ERJ staff report (DS)
Paris -- Michelin is supplying custom-built tyres for the limited editon Ferrari 599 GTO. Ferrari will build 599 vehicles and Michelin said it will make four tyres per car - or 2396 tyres. The company did not mention after market sales.
Michelin said the entire development programme took just 18 months. The directional tyres come in sizes: 285/30 ZR 20 for the front and 315/35 ZR 20 for the rear. Michelin said they weigh 10 kg and 15 kg respectively.
The tyres comprise a multi-compound tread, with a track-type compound on the outer shoulder to withstand the extreme pressure of circuit driving, a compound at the centre of the tread especially designed for superior performance at very high speeds, and an inner shoulder compound designed in combination with the tyre construction to maximise the amount of rubber in contact with the road for surer road-holding.
The Ferrari 599 delivers 670 horsepower and is the Italian company's fastest-ever road car,with a top speed of over 335 km/h (208 mph).
Michelin also supplies tyres for Bugatti's 1000-horsepower Veyron. Those tyres cost around euro 6500 each, and are built on Michelin's C3M system, although they are the PAX runflat system, whereas the Ferrari tyres and wheels are the more conventional construction.
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Press release from Michelin
