Michelin unveils next-gen Pilot Sport tyres

[caption id="attachment_2062" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Latest Michelin Pilot Sport 4[/caption]

2016 is shaping up to be a good year for driving enthusiasts as several tyre manufacturers are bringing their next generation of performance tyres to the market. Continental and Goodyear both have come out with their Sport Contact 6 and Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tyres, respectively.

Now, Michelin has also joined this bandwagon with its Pilot Sport 4 tyres. The company's experience with the Formula E racing series has had a significant effect on the development of these performance tyres. The result is a tyre that is more performance-focused than Pilot Sport 3. That said, it also retains excellent tread life, strong wet performance and good comfort levels, the traits expected from a premium tyre.

Initially in 2016, only 17 and 18-inch tyre sizes will be launched in some international markets. The 19-inch tyre sizes are expected to be offered later in 2016 or early 2017.

According to Michelin, the tyre constantly adapts to the road, thanks to clever mastery of the dynamic interactions between the architecture, tread pattern, and materials, resulting in optimal management of the contact patch.

The tyres have been built with Dynamic Response technology that consists of belts with hybrid Aramid and nylon reinforcement that ensures optimal directional control. For safety and braking performance on the wet surfaces, the functional elastomer improves the distribution of silica within the rubber mixture and reinforces its action. Additionally, deep longitudinal grooves provide efficient water evacuation on wet roads.

Michelin has not confirmed if and when this tyre will launch in India. However, saloon and sports car drivers can only hope that it comes here soon.