At the moment, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tire is one of the most popular performance tires on the market, if not the very most popular. It’s combination of impressive dry performance, wet performance and braking distances make it the idea tire for any customer with a high-end performance car. Basically, if you want your sports car to drive as well as it possibly can, fit a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires. But don’t just assume this is some marketing campaign for us. Just look at the OE tire manufacturer for most performance cars…
Now, though, Michelin is offering a new limited edition program for its PS4S tire, for customer who want a special look for their special car. The French brand’s new “Premium Touch” adds a new aesthetic to the already impressive tire that finishes off the look of a high-end sports car.
This limited edition “Premium Touch” brings about a laser-etched checkered flag design into the entire sidewall of the tire. The checkered flag design is meant to evoke the spirit of motorsport.
The process in which Michelin creates this effect with cutting-edge laser technology and the contrast between the dark and light checkers is created using light-absorbing micro-technology. So half of the checkers absorb more light than the other half, giving it the contrast checkered look that’s desired.
While the difference between the standard Michelin PS4S tire and the “Premium Touch” version isn’t that significant. Though, if you’re trying to really enhance the aesthetic of your car and are buying new wheels, lowering it and maybe even wrapping it, a differently designed tire could go a long way to completing the look.
Physically, the two versions of the tire are identical. So the difference in design makes no difference in actual performance whatsoever. In fact, Michelin even says you can mix and match standard PS4S tires and the Premium Touch variants on your car. While it doesn’t recommend that, as it would look weird, it’s technically possible without any physical repercussions, as they’re technologically the same tire. Also, they can be washed just as any other tire with no issues. Though, Michelin claims that tire shine is unnecessary, as they already provide an enhanced look.
Supply of these checkered Michelins will be limited, so if you want them, you have to hurry up. They will be offered in two different sizes: 255/35 ZR 19 (96Y) and 235/35 ZR 19 (91Y). If you want them, you can only get them through limited distributors, such as TireRack (US), Allopneus (France) and BlackCircles (UK). Prices will be set by each distributor, so we have no official word on how much they will cost.
