Michelin exclusive OE on Caddy ATS-V

DETROIT (May 5, 2015) — General Motors Co. has selected tuned Michelin Pilot Super Sport ultra-high performance tires as the exclusive fitment for the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V, according to Michelin North America Inc.

The ATS-V is Cadillac's top performance offering, powered by a 445-hp, 3.6-liter turbocharged V6 with a rated top speed of 185 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.9 seconds. It will be available starting this summer in both five-passenger sedan and four-passenger coupe versions, according to GM. It will retail in the $61,000 to $65,000 price range.    

Cadillac is benchmarking the ATS-V against some of the best high-performance sedans and coupes in the world, including the Audi RS5, the Lexus RC-F, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and BMW M3/M4, according to Autoweek magazine, a Tire Business sister publication.

Cadillac ATS-V tire fitments will be 255/35ZR18 front and 275/35ZR18 rear.

Michelin said it worked closely with the Cadillac ATS-V team to develop a version of its Pilot Super Sport UHP tires that help the vehicle achieve world-class sports car performance. This version features a steel- belt package derived from Michelin racing tires, the company said, and three distinct compounds across the tread to help extend tread life while maximizing grip required for track driving.

This OE fitment is the “latest example of strategic engineering cooperation between our companies to provide the highest performance experience to Cadillac drivers,” said Thom Roach, director of original equipment marketing for Michelin North America.

Michelin's and Cadillac's research and development teams held joint test sessions for the ATS-V at Michelin's Laurens Proving Grounds in South Carolina, General Motors' Milford Road Course, the Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany, Circuit of the Americas in Texas and Virginia International Raceway.

Cadillac also is using specially designed Brembo brakes with bi-metal rotors on the ATS-V, with nitride-treated iron discs to prevent surface rust and improve wear. Rotors measure 14.5 inches in front, with six-piston aluminum calipers, and 13.3 inches rear, with four-piston calipers, according to Autoweek.

The ATS-V is the base model for Cadillac's entry this year in the Pirelli World Challenge.