Porsche’s new Panamera will be equipped with specially designed Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 and Pilot Alpin PA3 tires.
Michelin executives report that the company “has leveraged its extensive technological skills to provide Porsche’s four-door GT car with optimal grip in all situations – on wet or dry roads and in summer or winter.”
In addition to meeting the highest safety standards, they say their winter tires also respond to Porsche’s specifications regarding handling, comfort and energy efficiency; the selected tires help reduce vehicle fuel consumption, and therefore CO2 emissions, while also enhancing the car’s sporty handling.
“Michelin’s innovative capabilities are rooted in its ability to simultaneously improve different areas of tire performance. The high technologies, know-how, understanding of materials, and manufacturing expertise allow Michelin to combine these seemingly irreconcilable qualities,” the company says, noting that its tire expertise “is aligned with the goal set by Porsche when defining the new Panamera: To create the first car that combines outstanding dynamic qualities and the highest level of passenger comfort.”
There was close cooperation among engineers from the two firms throughout the three-year project.
The Sport PS2 was subject to 90-minute tests at speeds of more than 186mph, with a 20-minute burst at 220 mph. The tire maker’s technical teams dedicated to the high performance category produced more than 2,000 prototypes for the summer tire and 1,000 for the winter tire. Testing was conducted at different locations around the world, most notably at temperatures as low as -13 degrees F to test winter tire rubber compounds.
For more information, visit www.michelin-us.com.
