The reason for such outstanding characteristics lies in the composition of the rubber compound and the special geometry of the grooves. To improve road grip, silica and sunflower oil were added to the material.
Silica provides better grip and wear resistance, while sunflower oil prevents loss of elasticity at low temperatures. To reduce the risk of aquaplaning, a complex system of special grooves for water drainage was created.
When the tire wears out, the main grooves become wider, which increases their throughput and compensates for the decrease in depth. In addition, when the top layer wears off, additional grooves appear that contribute to more efficient water drainage.
The price of the new tires has not yet been announced. The first batch will go on sale in the USA in spring 2014. The new Michelin will be available in 32 sizes, from 185/65R15 to 245/45R18.
