CLERMONT-FERRAND, France—Michelin has developed a special version of its Pilot Sport Cup 2 ultra-high performance tire for the new Audi R8.
Michelin said the tire will be an optional fitment that can be specified by customers. It can be identified by the RO1 marking on its sidewall.
Michelin said that it developed the tire within 15 months of receiving the initial specifications by Audi, which required it to have high levels of dry grip without any compromise in safety on wet roads.
To address the requirements, Michelin developed Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which it claims have high levels of grip on dry and wet surfaces and a good balance between front and rear grip, especially during cornering.
The tires feature tread designs that combine multiple rubber compounds developed in motorsport series. There are two different compounds used in the front tire and three in the rear to provide high levels of safety, grip, handling and durability.