Michelin, Mercedes-AMG develop Pilot Sport 5 energy tire for endurance record

Clermont-Ferrand, France – Michelin and Mercedes-AMG have developed a new Pilot Sport 5 energy tire for the AMG GT XX concept EV, which has set an endurance record at Nardo in Italy.

The tire was five years in development and will form the basis of a commercial range due for release in 2026, Michelin announced 28 Aug.

The Pilot Sport 5 energy introduces a dual-rubber tread design.

On the outer shoulders, the “energy passive compound” reduces energy consumption, while in the center, the “adaptive grip compound” provides traction on wet and dry surfaces.

Michelin said the architecture delivers “exceptional energy efficiency” by cutting recharge needs while maintaining consistent performance “up to the last mile.”

The tires, fitted in sizes 265/40 ZR20 (front) and 295/40 ZR20 (rear), also integrate RFID chips for real-time monitoring and optimisation during high-load use.

Michelin described the design as a “tailor-made development” to balance performance, endurance, and efficiency for AMG’s concept EV.

The record run covered 40,075km – the equivalent of the Earth’s circumference – in under eight days at an average of 300kph.

Michelin engineers, technicians, and fitters were present around the clock at the 12.6km Nardo circuit, which has banked turns up to 22.5%.

“This circumnavigation in under eight days… is a striking demonstration of the possibilities of innovation: tires capable of delivering both performance and energy efficiency,” said Serge Lafon, president of Michelin’s OE automotive business line.

Michelin said the project illustrates how sporting challenges can accelerate innovation, with new technologies transferred “from the track to the road” in the upcoming Pilot Sport 5 energy range.