Michelin and Mercedes-AMG innovate to travel the Earth’s circumference and set an endurance record in an electric car

• An endurance record that pushes the limits of electric vehicles established on the Nardò circuit in Italy thanks to a unique partnership between Michelin and Mercedes-AMG.

• The new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 5 energy tire, designed specially for the CONCEPT AMG GT XX combines performance, consistency, and energy efficiency. It heralds a future commercial range to be launched by Michelin in 2026.

• A huge commitment by the Michelin teams, present 24 hours a day in the field with the engineers, technicians, and fitters, confirms the absolute faith Mercedes-AMG has in Michelin’s know-how.

Mercedes-AMG and Michelin jointly took on an unusual challenge on the Nardò Technical Center track in the south of Italy: travel 40,075 kilometers [24,855 miles], i.e., the equivalent of the Earth’s circumference, in under 8 days at a speed of 300 kph [186 mph] in the CONCEPT AMG GT XX. The technology pioneer is powered by revolutionary drivetrain technologies set to enter production next year with the upcoming high-performance AMG.EA architecture. In addition, the new generation of MICHELIN tires are special in terms of performance, endurance, and energy efficiency.

MICHELIN Pilot Sport 5 energy: a tailor-made development to combine performance, confidence, and energy efficiency.

While the CONCEPT AMG GT XX delivers a powerful demonstration of the superior AMG.EA performance, the challenge was equally ambitious with regard to the tires. How do you overcome the extreme stresses of this program while guaranteeing performance, consistency, and energy efficiency? Michelin mobilized the skills of its Research & Development Center to design a completely new “high performance” tire, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 5 energy. The result of five years of tire research, it uses the Group’s most advanced technologies in terms of dynamic vehicle/tire simulation, coupled with unique manufacturing processes. It boasts a hitherto unseen dual-rubber architecture on the tread:

• On the outer sides, the latest generation of the Energy Passive Compound allows for reducing energy consumption.

• In the center, the new Adaptive Grip Compound maximizes grip on dry and wet surfaces.

This innovative design guarantees exceptional energy efficiency, reducing the number of recharges while maintaining constant performances up to the last mile.

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport 5 energy tires fitted to the CONCEPT AMG GT XX had the following dimensions: 265/40 ZR20 107Y XL MO1 on the front and 295/40 ZR 20 113Y XL MO1 on the rear. Developed specifically for this concept car, the tires have integrated electronic RFID chips that allow for real-time monitoring of the tires and optimization of their use.

A common ambition: push the boundaries in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow

This record is part of the continuing strategic partnership between Michelin and Mercedes-AMG, which began over 30 years ago. Based on a common passion for performance and responsible innovation, it illustrates Michelin’s ability to develop tailor-made solutions for one of the most demanding constructors while speeding up the marketing of technologies that will ultimately benefit drivers across the entire world.

Congratulations to Mercedes-AMG for this symbolic endurance record, to which Michelin is proud to have actively contributed. This circumnavigation in under eight days by the CONCEPT AMG GT XX is a striking demonstration of the possibilities of innovation: tires capable of delivering both performance and energy efficiency, from the first to the last mile. This success takes on its full meaning on the eve of the commercial launch of the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 5 energy range. This will benefit directly from the technologies validated in the field, such as the never-before-seen dual-rubber architecture on the tread. This challenge illustrates Michelin’s commitment to turn its sporting challenges into innovation accelerators for mobility that is ever more sustainable.”

Serge Lafon

President of the automotive original equipment business line at Michelin

Michelin and Mercedes-AMG: complete confidence and commitment between the two teams

Throughout the project and then the record on the Nardò circuit (12.6 km [7.83 miles] in circumference, bank up to 22.5%), Michelin deployed exceptional technical and human means alongside the German constructor:

• 24/7 continuous technical support and monitoring provided by specialized Michelin engineers.

• Two teams of two fitters dedicated to fitting and replacing the tires, operating both day and night.

• Permanent presence of technical assistance and engineering teams on the track.

Michelin, the exclusive tire partner for this record, once again demonstrates the technological excellence and innovative spirit that drives the Group.

About Michelin

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world.

Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare.

The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide.

Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people.