Corvette Tires - Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP

The Pilot Super Sport ZP (Zero Pessure) is Michelin’s Max Performance Summer run-flat tire originally developed for the C7 Corvette Stingray. In addition to offering temporary extended mobility, Pilot Super Sport ZP tires also deliver world-class traction and handling in dry and wet conditions. However, like all summer tires, they are not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

Because the Z51 Performance Package takes the Corvette Stingray to a more aggressive level of performance, Michelin has developed vehicle/size specific Pilot Super Sport ZP tires to permit fine-tuning features to match their vehicle application.

Both versions employ an asymmetric tread design that features a low-void outboard shoulder for cornering while their notched center ribs and inboard shoulder promote high-speed performance in dry conditions. Wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches help channel water through the footprint to maintain wet traction. Sizes for the standard Corvette Stingray use a single tread rubber compound that blends dry traction, wet traction and tread life; while the sizes for Z51 equipped cars feature side-by-side tread compounds that deliver near-racing-slick dry grip and handling levels, without abandoning tread life and wet handling.

Both tires feature twin steel belts reinforced by spirally wound Twaron cord. The angles at which the steel belts are molded into each version have been tuned to balance performance and comfort. The steel belt angles used for the standard car emphasize ride and treadlife, while the angles used for the Z51 tires focus on increasing performance and at-the-limit handling.

Twaron is a polyamide cord that offers a lightweight, high-strength reinforcement above the steel belts to enhance high-speed handling, wear and durability. It is applied using Michelin FAZ Technology (Filament At Zero degrees) that allows Michelin engineers to tune tension and strength by winding the cord around the tire circumference much the same way fishing line is wound onto a fishing reel.

Michelin Zero Pressure Technology reinforces sidewalls by adding run-flat inserts that allow tires to temporarily carry the weight of the vehicle in the event a puncture results in complete loss of tire pressure. The Pilot Super Sport ZP is designed to allow Corvette drivers to continue their journey for up to 50 miles at up to 55 mph. Both tires feature asymmetric run-flat inserts and casing components designed to broaden tire performances by focusing distinct functions on the appropriate sidewall. Inboard sidewalls feature a more rigid insert that increases sidewall stability to provide the majority of run-flat capability, as well as to transfer torque during acceleration, braking and cornering. Outboard sidewalls feature a softer insert that increases sidewall flexibility to maintain footprint size when cornering, as well as to enhance ride quality and tread life.

The front/rear sizes of the standard Corvette Stingray are the same as those used on many C6 Corvettes, they can be installed in sets on the earlier cars.