GREENVILLE, S.C.—Michelin North America Inc. has updated its Pilot Sport All-Season ultra-high-performance tire line with the All-Season 4, a product it claims offers measurable improvements in performance over the product it's replacing, the All-Season 3+.
The latest version of the company's all-season UHP tire offers improvement of 4 percent in dry braking, 5 percent in wet braking and 10 percent in snow traction, Michelin said, while claiming it also offers up to 29 percent longer tread life than leading competitors.
Michelin launched the All-Season 3+ in early 2016 to replace the Sport A/S 3, which debuted in 2013 as the successor to the Pilot Sport All-Season Plus that rolled out in 2008.
The Pilot Sport All-Season 4 was developed with "Dynamic Response Technology," Michelin said, which is employed to help ensure forces and temperatures are distributed evenly for a longer tread life.
The tire has a Z speed rating and launched July 1 in 59 sizes, covering 16- through 22-inch rim diameters, ranging from 205/55ZR16 to 275/35ZR22.
The range will be expanded to 105 sizes by July 2021, with 31 larger rim-size SKUs for more coverage of the SUV/CUV market. This represents roughly 85 percent coverage of the targeted market, Michelin said.
Pricing information was not disclosed.
The tire's asymmetric tread pattern puts more rubber on the outer shoulder, which helps deliver lateral dry grip, Michelin said. A "race-inspired" silica-reinforced tread compound and large rain groove contributes to the tire's improved wet grip and resistance to hydroplaning.
To further complement wet performance and snow grip, Michelin uses 360-degree variable sipe technology comprising full-depth and interlocking sipes.
"We built this tire for passionate drivers who need their vehicles to perform in wet, dry or even cold, snowy conditions," Michelin Brand Director Matthew Cabe said.
Michelin is offering a 45,000-mile limited treadwear warranty and a standard limited warranty on workmanship and materials for six years.
Among the vehicles Michelin is targeting for this tire line are: Alfa Romeo Giulia; Audi Q7, A8 and S4; BMW X5; Chevrolet Corvette C8; Lexus IS; Mercedes GLC and AMG C Class; Range Rover Sport; Tesla Model X and S; Volvo XC90 and XC60; and Volkswagen GTI.
A run-flat version of the Sport 3+ is an OE option on the mid-engine 2020 Corvette.