Michelin and Ford team up on tires for new Focus

Engineers at Michelin and Ford have collaborated on the latest Ford Focus RS to create custom-made tires for the sporty hatchback.

The 2016 Focus will be fitted with 19-inch (235/35R19) Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

There are also two performance options, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 and the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 winter tire, to extend the owner’s driving experience to the colder months.

The Focus RS, part of the Ford Performance lineup, is the latest example of Ford and Michelin engineers collaborating to create tailored tire constructions and compounds designed to maximize vehicle performance.

Michelin said the team tested more than 500 prototypes before selecting the best tire formula to deliver ultimate wet and dry grip.

Pilot Sport Cup 2 — Sporty and street legal

The street-legal Pilot Sport Cup 2 features bi-compound technology and an endurance racing compound. The Sport Cup 2 is often reserved for supercars and high-end sports cars, and the Focus RS is the most affordable vehicle ever to have the option and only the second car with a “square” fitment — with the same tire size fitted on front and rear.

Michelin and Ford have been collaborating on the project since 2013 and testing took place at several of Europe’s most famous tracks, including Charade (France), Michelin's Ladoux Technology Center (France), Ford's Lommel Proving Ground (Belgium), Idiada (Spain) and Nüburgring (Germany)

Pilot Alpin 4 —best in cold climates

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 also has been approved as a replacement winter tire option for owners in colder climates. For the first time, owners can order winter tires when they custom-build their Focus RS.

Michelin says the ultra-high-performance winter tires offer “exceptional control in snow and ice” and come with a 30,000-mile warranty.

Michelin tires are featured on every current Ford Performance vehicle: the Ford GT, Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R, Focus ST, Fiesta ST and F-150 Raptor. Additionally, Michelin has been chosen as the technical tire partner for the Ford GT Race Team.

Tagged: Ford

Michelin and Ford team up on tires for new Focus