have been 2011, certainly early 2012), shared their original feedback on those tires with Michelin. Of course, compounding this as a result of its own testing, the C7 was a “moving target” during its development process, e.g., GM changed some spring rates, shock rates, and made other changes from the original mules as they transitioned from the C7 mules into the first stage C7 IVERS. During this time, GM continually shared their revised C7 info on their IVERs to Michelin. Michelin then created the C7 PSS V2’s (version 2).

This back and forth info and component development process, was first outlined during a private seminar that Chief Michelin Corvette Tire Engineer, Lee Willard, held with those of us who were part of the 1.13.13 reveal weekend package. Lee then described how each progressive version PSS’s evolved through this back and forth process. By the time the C7 IVERS has developed into the stage 2 IVERS, Michelin had provided another, further engineering-evolved, set (v3) for GM to test — again maybe even version # 4 tires for the production car.

As all the above was described a year before the Z06 was revealed, I am guessing but do not definitively know, that this same multi-step, back and forth process was used to develop both the PSS’s for the stage 1 and 2 Z06’s, and for the Cup 2’s for the stage 3 Z07’s.

[WWR]

I won't ever TRACK my ME and I will have to drive it in all types of weather that I deem necessary. So I guess I'll have to be prepared to put what ever Michelin sells as an all weather replacement.

[John]

The good news is that even if Michelin does not need develop a replacement tire for the A/S 3+ (which I have on my DD’s and I really like), for we know the current sizes for the A/S 3+ for the C7 Stingray’a tires sizes are identical to the entry ME tire sizes, i.e., at least we will not have to wait and wait for them to appear in our Corvette sizes —as we needed to during the C7 gen.

[WWR]

I'd like to be able to get All Weather from the get go

[John]

Summarizing the two videos, the ME’s 4S brakes in shorter distance (wet and dry), better lap times, less noise/vibration/harshness (NVH), better comfort, and better wear than the PSS tires on C7’s.

What’s not to like about these improvements!!!

[JB]

Excellent information John. I have full confidence michelin will deliver excellence for the c8.

[whl3]

At 15,000 miles and a little over a year ago, I rolled the dice and replaced my OEM ZP's on my 2015 Z51 C7 with S4S's. Before doing so, I "chatted" with Michelin on-line since they did not show them as replacements for my Z51. They said that they were "heavy duty" tires and not compatible. By the time I spoke with the Michelin reps at the BASH a couple of years ago, I had already pulled the trigger. They, however, also thought I should stick with the OEM ZP's. At the NAIAS this year, I spoke with the Michelin personnel there. He thought it was a smart decision on my part. Since then, Michelin shows on their website that the S4S's as being replacements for the Z51's 19" and 20" wheels (but obviously not the Z06 and GS 19" & 20" wheels!). The tread and compound may be slightly different with the ME Corvette ZP's, but I can't say enough good things about my current non-ZP S4S's. Obviously, my experience and observations are more "seat of the pants" than any scientific tire testing. By a decibel meter on my I-phone, they are quieter by about 4db's at 70 mph on the same stretch of highway. I've tracked the car with the S4S's a couple of times. Without a doubt, they have better dry grip and produced better lap times than did the OEM ZP's. I've not pushed the car in any wet conditions so I can't say that the wet grip is better but I'm sure Michelin's claim is true. After about 7,000 miles and a couple of track sessions, the tires show very little tread wear. When the ME Corvette is finally out and road tested, many will give all of the positive kudos to the car's engineering for its handling but a good deal should probably be also shared by the Michelin S4S's!!!

[John]

What a great review whl3. Thank you for your being a pioneer and helping us learn. So, SO glad they are working well for you. Can you please comment on the independent and Michelin reviews that they have lower NVH and are more “comfortable” tires?

[whl3]

I assume, John, that you are speaking of "Noise, Vibration, and Harshness" which I assume all relates to a more "comfortable" (ride) tire? Once again this is a "seat of the pants" very unscientific evaluation but I would say that in all cases the S4S is a superior tire to the OEM ZP PSS tires. It's been a while since I've run the car with OEM standard equipment tires so it's difficult to sit here and make a definitive comparison. I know from the get-go, I was happy, and so was Marty! Previous to replacing the tires, I did extensive sound insulation to the interior of the car. Besides better tire tread mileage, and both better wet and dry grip, I was very interested in the S4S's creating less road noise. In that case I was able to make a comparison with the decibel meter from my cell phone. I never did quite understand the Michelin personnel's definition of "heavy duty"! ZP OEM's for the C7 are not considered "heavy duty"! How could any tire be more "heavy duty" than one constructed for run-flat zero pressure? Heavy duty or not, besides creating less road noise, the tire has to be more compliant to road irregularities than is the PSS OEM tire. And as I stated above, the ZP OEM tire on the ME Corvette may be an altogether different wall construction than the current tire I have on my C7. Surely a lot of the rubber tire technology will carry over to give the car a more comfortable, yet very compliant, ride.