Ford and Michelin have joined forces for the benefit of Ford’s Performance Vehicle lineup, where each model will receive custom-engineered rubber from the French tire manufacturer.
Michelin will provide tire fitments for models such as the Ford GT, the Shelby Mustang GT350 and 350R, as well as the Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus RS and the F-150 Raptor.
Both Ford and Michelin engineers will work together in order to develop customized tires that excel in certain categories such as lateral grip, noise, vibration, harshness and durability.
Every single tire will be independently designed and developed in order to maximize performance.
Ford exec Dave Pericak said “We have a long relationship with Michelin, and could not ask for a better teammate to help extract maximum capability from our vehicles,” before adding “That confidence extends from our upcoming racing effort at Le Mans in 2016 with the all-new Ford GT, to the Ford Performance vehicle lineup, including Shelby GT350 and F-150 Raptor.”
The top of the range Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 will be fitted to the all-new Ford GT as well as the Shelby GT350R, while Focus RS owners can still get it as an optional extra. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport will end up on the regular Shelby GT350 as well as on the Focus RS as standard, while both the Focus ST and Fiesta ST will get the Michelin Pilot.
As for the upcoming 2017 F-150 Raptor, Michelin are fitting it with a set of BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires – as you know, Michelin owns BFGoodrich.
“Our tire development teams are excited to be working hand-in-hand with Ford on these amazing vehicles,” said Michelin North America VP Thorn Roach. “The Michelin Pilot tires and BFGoodrich T/A KO2 tires on Ford Performance vehicles are all custom-tuned to help maximize vehicle performance on multiple fronts.”
Michelin will also serve as a technical associate for Ford’s racing program, when the all-new Ford GT returns to Le Mans in 2016.
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