Post by oldwino on Jun 3, 2010 18:20:00 GMT -6
I believe Michelin Primacy were the OEM tire on the 2nd gen Aurora. They've introduced a new tire in the Primacy line for luxury cars. I know I need tires before next winter. Might just try these. Here's the article;
Michelin tires add bright spot to rainy days
Michelin says it has found recipe for superior tread performance in wet or snowy weather
The Detroit News 06/03/2010
Author: Larry Edsall
(c) Copyright 2010, The Detroit News. All Rights Reserved.
Michelin thinks it has a tire that will let the sun shine through even on rainy days.
The tire -- the Michelin Primacy MXM4 -- is designed for use on luxury cars.
Already, it is included as standard equipment on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Infiniti M series cars, and on the Buick LaCrosse. Other original equipment versions will be rolling out in the coming months. In July, 20 additional sizes will be available from Michelin retailers for aftermarket applications.
What allows the sun to shine for drivers even on rainy days is the use of sunflower oil in the tire's tread.
Michelin chemists discovered that sunflower oil -- the same kind used in cooking -- not only can replace petroleum products usually needed in tire tread compounds, but has properties that expand the temperature range at which a tire provides optimum grip in wet conditions.
Michelin dubbed the sunflower oil tread recipe as Helio Compound technology (helio comes from the Greek word for "sun") and first used the renewable oil in its winter tires. The Primacy MXM4 is the first application of Helio Compound in an all-season tire.
By the way, Michelin notes that it buys its sunflower oil from American farmers.
By combining Helio compounding with Michelin's 3-D Variable Thickness Sipes Technology (VTS) and MaxTouch tire construction, Michelin tire engineers were able to produce a replacement for the Pilot MXM4 that, in testing, provides: 23 percent better wet braking; 14 percent better wet handling; 14 percent longer wear life; 12 percent less rolling resistance; and 7 percent better dry handling. The tire also is even slightly better in snow than its predecessor.
VTS is a siping system that interlocks tread blocks to enhance grip while enabling water dispersal. MaxTouch tire construction techniques provide a larger, almost rectangular --rather than the typical oval-shaped -- contact patch.
At the press introduction for the new tire, Michelin provided identical BMW 328 sedans, one equipped with the new Primacy MXM4 and one with its leading competitor in the luxury touring category. Typically, the Michelin shortened wet-road stopping distances from 50 miles per hour by a remarkable 20 feet -- more than a full car length -- and cut lap times around a water-soaked road course by around two seconds.
A set of Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires should cost $600 to $800, depending on tire dimensions needed for specific vehicle applications. The tire carries a 55,000-mile warranty in H and V speed-rated versions and a 45,000-mile warranty when W rated.
For information, visit www.michelinman.com.
Michelin tires add bright spot to rainy days
Michelin says it has found recipe for superior tread performance in wet or snowy weather
The Detroit News 06/03/2010
Author: Larry Edsall
(c) Copyright 2010, The Detroit News. All Rights Reserved.
Michelin thinks it has a tire that will let the sun shine through even on rainy days.
The tire -- the Michelin Primacy MXM4 -- is designed for use on luxury cars.
Already, it is included as standard equipment on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Infiniti M series cars, and on the Buick LaCrosse. Other original equipment versions will be rolling out in the coming months. In July, 20 additional sizes will be available from Michelin retailers for aftermarket applications.
What allows the sun to shine for drivers even on rainy days is the use of sunflower oil in the tire's tread.
Michelin chemists discovered that sunflower oil -- the same kind used in cooking -- not only can replace petroleum products usually needed in tire tread compounds, but has properties that expand the temperature range at which a tire provides optimum grip in wet conditions.
Michelin dubbed the sunflower oil tread recipe as Helio Compound technology (helio comes from the Greek word for "sun") and first used the renewable oil in its winter tires. The Primacy MXM4 is the first application of Helio Compound in an all-season tire.
By the way, Michelin notes that it buys its sunflower oil from American farmers.
By combining Helio compounding with Michelin's 3-D Variable Thickness Sipes Technology (VTS) and MaxTouch tire construction, Michelin tire engineers were able to produce a replacement for the Pilot MXM4 that, in testing, provides: 23 percent better wet braking; 14 percent better wet handling; 14 percent longer wear life; 12 percent less rolling resistance; and 7 percent better dry handling. The tire also is even slightly better in snow than its predecessor.
VTS is a siping system that interlocks tread blocks to enhance grip while enabling water dispersal. MaxTouch tire construction techniques provide a larger, almost rectangular --rather than the typical oval-shaped -- contact patch.
At the press introduction for the new tire, Michelin provided identical BMW 328 sedans, one equipped with the new Primacy MXM4 and one with its leading competitor in the luxury touring category. Typically, the Michelin shortened wet-road stopping distances from 50 miles per hour by a remarkable 20 feet -- more than a full car length -- and cut lap times around a water-soaked road course by around two seconds.
A set of Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires should cost $600 to $800, depending on tire dimensions needed for specific vehicle applications. The tire carries a 55,000-mile warranty in H and V speed-rated versions and a 45,000-mile warranty when W rated.
For information, visit www.michelinman.com.
