GREENVILLE, S.C.—In response to the rapid growth and evolution of sport-utility vehicles, Michelin North America has developed a tire it said is specifically designed to meet these vehicles' unique needs.
The Michelin Cross Terrain SUV "is designed, developed and tuned specifically for on-road performance and comfort," Michelin said, reflecting the evolution of SUVs over the past 10 years "from modified pickup trucks into state-of-the-art luxury vehicles."
The Cross Terrain SUV will meet the unique steering, handling and stopping requirements of today's higher-tech, more luxurious vehicles, the company said, providing a quiet, car-like ride while retaining the rugged, truck-like look most SUV owners prefer.
The P-metric tire features a tread design and casing profile engineered to deliver a smoother, quieter ride, Michelin said, while a silica tread compound improves wet handling and shortens wet stopping distance, without compromising other perform- ance attributes.
The Cross Terrain SUV has been selected as original equiment on several 2001-model SUVs, including the: Jeep Grand Cherokee, Acura MDX, Chevrolet Suburban and Blazer, Cadillac Escalade GMC Yukon Denali and Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada and Lincoln Blackwood.
It also has been chosen for OE fitment on the 2002 Ford Explorer, which will debut in the first quarter of 2001.
The Cross Terrain SUV is scheduled to be launched in the replacement market in November and will initially be available in eight sizes, with another 18 to debut in the first quarter of 2001.
When complete, the line will comprise 26 55- to 75-series sizes to fit 15- to 18-inch rims. Sidewall styles feature raised outline lettering, either white or black.
Twenty-one sizes will carry an S speed rating, one a T and four an H. The UTQG treadwear grade for all sizes is 520.