Yes, you heard right, the common sunflower oil found in any domestic kitchen is used by Michelin to create a special compound that delivers superior performance. Michelin says that the sunflower oil used in the patented Michelin Helio Compound technology “allows this new luxury performance tire to maintain its edge in wet and snowy weather while still delivering safety, all-weather handling, great ride quality and comfort that luxury consumers demand.”
The tire manufacturer explains that its new Primacy MXM4 product can stop up to two car lengths shorter, or up to 19 feet shorter in wet conditions than a leading competitor.
Thanks to the sunflower oil used in the mix the Primacy MXM4 tire increases traction at low temperatures for braking and handling in wet conditions and has better overall performance in the snow.
"Sometimes you don't have to look further than your own kitchen to find a viable, technical solution," said Dominique Josson, product category manager, Michelin North America. "Sunflower oil is particularly useful in high-performance, all-season tires because it allows the tire to maintain winter performance that might otherwise be sacrificed to gain handling and wet grip."
The Primacy MXM4 also uses other innovative Michelin technology like 3-D Variable Thickness Sipes for precision handling and MaxTouch Construction for improved longevity. The new tire also meets the Michelin Green X standard for superior energy efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.
The tire will eventually replace the Michelin Pilot MXM4 and will be available to consumers in North America starting July 1, 2010. It will offer 13 replacement market sizes with rim diameters ranging from 16- to 19-inch.
Michelin already tested the fitments on the road with the following models:
- 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan
- 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan
- 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe
- 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe
- 2011 Infiniti M37
- 2011 Infiniti M56
- 2009 Buick Lacrosse
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