Six minutes, 48.047 seconds. This is the new record lap time for a series production car around the 20.832-kilometre Nürburgring Nordschleife loop. The car was a 730hp Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, the tyres Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R.
Michelin has developed its Michelin Track Connect motorsport monitoring system with a new Leisure mode. The new mode is the third available in the tyre monitoring system, and the first designed to extend its accessibility to all users, regardless of the type of tyre fitted. The new mode joins Expert mode for track day participants looking for to improve their performance, and Motorsport mode for rally drivers – and soon track competitors too. Both of these modes require the Michelin Track Connect Kit – comprising sensors and a Bluetooth receiver as well as the smartphone app – and connected Michelin tyres, unlike the Leisure mode. The system has recently become original equipment on the new Renault Clio Rally.
Michelin has launched a new Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect road-legal track tyre. Intended for 80 per cent track use, the Connect version of the Pilot Sport Cup 2 has an integrated container for a sensor. This makes it the first 100 per cent connect-ready tyre on the market. Users need only insert the Michelin Track Connect solution sensors. This allows drivers to optimise their performance during track days. Further improvements to the tyre construction and tread have helped Michelin offer a tyre that improves on the base Pilot Sport Cup 2, itself a favourite fitment of GT racing models. The tyre will receive its world premiere as original equipment on the BMW M2 CS.
When it brings a new, special version of its Pilot Sport Cup 2 to market this month, Michelin will become the first manufacturer to sell a connected tyre solution for private cars. The Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect is a tyre aimed at amateur drivers who take part in track days and other circuit events. When paired with the newly-launched Michelin Track Connect solution, it can provide a wealth of real time tyre information.
Michelin has developed a new Pilot Sport Cup 2 K2 ultra-high performance tyre for Ferrari’s new 488 Pista supercar. The new model will run on 245/35 ZR20 (front) and 305/30 ZR20 (rear) sizes, with the tyre manufacturer’s latest generation road-legal track tyre co-developed specially with Ferrari.
Four in every five new Porsche 911 GT3s will be fitted with specially-developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 N1 ultra-high-performance tyres, in 245/35 ZR20 front and 305/30 ZR20 rear sizes. The road-legal track tyre is a specially modified version developed as part of the ongoing technical partnership of the German car maker and Michelin – designated by the N1 marking. Compared to its N0 marked predecessor, Michelin says the Pilot Sport Cup 2 N1 offers improved lap times and stability, as well as more sporty handling. The new 911 GT3 was launched by Porsche at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar will roll on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres in 265/35ZR20 front and 325/30ZR21 rear sizes. Michelin said the tyre “blurs the line between motorsport and road tyres”, as the latest generation of road-legal track tyres designed for UHP cars that are used on road and track. The Valkyrie’s high-power, high-downforce, low-weight philosophy represents Aston Martin’s attempt to redefine the limits of road car performance, and will put “unprecedented demands on its tyres”.
Michelin
Michelin