Michelin Introduces New X-ICE SNOW Winter Tire
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ichelin introduced the MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire ― the new generation of its superior winter tire designed for maximum mobility and safety, winter after winter ― in a special demonstration last week.
The new X-Ice SNOW winter tire for passenger cars and SUVs has been developed, tested and proven in Michelin's Nordic test centers under the most rigorous constant extreme-winter driving conditions. Notably, 85% of Michelin's North American volume for the X-Ice SNOW tire will be produced in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Testing reveals that the new MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire features improved snow performance and braking as compared to its predecessor1, stops nearly 3 meters (10 feet) shorter on ice than a leading competitor2, and lasts up to one additional winter season than the average of leading competitor tires.3
The new MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire is designed to give drivers peace of mind when driving in extreme winter conditions, says Sylvaine Cuniberti, Michelin's marketing director. We have an exceptional winter tire with a new tread design and innovative technologies, resulting in improved snow performance1 and leadership in ice braking4. The MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW provides drivers and passengers with long-lasting winter performance and continues to perform as an industry leader as it wears3,4, while being covered by a segment-exclusive limited treadwear warranty.
The new MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire provides the necessary traction to overcome extreme winter conditions by relying on innovations that support the key characteristics of a winter tire
Next-generation V-shaped tread design providing 100% use of the contact patch for optimal grip performance on snow and ice and for exceptional slush performance5. Maintains its shape even when worn to continue providing grip in winter conditions.
FLEX-ICE 2.0 tread compound a unique rubber mix for use in a wide range of winter temperatures with a full silica-based compound to maintain flexibility in severe cold climate conditions.
MICHELIN EverGrip technologies an innovative tread compound with rigid polymer for improved grip on both snow and ice for the duration of the wear life.1
Two types of full-depth, interlocking 3-D sipes for an increased claw effect on snow and ice, and for long-lasting biting edges.
The MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire replaces Michelin's X-Ice Xi3 and Latitude X-Ice Xi2 tire lines and will be available Fall 2020 in 82 sizes with speed ratings T and H for passenger vehicles, CUVs and SUVs using 14 to 22-inch rim diameters. An additional 41 sizes will be introduced starting Fall 2021.
1 New, at 10,000 km, and when worn to 4 mm and 2 mm tread depth, the MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire offers shorter snow and ice stopping distances on average than its predecessor, based on third-party snow braking test (between 35 km/h and 5 km/h) and ice braking test (between 30 km/h and 5 km/h), in December 2019 and January 2020 (1) on a Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI comparing the MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire versus MICHELIN X-Ice Xi3 in tire size 205/55R16 94H XL, and (2) on a Volkswagen Tiguan comparing the MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW SUV tire versus MICHELIN Latitude X-Ice Xi2 in tire size 235/55R19 105H XL.
2 Based on third-party ice braking test (between 30 km/h and 5 km/h) in December 2019 and January 2020, in a Volkswagen Tiguan comparing the MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW SUV tire versus NOKIAN Hakkappeliitta R3 SUV in tire size 235/55R19 105H XL. Tires mechanically buffed, then 8,000 km performed in real usage in North Finland, until worn to 4 mm tread depth before being tested.
3 Based on third-party longevity tests, in North Finland between October 2019 and January 2020, on a Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI comparing the MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire versus BRIDGESTONE Blizzak WS-90, CONTINENTAL Viking Contact 7, NOKIAN Hakkappeliitta R3, GOODYEAR UltraGrip Ice 2, Pirelli Ice Zero FR in tire size 205/55R16 94H XL. 12,000 kilometres driven per winter is estimated from annual average kilometres driven in Canada per vehicle by Desrosiers Automotive Consultants. A winter season is defined as six months.
4 Based on third-party ice braking test on a Volkswagen Tiguan (between 30 km/h and 5 km/h), in December 2019 and January 2020, comparing (1) the MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW SUV tire versus, BRIDGESTONE Blizzak DM-V2, CONTINENTAL Viking Contact 7, NOKIAN Hakkappeliitta R3 SUV, GOODYEAR UltraGrip Ice WRT SUV and TOYO Observe GSI5 in tire size 235/55R19 105H XL and (2) on a Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI comparing the MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire versus BRIDGESTONE Blizzak WS-90 and Blizzak Ice, CONTINENTAL Viking Contact 7, NOKIAN Hakkappeliitta R3, GOODYEAR UltraGrip Ice 2 and PIRELLI Ice-Zero FR in tire size 205/55R16 94H XL. All tires mechanically buffed, then 8,000 km performed in real usage in North Finland until worn to 4 mm tread depth before being tested.
5 Based on (1) internal hydroplaning longitudinal acceleration test performed in France in March 2019, on a Volkswagen Golf 7 comparing the MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire versus MICHELIN X-Ice Xi3 in tire size 205/55R16 94H XL and on (2) internal hydroplaning curve test performed in Japan in February 2019, on an AUDI A4, comparing the MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire versus MICHELIN X-Ice Xi3 in tire size 205/55R16 94H XL.
✔️ Michelin Introduces New X-ICE SNOW Winter Tire
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