Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Specifically Tuned Tires Feature Latest Run-Flat Technology
At its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the exciting new Lexus LC500 sports car wore MICHELIN® Pilot Super Sport ZP tires. For the first time, Michelin engineers deployed a new hybrid sidewall technology which allows the tire to maintain its run-flat endurance and superior handling performance while reducing the tire’s overall mass and rolling resistance.
Available on the 2017 Lexus LC500 model, the specifically-designed MICHELIN® Pilot® Super Sport ZP tires were developed to contribute significantly to the vehicle’s world-class sports car technology and performance. It underwent an intensive development period which included more than 1,200 prototype tires and countless hours of testing at Michelin facilities in Greenville, South Carolina and Ladoux, France; Higashifuji proving ground and the Japanese Automobile Research Institute in Shirosato, Japan.
“Michelin’s global development team worked very closely with the Lexus team to develop a Pilot® Super Sport that helps meet the high performance and safety needs of the Lexus LC500,” said Thom Roach, vice president of Original Equipment Marketing, Michelin North America. “Owners will enjoy the peace of mind that MICHELIN run-flat technology offers without giving up the quiet cabin and comfortable ride that Lexus owners value.”
Michelin designed a special concept version of the Pilot® Super Sport incorporating elements from Lexus’ brand design language specifically for the North American International Auto Show using its patented Premium Touch® technology to enhance the beauty of the LC500 when on display. Premium Touch® uses a proprietary mold engraving technology to produce superior aesthetic contrast and premium velvet texture. This concept version will not be available on production models of the LC500.
The tire sizes for the Lexus LC500 are 245/40R21 for the front and 275/35R21 for the rear.