Michelin Develops Specialized Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 Tire for Ferrari F80

Brickinfo News Agency – Michelin has introduced the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1, a tire developed specifically for the new Ferrari F80 model. The tire, engineered in a rapid 15-month timeframe, is designed to withstand the significant power, torque, aerodynamic load, and maximum speeds of the Ferrari F80. This development leverages advanced motorsports technology and extensive simulation during the design and pre-development phases. The K1 designation signifies that the tire is intended exclusively for this vehicle.

The development process utilized an intensive virtual exploration phase, combining digital design, upstream simulation, and C3M manufacturing. This approach, unprecedented for a mass-produced tire, allowed Michelin to accelerate the development timeline while accommodating the Ferrari F80’s performance requirements from the earliest stages. The reliance on virtual methods also reduced the number of physical prototypes required by 20-30%, contributing to a substantial reduction in the overall carbon footprint of the project.

During the pre-development phase, simulation was used to define the ideal tire size even before the vehicle existed physically. Michelin and Ferrari utilized Ferrari’s dynamic simulator in Maranello for two virtual trials to validate initial choices, demonstrating synergy between the companies. Three additional simulation sessions during the design phase finalized the tire’s characteristics to align with the vehicle’s expected performance.

To manage the stresses imposed by the Ferrari F80, Michelin incorporated several technical innovations. The tire features a new rubber mixture derived from a motorsports mixing process, applied for the first time to a road-use tire, which guarantees grip at various speeds. Additionally, the tire includes a high-density, reinforced “twin-layer” radial casing capable of bearing transverse and vertical stresses. A new shoulder belt reinforcement technology helps to drastically reduce centrifugal effects by increasing the circumferential stiffness on the shoulder. The tire sizes are 285x30R20 at the front and 345x30R21 at the rear.

The manufacturing of this tire relies on Michelin’s unique C3M production process. This high-tech procedure, likened to 3D printing, allows for precise material placement and ensures reproducibility of the tire’s complex technical design. Michelin has integrated simulation into its development processes since 2016 to support sustainable innovation. The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 is produced at the Gravanches factory in Clermont-Ferrand, a carbon-neutral site since November 2019.