Have Michelin-rated chefs had an impact on tire design? It may be the perfect collaboration as the tire maker’s debut Primacy MXM4 uses sunflower oil – common in light-cooking recipes – to create a new rubber compound.
It turns out that sunflower oil, used in Michelin’s patented Helio Compound technology, allows the new luxury performance tire to “maintain its edge in wet and snowy weather while still delivering safety, all-weather handling, great ride quality and comfort that luxury consumers demand,” according to category manager Dominique Josson.
“While the vibrant, strong sunflower is recognized worldwide for its beauty, its benefits are not as apparent. The oil from sunflowers is a valued and healthy vegetable oil, and sunflower seeds are enjoyed as a healthy, tasty snack and nutritious ingredient to many foods,” he explains.
When applied to a tire, the use of sunflower oil delivers a stopping distance of up to two car lengths shorter – up to 19 feet under wet conditions – than a leading competitor, says Josson.
“Sometimes you don’t have to look further than your own kitchen to find a viable, technical solution,” Josson observes. “Sunflower oil is particularly useful in high performance, all season tires because it allows the tire to maintain winter performance that might otherwise be sacrificed to gain handling and wet grip.”
By utilizing the technologically advanced Helio Compound, made with the oil from specific types of sunflowers, the MXM4 tire increases traction at low temperatures for braking and handling in wet conditions, and has better overall performance in the snow, he elaborates.
It also has 3-D Variable Thickness Sipes for precision handling and MaxTouch Construction for greater longevity while reaching Michelin’s Green X standard for energy efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions, adds Josson.
Available in July, the Primacy MXM4 will eventually replace the Pilot MXM4.
The new release currently has seven original equipment fitments on selected Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti and Buick models.
For more information, visit www.michelinman.com.
