Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP Sizes & review

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The Pilot Super Sport ZP (Zero Pessure) is Michelin’s Max Performance Summer run-flat tire originally developed for C7 Chevrolet Corvette, which was introduced for the 2014 model year. 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 C7 Corvette 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.

All versions of the Pilot Super Sport ZP 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 C7 Corvette use a single tread rubber compound that blends dry traction, wet traction and treadlife; while the sizes for Z51-equipped and Z06 models feature side-by-side tread compounds. Different from the standard Pilot Super Sport tread compounds, one is designed and manufactured in the U.S. specifically for the C7 Corvette, and the other is made for racing applications by the same people and equipment that produce the compunds in Michelin´s Le Mans-wining race tires. The two combine to deliver near-racing-slick dry grip and handling levels, without abandoning tread life and wet handling.

Tires for all three models 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 C7 emphasize ride and treadlife, while the angles used for the Z51 and Z06 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 50 mph. All three versions of the 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 C7 Corvette are the same as those used on many C6 Corvettes, and they can be installed in sets on the earlier cars.

7 COMMENTS

  1. The OE tires where noisy.And I did not like the ride. I bought this set because of there name and the cost. Made one whale of a change much quieter. Better handling and good tread wear for this tire, after 15.000 miles.These are H rated tire’s and this Sonic will be sold in due time.No Love lost will buy another set, but v rated for handling,stiffer side wall,and better traction.Michelin has always made a good tire for what ever needs you have in my opinion.

  2. Good replacement for the runflats that originally came on the car. Responsiveness, security and overall performance were just as good as with the runflats, without being as harsh and noisy. Definite improvement. My only issue is with their treadwear – did not get nearly as many miles out of them as I would have expected. They needed to be replaced after only 22K miles.

  3. worth every penny, they perform and last longer so cost per 1,000 mile is actually the cheapest. Also increases valut of car at trade in.

  4. I upgraded to these tires from the OEM crappy bridgestone all-season turanza’s. I live in so-cal and I will never drive my small coupe in the snow or offroad. I chose these tires because i like Michelin and these came stock/oem on the civic SI. These tires have been super great, driven many times in the rain and dry. Awesome grip from these over any stock all-season. They are a bit loud on the freeway but if you have a nice luxury sedan that is quiet, it will be no problem. It is a summer tire but you dont have to worry about hydroplaning at 65mph they hold up just fine and have had no issues driving 60+ miles in the rain. The tires warranty said it would last 20k miles, They just hit the wear bars and im at 26k, so they did at least what they advertised. Id honestly go with the new and improved Michelin pilot sport tire. Its around the same price and is better in every aspect and even last longer! Its what I did and its great! The Exalto PE2 is an old tire, its great, but Michelin has better.

  5. Love these tires. They provide the perfect amount of steering weight on center that progressively loads up as the wheel is turned allowing the driver to perfectly feel the amount of grip available at all times. Despite this, ride quality remains fair – a bit stiffer than a lower performance tire as would be expected, but not harsh, and not hard to live with. At 20k miles I was down to the wear bars on two tires and had about 3/32″ left on the other two. I find that reasonable life for a tire of this performance level. Tires remained quiet throughout the entire lifespan, and perfectly balanced – never a sign of flat-spotting, even after sitting for a month or more. Performance remained astonishing, even in the rain, right down to the end of life.This is pretty much the perfect tire to me for a performance-oriented daily driver – I have never driven a tire that has better on-center feel and driver feedback – it was a joy every time I drove on these tires. The fact that they ride well, are quiet, and have a reasonable life makes them a no-brainer. I’m really disappointed they are being phased out and not available in the sizes I currently need.

  6. I chose this tire from the good overall reviews from multiple sources, and the fact that I’ve also had good experiences with Michelins on other cars. It also has the N designation, which means Porsche has tested it on their vehicles and given it their approval. Very happy with these tires – reasonably priced, with a good combination of grip and wear. They seem fairly quiet, although the old 911’s have a lot of engine and wind noise – all part of the experience!

  7. Pilot Exalto A/s Rrbl tires were installed on my car in November 2010. I noticed cracking all around the outside surface of the tires which I pointed out to Active Green & Ross (the installer) when I returned to have the annual rotation the third year. Initially I was told it was nothing and not to worry about it. In May 2015 (4 + years after installation) I again brought it to the attention of Active Green & Ross; this time I was told I was not driving my car enough and they couldn’t do anything about it as it was 4-1/2 years and the normal length of the tires. I subsequently called Michelin in the U.S. and they authorized replacement tires to be installed by Kal Tire. They did not admit the tires were faulty but I paid the cost of the new tires less 41% for wear. I now have MIC Pilot Sport A/S 91Y 70 which appear to be a better tire.

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