Michelin at the 65th Frankfurt International Motor Show
The MICHELIN tires of the future, already in the FIA Formula E Championship.
The new MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire already being put to the test on the world’s leading sports cars.
The MICHELIN Total Performance strategy already applied in tire certification programs for the new Peugeot 308 and the Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE technological demonstrator.
Overview – Michelin at the 65th Frankfurt International Motor Show
On its stand at the 65th Frankfurt International Motor Show, Michelin is demonstrating once again that tire innovation is at the heart of all its business operations. That’s why the Group’s research and development teams transfer technologies developed through automobile racing for the benefit of the general public.
The Michelin Group has announced that it is actively participating in the FIA Formula E Championship. The technological interest of the sport (in which full-electric cars take part), the fact that the races are held in downtown areas and the use of single-seat cars equipped for the first time with 18-inch tires represent technical challenges for new tires. Michelin’s involvement shows that automobile racing can provide tangible solutions to issues involving the mobility of people and goods.
The Michelin Group has announced that its new ultra-high performance tire, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2, is the only tire certified for two new exceptional cars presented at the show, the Ferrari 458 Speciale and the Porsche 918 Spyder.
In line with the MICHELIN Total Performance strategy, which makes it possible to deliver more performance in a single tire, Michelin has announced that the MICHELIN Energy Saver + and MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 tires are equipping the new Peugeot 308, thereby helping to make the car more energy efficient while delivering outstanding safety, handling and longevity.
This approach has also been applied to concept vehicles like the Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE, for which Michelin developed a range of Tall and Narrow tires with a longer rim diameter that simultaneously help to optimize performance in areas that are seemingly irreconcilable.
The MICHELIN tires of the future, already in the FIA Formula E Championship
û Energy-efficient tires measuring 18 inches in diameter.
û Versatile tires, with a tread designed for dry and wet tracks.
û True racing tires, delivering performance never before attained with a treaded tire.
MICHELIN has become the official tire-supply partner to the FIA Formula E Championship for the first two years, having been awarded the contract by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in March 2013. The French tiremaker demonstrated its exceptional skills in three areas: technical expertise, marketing approach and involvement in initiatives that enhance mobility.
At the presentation of the Spark-Renault SRT_01EFormula E electric single-seat racecar (which will be used by all teams during the championship’s first season) during the Frankfurt International Motor Show, Michelin unveiled the tires developed specially for the new car, which are revolutionizing the design of tires for single-seat sports cars.
“In Frankfurt, Michelin is presenting new-generation 18-inch tires, a first for single-seat race cars,” says Pascal Couasnon, head of the Group's Motorsport Division. “The tires were designed to deliver energy efficiency and to be as close as possible to street tires. In this way, the new FIA Formula E Championship is serving as a full-fledged laboratory for the development of the MICHELIN tires of the future.”
18-inch tires
For the first time in the history of motorsports, a world championship involving single-seat cars will be run on 18-inch tires. Michelin’s choice, which was enthusiastically endorsed by the sport’s governing authorities, was guided mainly by a desire to deliver energy efficiency as well as a close resemblance between racing tires and street tires.
“The supersport cars produced by the leading automobile manufacturers are already fitted with hybrid propulsion systems,” says Nicolas Goubert, Michelin Motorsport Technical Director. “The new Porsche 918 Spyder[1], for example, can be driven for several kilometers in full-electric mode. That’s why the energy efficiency delivered by these new-generation tires is so important. The Michelin Motorsport Division is the Group’s research and development laboratory, so we’re taking advantage of our participation in the new FIA Formula E Championship to explore new areas and thus nurture the innovation process at our Technology Center.”
Versatile, treaded tires for wet and dry tracks
The new MICHELIN tires for the FIA Formula E Championship have a tread that is designed for use on both dry and wet tracks. As such, they are adapted to all Championship circuits and all weather conditions. Delivering this unique versatility was one of the goals of the Michelin Motorsport developers.
“When driving on the open road in traffic, nobody uses slick tires on his car, even if it is very sporty,” says Nicolas Goubert. “That's why we wanted to use treaded tires for the FIA Formula E Championship, which is held on circuits created in downtown areas. By staying close to reality, the transfer of racing tire technology to street tires is more relevant and can be made faster.”
For each meeting, drivers will have one set of tyres per each car to cover free practice, qualifying and the race.
Incomparable performance for a treaded tire
Although treaded, the MICHELIN tires used in the FIA Formula E Championship are nonetheless true racing tires.
“No treaded tire today can deliver the same level of performance as the MICHELIN tires designed for the FIA Formula E Championship,” says Nicolas Goubert. “We designed them in accordance with the MICHELIN Total Performance strategy to offer speed, versatility of use and longevity on a level worthy of a single-seat car World Championship. To get these results, we combined our expertise with technological advances in the area of materials, architecture and tread design. We also relied heavily on digital simulation systems, which enabled us to be more efficient when developing our new tires so that we could more quickly identify solutions that delivered more performance. Tire tests on the new car will begin in December 2013.”
For MICHELIN, the FIA Formula E Championship provides an opportunity to develop new technologies, working closely with world-class partners. In designing the new single-seater, Spark Racing Technology has been supported by industry-leading companies, such as Dallara (chassis), McLaren (propulsion system), Renault (electronics and optimization) and Williams (batteries).
Contestants in the first season of the FIA Formula E Championship, scheduled to begin in September 2014, are currently being determined. Andretti Autosport, China Racing and Drayson Racing are the first teams to have committed to the competition. In all, ten teams and twenty cars are scheduled to take part in the championship's first season.
“Michelin is delighted with the global scope that this new FIA World Championship is acquiring,” says Serge Grisin, head of Michelin’s automobile racing operations. “Since the beginning, we have supported this project both for the technological interest provided by the Group and because the events are to be held in downtown areas. This new type of competition is in tune with the times. It creates an exciting event for the public, while also demonstrating that automobile racing can provide real-life solutions to mobility issues. We’re convinced that the FIA Formula E Championship is the urban mobility laboratory of the future.”
The new MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire already being put to the test on the world’s leading sports cars
The new MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 is the only tire already approved for the new Ferrari 458 Speciale, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series and the new Porsche 918 Spyder.
The co-development projects led by teams from Michelin and the three carmakers made it possible to develop three highly distinctive vehicles.
On September 18, 2013 (9.18.2013), production of the new Porsche 918 Spyder will begin. Michelin will be the sole tire supplier for this new hybrid supercar, of which 918 units will be produced.
A major achievement: delivering superior performance in four conflicting areas
Performance on dry surfaces, energy efficiency, safety on wet roads and long-lasting on the track were the demands made by Porsche when developing tires for the 918 Spyder. In short, the performance required from Michelin’s tires perfectly reflects the features of the supercar, which, with its dual thermal and electric powertrain, combines sportiness, reduced fuel consumption and endurance.
Used at very high speeds and on the track, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 offer stability (meaning front/rear balance), sportiness (response time and agility), grip and consistent performance, lap after lap (thanks to a rubber compound that performs well at high temperatures). To improve safety, the tire’s handling on wet surfaces was of course reworked. As a result, the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 provides stability, balance and grip on wet roads as well as improved resistance to aquaplaning, both lateral (when cornering) and longitudinal (caused by engine torque).
New MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires to exclusively equip the new Ferrari 142 Speciale
In developing the alliance between the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire and the new Ferrari supersport car, the tire manufacturer and the carmaker pooled their cutting-edge engineering resources, wheel assembly expertise, passion for performance, measurement technology, and the skills and analytical capabilities of their developers and test drivers.
The simultaneous co-development of the tire and the car, through tests on both the simulator and the track, led to superior performance in three specific areas that were identified prior to the start of the project: faster lap time on dry asphalt, consistent performance lap after lap and optimal grip on wet roads.
All cars in the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series will be equipped with the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2.
The mission assigned to the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which will provide road contact for all cars in the new Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series, is to effectively manage performance. AMG set demanding criteria for the tires that will equip its supersport model, and the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 complies fully with the carmaker’s specifications. The new range delivers the total performance required by the auto manufacturer and is the only tire to display Mercedes Benz’s own certification markings for the new SLS AMG Black Series. Operating in perfect harmony with the car, the tire is capable of providing 1) continuous precision steering, whether the driver is taking to the track with cold tires or leaving it with heated tires; 2) agility and quicker responsiveness that enable drivers to get the most out of the model’s sporty engine and chassis; 3) maximum grip, for higher speeds; 4) exceptional heat resistance to ensure consistent performance, lap after lap; and, lastly, 5) adherence, balance and stability on wet surfaces for carefree driving, even when weather conditions worsen.
The new MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire with its five high-tech features
The tread compound
Produced with the same tools used to manufacture racing tires, the tread compound for the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 integrates Bi-Compound technology, which involves the use of different rubber compounds on the inside and outside of the tread. The outer rubber is made with a high molecular weight elastomer whose hardness has been specially designed to deliver maximum adherence and outstanding dry grip on curves, especially on tight corners, while the inner side of the tire uses rubber made with a more rigid elastomer to ensure precision steering.
An aramid fiber belt
The main feature of the belt made with aramid, a high-tenacity fiber, is its heightened tensile strength. This composite is both light and highly resistant; in fact, it is five times more resistant than steel at equivalent weight. Positioned on the crown under the tread, the strip rubber is applied with variable tension between the shoulders and the center of the tire. It is tightened so firmly that it literally locks the tire structure into a practically inelastic belt. As a result, the tire’s shape is effectively preserved and its footprint remains constant, even at very high speeds.
The Track Variable Contact Patch 3.0®
This innovation is adapted from Variable Contact Patch 2.0 technology integrated in the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport tire. It optimizes pressure in the tire's contact patch so the same amount of rubber is always in contact with the track, whether driving in a straight line or cornering, even sharply.
A new bead region
The bead region is 10% wider than that of a traditional sports tire. It is strengthened with a high modulus rubber compound that increases the tire's lateral stiffness and delivers sporty responsiveness as well as precision steering, thanks to the high-quality data transmitted to the steering wheel.
“Velvet” sidewalls
A special tooling process in the molds combined with the Group’s unique expertise has led to the development of MICHELIN Velvet Technology®. This solution has made it possible to create contrast on certain sections of the outer sidewall using micro-geometry techniques that absorb light. The geometry of the texture thus generated allows engineers to vary the contrast and create shades of black that have the appearance of velvet.
The MICHELIN Total Performance strategy already applied in tire certification programs for the new Peugeot 308 and the Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE technological demonstrator.
A certification process in line with the MICHELIN Total Performance strategy
MICHELIN Total Performance is the strategy of developing tires that deliver more performance, regardless of market segment. Michelin designs and manufactures tires that combine safety in all driving conditions (on dry and wet pavement, on straights as well as curves), improved fuel efficiency and greater total mileage, which is a key consumer concern because of its impact on the total cost of owning a car.
MICHELIN Total Performance applies to every kind of tire. For each specific carmaker certification program, Michelin always strives to deliver the best across-the-board performance and meet the full range of customer needs in each market segment.
Michelin, a strategic partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroën to develop tires for the new Peugeot 308
û Michelin, providing strategic support for the overall performance of the new Peugeot 308 in terms of energy efficiency, dynamic features and weight reduction.
û Two tire lineups for four wheel sizes: a comprehensive response from Michelin to the carmaker’s ambitious specifications, with the MICHELIN Energy Saver + and MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 tires.
û A major contribution from the MICHELIN ENERGY Saver + with reductions of three grams per kilometer in CO2 emissions and three meters in braking distance on wet surfaces.
The tire development project led by Michelin engineers for the new Peugeot 308 was guided by a commitment to providing drivers of the new model with tires that enabled them to get the most out of their car. The Michelin engineers in charge of co-developing the tires for the new 308 understood every aspect of Peugeot’s specifications and teams were able to respond in record time, demonstrating once again that the long-term strategic partnership between the two companies has led to the development of a vehicle that delivers high-level performance.
Michelin enhances the energy excellence and dynamic features of the Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE
The Michelin tires fitted on the Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE technological demonstrator, which was designed by teams from Peugeot Sport and Total, meet all expectations in the areas of energy efficiency, road-holding ability and dynamic features.
Objectives of the Peugeot 208 Hybrid FE: CO2 emissions of 49 grams per kilometer and the ability to accelerate from 0 à 100 km/h in 8 seconds.
The technological demonstrator features the latest innovations in terms of aerodynamic features, a lightweight powertrain, composite materials, fuel and lubricants, as well as Michelin tires that deliver improvements in areas generally considered to be irreconcilable. With their unique sizes and shapes that improve a vehicle’s aerodynamic performance, as well as their architecture, materials and tread design, the MICHELIN tires help to reduce fuel consumption while providing enhanced safety on wet surfaces and all the road handling qualities required by the car’s manufacturer.
Tall & Narrow: two words that accurately describe these tires, whose unique geometry combined with a highly innovative architecture and material solutions enable it to deliver more overall performance.
For the Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE, Michelin research teams leveraged the latest technological advances to design a Tall & Narrow tire in a totally new size: 165/65 R19.
This choice of size created a breakthrough in vehicle design while simultaneously improving performance in several areas:
û Its innovative design, combined with the new size, improved the tire’s aerodynamics and considerably lowered its rolling resistance, thereby significantly increasing the vehicle’s energy efficiency.
û Comfort was improved, since the tires more effectively absorb irregularities in the road surface.
û Noise was considerably reduced.
û The tire is more resistant to aquaplaning, due to the more pronounced bow effect created by narrow tires with a long diameter
A weight reduction of 2.5 kg provided by each tire
Michelin has also focused on reducing tire weight, achieving a reduction of 2.5 kg per tire[2], or 10 kg for the whole vehicle. Thanks to this optimized tire, the advanced-technology Hybrid FE can realize its full potential in terms of energy efficiency while maintaining its high-level dynamic and safety performance.
The new Michelin tire contributes to the vehicle’s modern, enhancive design. Michelin R&D teams reworked the tire’s size ranges, structure, materials and tread design so that, in the end, the Michelin prototype tire enhances the car’s very stylish appearance while meeting all of the manufacturer’s specifications.
[1] Note: See page 7 for a description of the Michelin tires developed for the Porsche 918 Spyder.
[2] Compared with the MICHELIN Exalto 205/45R17 88V XL TL tire, fitted on the Peugeot 208 GTi.
Presschef Michelin Nordic: Lotta WRANGLE
Telefon: 46 8 709 07 76, Mobil: 46 72 250 07 40, E-post: lotta.wrangle@se.michelin.com