Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4

[SubLGT]

This new performance winter tire is to be introduced to the european market in spring 2012. Apparently, the tires will be available in 2 tread designs:

"An asymmetrical tread pattern has been optimized to meet the needs of the wide range of powerful models in today’s market.
A directional tread pattern developed in partnership with Porsche"

Lots of photos here:
http://www.tireandtyre.com/winter-tires/322/michelin-pilot-alpin-4/

Interestingly, the photos show 3 different tread designs.

 

[SubLGT]

Mystery solved. Of the three different tread designs shown in the photos, the directional design with the continuous center rib is the new Latitude Alpin LA2 for SUVs.

 

[Hokiefyd]

At least one of those tread patterns is directional instead of asymmetrical.

In general, I prefer asymmetrical designs over symmetrical, and avoid directional tires whenever I can, only because every car I've ever owned has benefitted from crossed tire rotations to even out directional wear that inevitably occurs. I'd like to see more all-season and high-performance tires utilize asymmetrical tread designs.

 

[SubLGT]

From an article at tyrepress.com about the PA4 comes this quote:

" Michelin, a company known for its pursuit of product excellence – even if that means a higher than peers product cost – is particularly keen on being head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to winter tyres."

I had read elsewhere that Michelin has Nokian "in their sights", and plans to surpass them in winter tire performance.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: SubLGT
From an article at tyrepress.com about the PA4 comes this quote:

" Michelin, a company known for its pursuit of product excellence – even if that means a higher than peers product cost – is particularly keen on being head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to winter tyres."

I had read elsewhere that Michelin has Nokian "in their sights", and plans to surpass them in winter tire performance.



Hmmm, I wonder if they will offer these in anything other than the current, HUGE, 'rubber band profile' UHP winter sizes (like the 225/55-16s which I use)???

If NOT, then it makes no difference to me if Nokian "is in their sights" since I will have to go with a WRG2 anyway, since they do not refuse to make their top tires in my sizes.

 

[SubLGT]

All I have seen mentioned so far in various news stories is 18", 19" and 20" sizes.

But AMS tested a set in size 205/55 R16.
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2011-AMS-Winter-Tyre-Test.htm