The summer tire Michelin Pilot Sport PS3 Acoustic, like the "basic" version of this model, is designed for sports modifications of serial passenger cars. The key difference is the reduced level of noise and vibrations. In other operational properties, both tires are practically identical, as they demonstrate excellent handling and traction in any conditions.
Acoustic
The Acoustic version owes its existence to Mercedes-Benz, which included this tire in the list of options for the S-class model only after the French tire concern agreed to bring the acoustic comfort indicators to the values required by the Germans. Moreover, the question was about the noise level not outside, but inside the cabin. The standard Pilot Sport 3 "sinned" with an increased level of vibrations. They were transmitted to the cabin in the form of low-frequency hum, with which the noise insulation of even the S-class could do little. The solution to the problem was the appearance of an additional layer of polyurethane foam located directly under the tread. I.e., it was separated from the power elements of the frame, which were the main source of vibrations. The final result was a reduction in noise inside the car by 8 dB. At the same time, the lightness and other physical properties of the material used made it possible to maintain the tire's performance at the same level.
Universal compound
To a large extent, the high performance of the tire is ensured by the characteristics of the rubber mixture. It has universality, as it provides the tread with excellent efficiency in any conditions. This is ensured by the use of several types of polymeric compounds in its composition. Some provide increased grip on a wet surface by absorbing moisture from the road surface, others - resistance to wear, and others - reduce fuel consumption by reducing rolling resistance.
Optimized tread profile
Another factor that determines the excellent efficiency of the tire is the shape of the tread profile. It has been optimized to improve several operational properties at once. First of all, this is traction, which is ensured by the increased size and square shape of the contact patch. In addition, the tread profile in the shoulder areas is selected so that it can penetrate the water film on the road surface. This significantly increases its resistance to aquaplaning. In this regard, it is impossible not to note the performance of the drainage system. Due to the large size of the grooves, it has a significant capacity, sufficient to effectively combat the "floating" of the tire over a wet road.
Main features of Michelin Pilot Sport PS3 Acoustic
- an additional layer of polyurethane foam under the tread reduces the level of vibrations generated by the power elements of the tire's frame, which improves acoustic comfort inside the cabin;
- a compound with a high "silica" content and special polymeric compounds of several types improves the tread's resistance to wear, the tire's grip on a wet surface, fuel efficiency, and reliability when driving at high speeds;
- the optimized tread profile improves resistance to aquaplaning, increases the service life, provides fast and accurate responses to the driver's actions, and enhances traction properties when maneuvering.
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