MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1, a truly superlative tire developed for the Ferrari F80

Groundbreaking development in just 15 months

The development time and the number of physical prototypes was reduced thanks to an intensive virtual exploration phase combining digital design, upstream simulation, and C3M manufacturing (a globally-unique specific feature, developed by Michelin). This brand-new combination for a production tire enabled quicker development, taking the Ferrari F80 performance into consideration from the earliest research phases and, as a bonus, reducing the number of prototype tires by 20-30%, resulting in a substantial reduction in the carbon footprint.

Simulation pushed to its peak to achieve exceptional performance

Usually reserved for the world of motorsport, in particular for developing tires intended for Hypercars, simulation was pushed even further by Michelin and Ferrari. As from the pre-development phase, when the vehicle still only existed in a virtual state, this tool was decisive for defining the perfect tire size.

The two virtual trials, performed directly on Ferrari's dynamic simulator in Maranello, helped to validate these initial choices, highlighting the strong synergy between the two companies in this field.

During the design phase, three additional simulation sessions made it possible to specify the tire's characteristics, perfectly attuned with the vehicle's expected performance.

Harnessing outstanding performance for the Ferrari F80

To cope with the power, torque, and very high aerodynamic stresses generated by the Ferrari F80, Michelin created a new rubber mixture from a mixing process used in motorsports and applied for the first time to a tire for road use, thus guaranteeing extraordinary grip regardless of the driving speed. The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 tire also uses a high density and reinforced "twin-layer" radial casing, allowing transverse and vertical stresses to be borne. Lastly, this tire features a new shoulder belt reinforcement technology. It is also the first to drastically reduce centrifugal effects thanks to a significant increase in the circumferential stiffness on the shoulder; intended specifically to maximize grip.

This trilogy constitutes a world first for a tire designed for road use. The sizes of the MICHELIN Pilot Spot Cup 2 R K1 tire are also unusual: 285x30R20 at the front, and 345x30R21 at the rear.

C3M: a unique production process

In order for this tire with a complex technical design to be manufactured with the greatest precision, Michelin relies on its own C3M production process. This high-tech procedure, similar to 3D printing, allows each material to be positioned with great accuracy. It also offers unprecedented reproducibility for the characteristics defined during the tire's development, and great consistency over the various production runs. Michelin's C3M technology is totally unique.

Michelin commits to sustainable performance

By integrating simulation into its development processes with Ferrari since 2016, Michelin has fully committed to innovation that is kinder to the environment. The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 tire for the Ferrari F80 (marked "K1" as it is intended exclusively for this car), is produced at the Gravanches factory in Clermont-Ferrand - a carbon-neutral site since November 2019 - that boasts one of the Michelin Group's lowest water consumption levels.

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