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 tyre, 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 Centre track in the south of Italy: travel 40,075 kilometres [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 tyres 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 tyres. How do you overcome the extreme stresses of this program while guaranteeing performance, consistency, and energy efficiency? Michelin mobilised the skills of its Research & Development Centre to design a completely new “high performance” tyre, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 5 Energy. The result of five years of tyre research, it uses the Group’s most advanced technologies in terms of dynamic vehicle/tyre 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 centre, the new Adaptive Grip Compound maximises grip on dry and wet surfaces.

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

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

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 specialised Michelin engineers.
• Two teams of two fitters dedicated to fitting and replacing the tyres, operating both day and night.
• Permanent presence of technical assistance and engineering teams on the track.

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