The Michelin Sport PS4 Acoustic summer tire was developed "from scratch", rather than based on a previous generation model. In doing so, the technologies and materials used were not those of its predecessor, but rather those of the Pilot Super Sport. Additionally, some of the technical solutions used were previously employed in the racing tires of the Formula E electric car championship. The result of this mixing was a model that combines sporty handling with a long service life and a high level of comfort, both in terms of ride and acoustics.
Unique Compound
The tread pattern of the tire, designed for the sporty modifications of modern passenger cars, does not impress with a design that matches their dynamic performance. The specialists of the French brand preferred to ensure uncompromising handling and traction through "internal reserves". One of the components of this is the rubber mixture of the tread, which has unique properties that were previously poorly combined with each other.
The compound contains several types of elastomers that perform different functions. One of them is to ensure the uniform distribution of all components, which made it possible to increase the proportion of one of them, namely "silica". Additionally, the rubber mixture, thanks to this, has the ability to very tightly envelop even the smallest irregularities of the road surface. As a result, the tread has an extraordinary grip even on very slippery surfaces, which reduces the braking distance in wet conditions. At the same time, its resistance to wear, compared to direct competitors from other leading brands, is striking. The manufacturer claims an advantage in mileage before tire replacement of up to 1 to 7 thousand kilometers.
It is also impossible not to note another feature of the tread that appeared due to the compound. This is the ability to maintain integrity under the most unfavorable influences - from heating to stretching due to significant longitudinal and transverse loads.
Refined Handling
This model is characterized by fast and precise reactions to the driver's actions. This is largely due to the Dynamic Response technology used in the construction of the carcass. The top layer of the carcass, located directly under the tread, has been reinforced with an additional cord. The weight of this power element is measured in grams, and the stiffness and strength are comparable to steel. This was achieved through the use of synthetic materials - aramid and nylon. A very dense mesh is woven from them, which is reliably fixed, being melted into both the tread and the tire carcass. This made it possible to create a "substrate" that is distinguished by its immobility and high rigidity. These properties have been fully transferred to the tread, as a result of which the contact patch remains unchanged even under significant acceleration forces, which are rapidly transmitted to the tire carcass, thereby ensuring the highest level of handling and transparent feedback. In other words, with these tires, the car literally follows "the steering wheel", demonstrating extremely precise and fast reactions to the driver's actions.
Key Features of Michelin Pilot Sport PS4 Acoustic
- developed using solutions previously applied to racing track tires;
- a rubber mixture with several types of elastomers and increased "silica" content improves traction on slippery surfaces, prevents premature wear, and provides increased strength against rupture and stretching;
- an additional cord made of aramid and nylon gives the tire's reactions to steering wheel turns speed and precision
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