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TYRES: Michelin to preview tyres 3.0 on S-Class
Michelin hints new Mercedes-Benz will feature the next step in puncture free tyresFrench tyre giant Michelin looks set to debut a new generation of run-flat tyres on Mercedes-Benz’s all-new S-Class. The tyres have been developed in conjunction with the German prestige marque and promise to deliver run-flat capability without the downsides associated with that technology.
Although already in their second generation, run-flat tyres significantly compromise ride characteristic and can be noisy. They are also often heavier than conventional tyres. Car manufacturers like the freedoms they deliver, however: the mass and packaging benefits of not having to carry a spare wheel – even a space-saver.
Speaking with motoring.com.au at the Thai launch of the new Primacy 3 ST mass market large car tyre, Michelin Product Marketing Manager Southeast Asia & Oceania, Pierre Azemat, explained the tyre developed for the S-Class was a stepping stone to Michelin’s next generation of tyres.
Although Michelin build run-flat tyres for some manufacturers, the company is yet to fully embrace the concept. The Primacy 3 is available in run-flat versions in Europe, but a run-flat version of the new 3 ST is still to be launched.
While stopping short of saying Michelin was philosophically opposed to run-flat tyres, Azemat stated simply: “We don’t believe it [run-flat technology] is the best solution for the marketplace.
“We want to deliver a technology that allows customers to enjoy comfortable, low emission [low rolling resistance] tyres but still have the safety and security to drive with a damaged tyre,” he said.
According to Azemat, the new S-Class rubber goes part of the way there. He says it will offer a run-flat distance of 40km (around half the current run-flats) but with comfort and noise levels approaching the best conventional tyres. And no spare need be carried.
Michelin’s full 3.0 solution, which features a self-sealing internal tyre membrane and the next evolution of self supporting sidewalls, is still not in production.
Michelin showed its self-sealing tyres at Challenge Bibendum in Berlin in 2011. Unlike other self-sealing solutions, the Michelin system does not use a liquid sealer but rather a viscous layer that is moulded into the tyre. This sidesteps storage, settling and balance issues. Variously called S3 and Escape internally through its iterations, the system is now referred to as Self Sealing Inner Lining Technology.
Azemat cautions the roll-out of the system is still some time away.
When pressed, he told motoring.com.au simply: “The implementation of the technology will be completely linked to OE [car manufacturer] timelines.”
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Written byMike Sinclair
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