Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Michelin sweeps Consumer Reports' largest ever tire test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/michelin-sweeps-consumer-reports-largest-ever-tire-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/michelin-sweeps-consumer-reports-largest-ever-tire-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/michelin-sweeps-consumer-reports-largest-ever-tire-test/#commentsFiled under:



No one can dispute the importance of tires on dry, wet or snowy pavement, but some buyers tend to pick their rubber based on price alone. For the more quality-minded customer, Consumer Reports conducts an annual tire test and this year's battle of the road rubber was the biggest ever with 69 models duking it out for supremacy. CR's tire engineers rated models based on several categories, including dry and wet braking, handling, hydroplaning resistance, snow traction, ice braking, ride comfort, noise, rolling resistance, and tread life. CR also claims that the new ratings, available in the November edition of the magazine, gives consumers the ability to compare individual performance characteristics like grip and tread life within a specific category.

The biggest winner this year was the Michelin Man, with the puffy white tire boss scoring top scores in all four categories. The Michelin HydroEdge was the top model among S- and T-rated all-season tires, the Michelin Primacy MXV4 scored top marks for H-rated tires and Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S won in the V-rated all-season radial category. The Michelin X-Ice XI 2 topped CR's ratings for winter tires for passenger cars.

While Michelin won big, the top-notch radials were also among the highest priced in many categories. Other stand-out performers costing less include the Hankook Optimo H727, Nokian WR G2, and Dunlop Signature in the all season H and V speed rating category. The General Altimax Arctic took second place for winter tires.

The November edition of Consumer Reports hits newsstands today, and the information is available to subscribers on ConsumerReports.org. Hit the jump to review CR's info-intensive press release.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Michelin sweeps Consumer Reports' largest ever tire test

Michelin sweeps Consumer Reports' largest ever tire test originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsconsumer repports tire testConsumerReportsConsumerRepportsTireTestmichelintire testTireTestTue, 06 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Advantage, Michelin: Tennis shoes wear car rubber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/advantage-michelin-tennis-shoes-wear-car-rubber/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/advantage-michelin-tennis-shoes-wear-car-rubber/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/advantage-michelin-tennis-shoes-wear-car-rubber/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a gallery of the Babolat Propulse 2 with Michelin rubber

Michelin, the tire company, has a division called Michelin Lifestyle Limited that focuses solely on extending the company's "Better Mobility Concept" to other arenas, the latest one being center court. The brand of Bibendum has developed the outsole rubber for a range of Babolat's new tennis shoes, the Propulse and Team.

With a tennis player's movements centered around "acceleration, braking, grip and relaunch" on a variety of different surfaces, the Michelin R&D lab probably had a good idea of what kind of rubber was needed. Michelin mated rubber technology from its auto racing programs with a revised version of its Optimized Cell System that uses seamless circlular micro-cells inspired by rally racing tires. The result is said to be exceptional grip and durability. And if it's good enough for Sebastien Loeb, there's a good chance it's good enough for the U. S. Open...


Gallery: Babolat Propulse with Michelin rubber


[Source: Babolat]

Advantage, Michelin: Tennis shoes wear car rubber originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babolatetclifestylemichelinocsrubbershoestennis shoesTennisShoesSun, 22 Mar 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Michelin partners with Chinese firm to create Active Wheel system]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/michelin-partners-with-chinese-firm-to-create-active-wheel-syste/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/michelin-partners-with-chinese-firm-to-create-active-wheel-syste/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/michelin-partners-with-chinese-firm-to-create-active-wheel-syste/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for more shots of the Michelin Active Wheel and the Ventire Volage

Before Michelin began wrapping halos of rubber around the wheels of our cars, the hoops were made completely from wood -- horse and buggy style. That's what we call a serious innovation, and the French tire maker has got plenty of ideas to keep it at the forefront of rolling technology. The latest bit of high-tech kit revolving out of Michelin's design department is known as the Active Wheel system. Two motors, one to propel the car and another for the integrated suspension system, sit inside the hub and allow the entire drivetrain to fit neatly enclosed at each corner.

This innovative design would potentially allow for an amazingly diverse set of platforms that could be engineered to accept the same set of shoes. Depending on the size of the actual Active Wheels used, the technology could be applied to virtually any type of car. With so much going on in just the rolling-stock, it should come as no surprise that Michelin is looking for partners to help offload some of the rest of the car's design and has just signed an agreement with CITIC Guoan Mengguli Corp. in China. Important bits like the lithium-ion battery development will be carried out in China where test-mules equipped with lithium-powered Active Wheels are already running around city streets.

Gallery: Venturi Volage

[Sources: Michelin, Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Continue reading Michelin partners with Chinese firm to create Active Wheel system

Michelin partners with Chinese firm to create Active Wheel system originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click image for high res gallery of the competitors.

Michelin hosts its annual Michelin Challenge Design (design challenge?) to help young designers and their hot designs get some recognition. The emphasis is on innovative thinking, both on the technical and style side. While the challenge doesn't have any direct link to tires, per se, Michelin uses the forum to help push the boundaries throughout the automotive field and get people thinking outside the box. The NAIAS contest focuses on making "smaller vehicles safer particularly in urban environments." One can make the argument that producing smaller, more efficient cars has a direct impact on tire design and tread wear, but we hardly care about Michelin's motivation here and just enjoy looking at futuristic concepts. This year's entries ranged from the practically plausible to way-out-there wild as you'll see in our gallery below.

The full press release and the winners in each of the two categories Michelin recognized are posted after the jump.

[Source: Michelin]

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: Michelin Challenge Design

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Michelin Challenge Design winners

Detroit 2008: Michelin Challenge Design winners originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DetroitDetroit 2008Detroit Auto ShowDetroit2008DetroitAutoShowMichelinMichelin Challenge DesignMichelinChallengeDesignNAIASTue, 15 Jan 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2007: Michelin Supercar Display]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/sema-2007-michelin-supercar-display/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/sema-2007-michelin-supercar-display/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/sema-2007-michelin-supercar-display/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click image for a high-res gallery of Michelin booth pics by Drew Phillips

At last year's SEMA show, one of our favorite booths by far was the one from Michelin, which brought together the world's fastest supercars for one massive display of speed. We eagerly anticipated what they had in store for us this year, and we headed straight for it. It would have been virtually impossible for Michelin to top itself, but they sure made a stab at it. While last year focused on production cars, the display this year was broadened to feature tuner cars as well as race cars. Taking the unique approach of having a production model, tuner version and race car from three prominent manufacturers, Michelin showed us that they build a tire for all sectors of the automotive kingdom. While we were particularly fond of the Audi R8 by APR, there was also a Champion Motorsport F77 Turbo and out back a Lingenfelter Corvette sporting 1,100 HP. Race cars included the R10 from Audi, an RS Spyder from Porsche, and a Corvette C6.R as well. While a production R8 and GT3 RS represented the stock crowd for the German marques, the Corvette slot was left suspiciously vacant, perhaps giving us a preview of what shoes the ZR1 might be donning for its debut. Nice follow-up, Michelin.

Gallery: 2007 Michelin SEMA Supercar Display

SEMA 2007: Michelin Supercar Display originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>APR R8AprR8Audi R10Audi R8AudiR10AudiR8Champion Motorsport F77ChampionMotorsportF77GT3 RSGt3RsLingenfelterMichelinMichelin sema displayMichelin supercar displayMichelin supercarsMichelinSemaDisplayMichelinSupercarDisplayMichelinSupercarsSEMAsema supercar displaySemaSupercarDisplaysupercar displaySupercarDisplayThu, 01 Nov 2007 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Michelin creates Energy Saver gas-conserving tire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/07/michelin-creates-energy-saver-gas-conserving-tire/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/07/michelin-creates-energy-saver-gas-conserving-tire/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/07/michelin-creates-energy-saver-gas-conserving-tire/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Michelin has created a new tire as part of the development of the Peugeot 308. The Energy Saver uses a specially-developed rubber composite, and Michelin claims the tire reduces rolling resistance by 20% in both 15- and 16-inch sizes. Tire testing was carried out by TÜV SÜD Automotive, which measured the Michelin's performance to that of the top six competitor tires. The Energy Saver is also said to have the same durability as Michelin's other tires.

The tire will come standard on two 308 models, the 90 HDI and the 110 HDI 308s, both high mileage diesels, and Peugeot will be the exclusive maker to use it until February 2008. In addition to the gas savings because of its lower rolling resistance, the tire is also said to lower a car's CO2 emissions by 4g per kilometer. We'll find out soon enough if the claims have real-world merit -- and real world savings -- but we welcome all such efforts where the rubber meets the road.

[Source: Michelin]

Michelin creates Energy Saver gas-conserving tire originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>308energy saverEnergySaverlow rolling resistanceLowRollingResistancemichelinmichelin energy saverMichelinEnergySaverpeugeottiresFri, 07 Sep 2007 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Michelin claims new tire comfortable, sporting, economical]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/03/michelin-claims-new-tire-comfortable-sporting-economical/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/03/michelin-claims-new-tire-comfortable-sporting-economical/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/03/michelin-claims-new-tire-comfortable-sporting-economical/#commentsFiled under: ,



Michelin says there are two touring-tire-buying camps. One drives BMWs and Audis and goes shopping for performance touring tires. The other group drives Camrys and Accords and is somewhat surprised to learn they'll be shopping for more expensive performance tires. The tire company hopes to capture a big slice of the second group with its new Primacy MXV4

Michelin says this new tire not only provides the performance enthusiasts demand, but also gives casual drivers the comfort they want along with a 60,000 mile warranty.

To show off the MXV4, Michelin invited Autoblog to Barber Motorsports in Birmingham, Ala. to see for ourselves how it performed.

Continued after the jump.

Also, check out the gallery of photos from the event.

Gallery: Michelin Primacy MXV4

Continue reading Michelin claims new tire comfortable, sporting, economical

Michelin claims new tire comfortable, sporting, economical originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Jun 2007 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>michelinmichelin barbermichelin barber motorsportsmichelin performance tiremichelin primacymichelin primacy mxv4MichelinBarberMichelinBarberMotorsportsMichelinPerformanceTireMichelinPrimacyMichelinPrimacyMxv4Sun, 03 Jun 2007 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Michelin lands $1.7b Pentagon contract]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/michelin-lands-1-7b-pentagon-contract/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/michelin-lands-1-7b-pentagon-contract/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/michelin-lands-1-7b-pentagon-contract/#commentsFiled under: ,

The French military may not be fighting in Iraq, but their tires are: Michelin just landed an exclusive $1.7 billion contract with the US Department of Defense to supply the American military behemoth with tires. For the next ten years (at least), every vehicle in the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps deployed around the world will be shod in Michelin rubber.

This isn't the first Pentagon contract Michelin has won, either. The French tire company previously won a contract worth $700 million to supply the tires for all US warplanes. In order to meet the enormous supply demands of the US military, Michelin has invested a reported $16 million. For the sake of our brave boys and girls serving overseas, let's hope the French tires don't throw up their arms and surrender at the first time of trouble. (No whitewalls, please.)

[Source: F1i.com]

Michelin lands $1.7b Pentagon contract originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bidcontractdefensedepartmentfrenchmichelinmilitarypentagonrubberstatestirestyresunitedusFri, 02 Feb 2007 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo developing C30 series hybrid concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/30/volvo-c30-hybrid-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/30/volvo-c30-hybrid-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/30/volvo-c30-hybrid-concept/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volvo has long tried to be good environmental stewards. Even before its revolutionary Lambda-Sond system in the late 1970s, the Gothenburg-based automaker had been making efforts to tread lightly. Now comes word that Volvo has developed a hybrid version of the C30 hatchback. The drive system is reportedly a series hybrid, with the batteries being charged on the go by a diesel powerplant. There's plug-in charging capabilities, as well. The batteries alone can provide motive power for about 45 miles before the generator awakes. The electrified C30 will be part of the Michelin Challenge Bibendum, where engineers will presumably be trying to break stuff so that any production version has well-vetted hardware. No details are available about whether the hybrid hardware was developed in-house by Volvo or bequeathed by parent Ford, which developed a similar series hybrid drivetrain with a hydrogen fuel-cell generator for the Airstream Concept that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show this year.

[Source: Autobild - in German]

Volvo developing C30 series hybrid concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c30challenge bibendumChallengeBibendumdieselgreenhybridmichelinplug in hybridPlugInHybridpriusVolvoTue, 30 Jan 2007 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Hydrogen 500: The world's first hydrogen race coming in 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/12/hydrogen-500-the-worlds-first-hydrogen-race-coming-in-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/12/hydrogen-500-the-worlds-first-hydrogen-race-coming-in-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/12/hydrogen-500-the-worlds-first-hydrogen-race-coming-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,



AutoblogGreen just ran a story we wanted to make sure all of our readers were aware of, so we're running it here, too. It looks like the days of hybrids being seen by some people as pure exercises in extended fuel economy are numbered. Maybe someday soon people will start to associate fuel-cell hybrids with high performance and even, dare we say it, racing.

It seems that hybrids will be hitting the track soon. A new racing series run by the recently founded Hydrogen Electric Racing Federation was announced on Wednesday. The series hopes to stage its first races by 2009. As you may have guessed, the cars in this series will be electric hybrids powered by hydrogen.

Autoextremist founder/publisher Peter M. DeLorenzo is the President and CEO of the new organization. And this isn't some rinky-dink egghead endeavor, either. Executives from Bridgestone-Firestone and Michelin, Indy Car's own Tony George, and Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series are behind this new series. It looks like a pretty powerful group. At the center of the series will be the Hydrogen 500. Click over to AB Green for the rest of the story and additional links. We'll certainly keep you posted as more info becomes available.

[Source: AB Green]

Hydrogen 500: The world's first hydrogen race coming in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American Le Mans SeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesautobloggreenBridgestone-FirestoneHydrogen Electric Racing FederationHydrogenElectricRacingFederationIndy CarIndyCarMichelinPeter M. DeLorenzoPeterM.DelorenzoScott AthertonScottAthertonTony GeorgeTonyGeorgeFri, 12 Jan 2007 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Wheeled Spaceship - Volvo BeeVan concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/12/wheeled-spaceship-volvo-beevan-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/12/wheeled-spaceship-volvo-beevan-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/12/wheeled-spaceship-volvo-beevan-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



They're going to have to change the name of this thing to NCC-1701, because piloting it will definitely make you feel like you're boldly going where no one's gone before. As part of the Michelin Design Challenge competition, Volvo has revised the design of the the traditional big-rig tractor. Serious thought was given to improving driver safety and some semi-radical changes to convention were made. The driver is front and center in the cab, just like F1 cars. The central seating position gives an expansive 180 degree field of vision; Volvo calls it the Full View Driver Position. There are blind spot cameras, as well as sensors to detect other vehicles, lane tracking, and driver alertness. The doors open by sliding, rather than flapping out into traffic, and a set of steps comes out from hiding, allowing ease of ingress. The seat motors back and rotates toward the opened door, making the driver feel like a transportation deity.

More after the jump.

[Source: dexigner.com]

Continue reading Wheeled Spaceship - Volvo BeeVan concept

Wheeled Spaceship - Volvo BeeVan concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeeVanBibendumChallengeconcept carConceptCarconcetpDesigndesign conceptDesignConceptDetriotMichelinMichelin Design Challenge BibendumMichelinDesignChallengeBibendumNAIASTractor TrailerTractorTrailerVolvoVolvo BeeVanVolvo TrucksVolvoBeevanVolvoTrucksFri, 12 Jan 2007 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA Gallery: Greatest Supercar Display ever from Michelin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/03/sema-gallery-greatest-supercar-display-ever-from-michelin/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/03/sema-gallery-greatest-supercar-display-ever-from-michelin/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/03/sema-gallery-greatest-supercar-display-ever-from-michelin/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Michelin is our favorite tire company from now on. Without resorting to the cheap, albeit highly effective and entertaining, trick of hiring booth babes to draw attention to themselves, this French tiremaker still had one of the largest crowds of any vendor at the show. Accomplished with an elegant simplicity that had us drooling from the moment we saw the space. The plan was so breathtakingly simple that we hope others will follow their lead in the future. OK, we wouldn't complain too much if there were still some lovely ladies around as well, but this being an automotive show, putting cars above all else seems to be a pretty good idea.

What they pulled off went a little beyond the ordinary and deserves some kind of award. After working your way past dozens of individual wheel and tire booths with everything from clear rims to those 34-inch monster truck-worthy numbers, you round a corner in the tires and wheels hall and see one of the cleanest, most spectacular sights. Especially if you are a fan of exotics and supercars, but even if you're not, it's quite striking. More story and pics after the jump.

Continue reading SEMA Gallery: Greatest Supercar Display ever from Michelin

SEMA Gallery: Greatest Supercar Display ever from Michelin originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bugatti VeyronBugattiVeyronCaparo T1CaparoT1Drew PhillipsDrewPhillipsFiskerKoenigsegg CCXKoenigseggCcxMcLaren F1MclarenF1MichelinPagani ZondaPaganiZondaRUFSaleen S7 ttSaleenS7TtFri, 03 Nov 2006 18:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Legion of Honor for retired Michelin man Pierre DuPasquier]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/legion-of-honor-for-retired-michelin-man-pierre-dupasquier/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/legion-of-honor-for-retired-michelin-man-pierre-dupasquier/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/legion-of-honor-for-retired-michelin-man-pierre-dupasquier/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Pierre DuPasquier, who retired (pun intended) as Michelin's racing chief at the end of the 2005 season, will be awarded the French Legion d'Honneur in December for his immeasurable contribution to French motorsport.

DuPasquier started his career as a fighter pilot in the French Air Force. He joined Michelin's research department in 1962, then took on the role of negotiator and liaison between the tire manufacturer and carmakers using their product. He was named chief of the competition department in 1973 and (aside from a six-year interlude as product development VP for Michelin in the US) he remained in that position, a dominant force in world motorsport until his retirement last year.

Under his leadership, Michelin-equipped teams achieved thousands of victories and took about 180 titles in a wide variety of motorsports on two wheels and four, including almost 30 in rallying, 55 in motorcycle grand prix racing, 11 in Superbikes, 19 in the Cross Country Rally World Cup and seven in Formula One, having led Michelin into F1 in 1977 and again in 1999.

Felicitations, Pierre, on adding this last trophy to your cabinet!

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

Legion of Honor for retired Michelin man Pierre DuPasquier originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dupasquierhonorhonourlegionmichelinpierreWed, 11 Oct 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[F1 scandal? Michelin to Bridgestone: j'accuse!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/f1-scandal-michelin-to-bridgestone-jaccuse/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/f1-scandal-michelin-to-bridgestone-jaccuse/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/f1-scandal-michelin-to-bridgestone-jaccuse/#commentsFiled under:

The bizarre goings-on in the wake of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, which have included accusations (since withdrawn) of the FIA effectively "fixing" the world championship, took another twist this week, as French tire maker Michelin suggested that Bridgestone was using illegal chemical treatments to enhance the performance of its tires.

The latest controversy centers around a photograph of a Bridgestone tire technician, taken at the Italian Grand Prix, which shows the technician wearing the sort of protective apron and face mask normally worn to handle toxic chemicals. According to Michelin, none of the normal activities of a tire tech on a race weekend - mounting and dismounting tires, setting inflation pressures, and cutting open tires for post-race inspection - would require this sort of protection.

On the other hand, chemical treatment of tires to enhance traction - a prohibited practice known as "tire doping" - involves highly toxic carcinogens in liquid or aerosol form, and suitable protective gear would be highly advisable. Such chemical treatments are widely available (one such commercial product is shown at right) and commonly used by amateur racers to extend the useful life of their expensive race tires. And yes, it really works.

The FIA responded by saying that Bridgestone explained the unusual garb to the satisfaction of the governing body, and according to a spokesman, "We...have absolutely no concerns."

[Sources: Reuters, Autosport via Winding Road]

F1 scandal? Michelin to Bridgestone: j'accuse! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridgestonef1formula 1Formula1italian grand prixmichelintire treatmentFri, 15 Sep 2006 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW's Michelin run-flats draw criticism... from Michelin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/bmws-michelin-run-flats-draw-criticism-from-michelin/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/bmws-michelin-run-flats-draw-criticism-from-michelin/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/bmws-michelin-run-flats-draw-criticism-from-michelin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Michelin run-flat tires fitted to certain BMW products are too heavy, degrade the vehicle's ride, and increase fuel consumption. So says Didier Miraton, who heads up the French tiremaker's Michelin Technology Center.

Miraton has an ulterior motive, of course. He wants to push his employer's PAX run-flat system (pictured to the right), which eschews the super-stiff sidewalls of typical run-flats in favor of an elastomer inner ring and an improved bead design. This design not only allows for improved handling and ride, but also provides over twice the endurance (125 miles vs. 50) after pressure is lost. The downside to such a system is that it requires a special wheel and can only be serviced by trained technicians, where as standard tires can be repaired virtually anywhere in the world.

In our opinion, anyone who's working on a solution to flat tires deserves mad props, since it's one of those nagging century-old problems that an outside observer might think should have been addressed before everyone expended so much energy on the issue of, say, dashboard covers that were hard to the touch.

[Source: Carsguide.com.au]

BMW's Michelin run-flats draw criticism... from Michelin originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jun 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWMichelinPAXroadside assistancerun flatrun-flatrunflatsafetytiresFri, 23 Jun 2006 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Edouard Michelin dies in boating accident]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/26/edouard-michelin-dies-in-boating-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/26/edouard-michelin-dies-in-boating-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/26/edouard-michelin-dies-in-boating-accident/#commentsFiled under:

Michelin's joint managing director, Edouard Michelin, has died in a boating accident off of the Ile de Sein island in Brittany in Western France, according to the French media. The unfortunate occurrence leaves the company's other managing director, Michel Rollier, to carry the company forward.

The Michelin boss was born in 1963 and joined his family's company in 1985, holding various research, production and sales posts before earning the top spot in 1999.

[Source: Reuters]

Edouard Michelin dies in boating accident originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 May 2006 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's been well over a year since Michelin unveiled its take on the future of the tire, the airless Tweel. The odd-looking invention pairs a replaceable outer rubber layer with a central alloy hub joined by polyurethane ribs. Judging by this video, it would appear that the tire manufacturer is continuing to develop its concept, testing it on a variety of vehicles in a number of different environments. Click on the link to get a glimpse of what might just be in your automotive future.

[Sources: FreshCreation.nl; Michelin]

(Appreciate the tip, Martijn)

 

Video: Michelin Tweel in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 May 2006 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Mazda RX-9 is an advanced concept that came out on top in this year's Michelin Design Challenge. It's a hybrid featuring a 2.5L V6 and wafer-thin electric motor, but features a couple of technologies not seen before in the race for higher fuel mileage.

James Owen Design is the one-man firm responsible for penning the vehicle's shape. The slick skin features electrostatic collectors that can collect electrical charges that build up on the exterior panels while driving through dry air. The electricity is store in capacitors that can then feed the hybrid drivetrain along with the onboard regenerative braking.

What's more trick are the vehicle's tires, which feature Electroactive Polymers (E.A.P.) that with varying levels of voltage from the vehicle's electrical system can actually change the shape and depth of their tread pattern. The rubber donuts can go from flat and smooth to knobby and grippy, or even ride high on their centers for ultra-low rolling resistance.

Follow the jump for further exposition provided by James Owen himself and for additional images. High res images can be found at the above links.

[Source: James Owen Design]

Continue reading Mazda RX-9 features Mighty Morphin' tire technology and energy absorbent skin

Mazda RX-9 features Mighty Morphin' tire technology and energy absorbent skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dr. Dre is over 40 years old. Grandmaster Flash? Knockin' on the big 5-0 (and we're not talking about the police, yo). So... what's an aging rapper to drive when arthritis rules out high-riding Escalades and Hummer H2s? Chrysler 300? Been there, DUBbed that.

So perhaps the next logical step is a blinged-out version of Buick's LaCrosse. The version seen here has been given the full rap star treatment, lowered and rollin' on 22" chromies, tinted windows and taillamp lenses, plenty of ICE and a reworked leather and suede interior. The sedan seen here will make the scene in 16 major markets on the DUB tour.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line and Buick]

Buick to court hip-hop dollar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Apr 2006 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BuickDouble-dubDr. DreDr.DreDUBDUB MagazineDubMagazineGangsta RapGangstaRapgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmGrandmaster FlashGrandmasterFlashHip-hopKenwoodlucernemichelinold schoolOldSchoolMon, 10 Apr 2006 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Michelin recalls 10,000 Z-rated tires]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2005/12/28/michelin-recalls-10-000-z-rated-tires/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/12/28/michelin-recalls-10-000-z-rated-tires/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/12/28/michelin-recalls-10-000-z-rated-tires/#commentsFiled under: ,

Michelin is recalling some 10,000 units of its 255/35 ZR 20 97Y Extra Load Pilot Sport tire.

The radial has been commonly fitted on larger cars capable of very high velocities (or "sport-type vehicles" as the AFX News Limited article confusingly states).  The Michelin in question has been used as an O.E. fitment on cars like the Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ8 in Europe over the past three years.

Apparently, a sidewall blister can lead to a tire going flat rapidly [read: blowout]. No accidents due to the defect have been reported, but the (lucky) owners of these high speed projectiles are advised to turn them over for suitable replacements at once.

[Source: AFX News Limited via Forbes.com]

 

Michelin recalls 10,000 Z-rated tires originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2005 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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