The Alley :: The story behind the Corvette and Michelin

News from Michelin Motorsport - Corvette 2014

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Nowhere to Everywhere THE STORY BEHIND CORVETTE AND MICHELIN

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hat was once a mile-wide gap has disappeared and become a bridge as Corvette Racing and Michelin went from strangers to exclusive relationships and technical partnerships on both track and street in the past decade.

Despite strong motorsport heritage and long records of great success, Corvette and Michelin were on opposite sides of the paddock at the races and on the street.

Corvette factory teams had never raced with Michelin and no new Corvette had ever rolled off the line wearing a Michelin fitment.

That changed after the 2003 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans when a Michelin-fitted Ferrari beat the defending champions Corvette Racing to the top spot of the GT class

podium by a stunning 10-lap, 85-mile margin.

By season’s end, the Corvette Racing team was determined to become a Michelin technical partner.

“That first big test at Sebring with Michelin opened a lot of eyes,” said Ron Fellows, then the Corvette Racing factory team lead driver.

“We not only went three seconds a lap faster, the MICHELIN® tires hooked up so much quicker on acceleration that it initially created some driveline issues for us, which was a good thing!”

The Corvette Racing team immediately changed to MICHELIN tires and went on to reclaim its title at Le Mans and capture the 2004 American Le Mans Series championship.

As key insiders at General Motors became increasingly aware of the MICHELIN tire technology and the

significant role it played in Corvette Racing’s renewed success, an opportunity opened for Michelin to compete and win the fitment on the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the fastest, most powerful production car ever produced

by GM. That led to the next stage.

With the Corvette Racing team and the Corvette ZR1 development team both working in close collaboration with Michelin, the relationship soon became a virtuous circle or flywheel with the racing team at the hub.

Just as Corvette Racing draws upon the General Motors technical experts in powertrain, chassis, suspension, electronics and aerodynamics, Michelin, the global leader in tire technology, embeds a tire engineer with each of its Le Mans technical

Michelin & C

partner teams to capture extensive data and insights on tire and chassis performance as well as subjective feedback from drivers and team engineers.

With top GM and Corvette Racing team engineers, championship winning drivers and aggressive testing, Michelin gains deep insights into the technical and cultural side of Corvette and feeds it all into the Michelin technical centers for use in developing new tires for both Corvette Racing and production vehicles.

Through the first 100+ races of the technical partnership with Michelin, Corvette Racing captured five GT class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 60 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) class wins, including six victories

in the Twelve Hours of Sebring and five at Petit Le Mans. Those wins led to seven sets of ALMS driver, team, and manufacturer championships, including 2012 and 2013.

One of the keys to the Corvette – Michelin technical partnership is that the collaboration does not stop at the pit gate.

In fact, the lead Michelin race tire engineer with Corvette Racing, Lee Willard, is also the lead development engineer for the Michelin ultra-high performance tires for Corvette street vehicles - you can’t have a tighter circle for feedback than that.

As the collaboration continues, Michelin engineers can develop increasingly specific tires to meet the demands for each subsequent Corvette.

Michelin has been honored to develop the MICHELIN® Pilot® Sport PS2 ZP tire for the 2009 Corvette ZR1,

Corvette

the MICHELIN® Pilot® Sport Cup ZP, a street-legal, track-ready tire, for the 2011 Corvette Z06 and ZR1 with optional handling packages.

Today, every new C7 Corvette rolls off the line in Bowling Green fitted exclusively with MICHELIN® Pilot® Super Sport® ZP tire combinations for the 2014 Corvette Stingray and 2014 Corvette Stingray with Z51 performance package and the Z06.

“This is a truly historic partnership and it is pretty amazing to think about how the Michelin relationship with Corvette has grown,” said Chris Baker, motorsports director for Michelin North America.

“When two companies share a passion for innovation, engineering excellence and constantly improving technology, great things happen for racers on the track and consumers on the street.”

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he transfer of technology from race car to production cars is not a one way street.

“The Corvette Z06 is a great example of the technology transfer between racing and production Corvettes,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “First, we took what we learned on the Corvette Racing C6.R and applied that to the all-new Corvette Stingray.

“Then, using the Stingray as a foundation, the Z06 and C7.R were developed to push the envelope of performance on the street and the track. We are continually taking what we learn in competition, and applying it to improve production Corvettes – which then makes better race cars.”

The 2015 model is the first Corvette Z06 to offer a supercharged engine, an automatic transmission and, thanks to a stronger aluminum frame, a removable roof panel.

The new, supercharged 6.2L engine is expected to deliver at least 625 horsepower (466 kW) and can be matched with either a seven-speed manual or an all-new, high-performance eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual control.

The aluminum frame carries over from the Corvette Stingray and will be used essentially unchanged for the Corvette C7.R.

“Practically every exterior change served a functional purpose, as this (Z06) beast needed more of everything,” said Tom Peters, Corvette design director.

“The flared fenders accommodate larger, wider wheels and tires for more grip. The larger vents provide more cooling air to the engine, brakes, transmission and differential for increased track capability. The more aggressive aerodynamic package generates true downforce for more cornering grip and high-speed stability.”

A track-focused Z07 Performance Package adds unique components for true aerodynamic downforce, MICHELIN® Pilot Super Sport® ZP tires for enhanced grip, and Brembo carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors that improve braking performance and contribute to greater handling through reduced unsprung weight.

In fact, the Corvette C7.R race car was co-developed with the all-new 2015 Corvette Z06. They share unprecedented levels of engineering and components including chassis architecture, engine technologies and aerodynamic strategies.

“Many of the architectural and aerodynamic features of the C7.R are based on equivalent components and technologies from the 2015 Corvette Z06,” said Juechter.

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The race car and the Z06 will share the same production-based aluminum frame. However, for the first time, the frames for the race car and production Z06 will be built in-house at Corvette’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant.

For Corvette Racing, this equates to a race chassis for the C7.R that is 40 percent stronger than the outgoing C6.R. Meanwhile, the addition of direct fuel injection to the Corvette Z06 promises greater efficiency, offering drivers more precise throttle control and typically improves fuel economy about 3 percent.

The aerodynamic strategies of the Corvette Stingray came directly from the Corvette C6.R – including the forward-tilted radiator, functional hood and front-quarter panel vents, and rear transmission and differential cooling intakes.

“We worked concurrently with the race team developing the aerodynamic packages for the Z06 and the C7.R,” said Juechter.

“We even used the same modeling software to test both cars, enabling us to share data and wind-tunnel test results.”

There are, of course, differences between the race car and production Corvette Z06. For example, as the GT class rules limit the maximum displacement to 5.5L and prohibit forced

induction, the C7.R carries over the powertrain from the C6.R. By comparison, the new Z06 boasts a supercharged 6.2L engine estimated at 625 horsepower.

The suspension on the C7.R is modified to accommodate wider racing tires and larger brakes, again part of the GT class regulations.

For the new C7.R, there are now openings on each of the rear quarter panels above the brake ducts, which will draw air to help cool the race car’s transaxle and differential.

The C7.R’s aero detail also makes the rear wing a moresignificant part of the car’s aero package.

For its part, Michelin, as the exclusive technical partner for Corvette Racing and the Stingray and Z06, has developed specific tire solutions for each vehicle.

Building upon the continuous flow of data and performance insights in a deep collaboration with Corvette, Michelin has created fitments to deliver total performance for efficiency, safety and performance for Corvette owners and Corvette Racing.

And, of course, Corvette Racing gets access to the latest proprietary MICHELIN GT Le Mans race slicks and rain tires.

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FAST FACT Big change in 2014 sports cars

The world of sports car racing in North America changed as the new TUDOR United SportsCar Championship launched in January 2014. Created by a merger of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and the GRANDAM series, the TUDOR Championship, now owned by a division of NASCAR, takes a “best of the best” approach to develop and strengthen the sport’s appeal to manufacturers, teams, sponsors and fans.

For Michelin, the new series provides the opportunity to participate in open competition in the Grand Touring Le Mans (GTLM) class and to continue important technical partnerships with factory teams from Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche and SRT Viper.

“Technical partnerships are an important part of our development of innovative tire designs and constructions – and, as importantly, in the development of our understanding of tire mechanics in general and in the conception of new simulation tools,” said Chris Baker, motorsports director for Michelin North America.

“Michelin supports the unification of sports car racing in North America in alignment with the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

We think the TUDOR Championship will be exciting,” said Baker.

Fastest Magnussen?

A funny thing happened to Corvette Racing ace Jan Magnussen, the 2013 GT class driver co-champion.

Program manager Doug Fehan now calls him, “the second fastest Magnussen in the world,” as son Kevin begins his first season as a McLaren F1 race driver.

But in qualifying at the Long Beach Grand Prix, Jan took the GT Le Mans class pole and since Kevin had a weekend off, Jan once again became the fastest Magnussen in the world, at least for another week. He and co-driver Antonio Garcia went on to take the win, while teammates Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner finished third as Milner posted the fastest race lap.

Happy Anniversary Corvette Racing recently celebrated its 10th anniversary as a Michelin technical partner. The combination has racked up 61 race wins, 5 wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 7 sets of championships.

Vehicle Model Gen

Year

Option

Front

Rear

C5

1997-2004

Standard

P245/45ZR17 LL 89Y

P275/40ZR18 LL 94Y

2001-2004

Z06

P265/40ZR17 LL 91Y

P295/35ZR18 LL 91Y

2005-2013

Standard

P245/40ZR18 LL (88Y)

P285/35ZR19 LL (90Y)

C6

Apparently Corvette Racing agrees, as the team took the first pole and victory for the new C7.R at the Long Beach Grand Prix.

“We look forward to seeing how the series is promoted and how the fans, manufacturers and media respond. This will be a year to watch as the series learns and adjusts in preparation for 2015 and beyond,” said Baker. “We all like great cars, lots of fans and good competition.”

Tire Sizes

C7

2006-2013

Z06

P275/35ZR18 LL (87Y)

P325/30ZR19 LL (94Y)

2009-2013

ZR1

P285/30ZR19 LL (87Y)

P335/25ZR20 LL (94Y)

2010-2013

Grand Sport

P275/35ZR18 LL (87Y)

P325/30ZR19 LL (94Y)

2011-2013

Z06 w/Z07 Perf.Pack P285/30ZR19 LL (87Y)

P335/25ZR20 LL (94Y)

2014+

Standard

P245/40ZR18 (93Y)

P285/35ZR19 (99Y)

2014+

Z51

P245/35ZR19 (89Y)

P285/30ZR20 (95Y)

2015+

Z06

P285/30ZR19 (94Y)

P335/25ZR20 (99Y)

2015+

Z07

P285/30ZR19 (94Y)

P335/25ZR20 (99Y)

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“This is a truly historic partnership and it is pretty amazing to think about how the Michelin relationship with Corvette has grown.”

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CHRIS BAKER, MOTORSPORTS DIRECTOR FOR MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA

Fast like Ron? Stay Corvette & carry on

The only thing better than owning a Chevrolet Corvette is being able to drive it well to experience all of the performance and exhilaration that it can provide. That is where the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School shines.

Corvette Racing’s first victory with the C7.R at Long Beach on April 12 came in just the third race for the new car.

Combined with nine wins and sweeps of the Manufacturer, Team and Driver championships in the final two seasons of competition with the team’s C6.Rs, the Corvette Racing team and 2013 driver champs Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia (4) and 2012 champs Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner (6) have combined for 10 wins in the last 22 races.

USA STYLE

Fellows, a charter member of Corvette Racing and multi-time driving champion, established his performance driving school at Spring Mountain in October of 2008.

The Ron Fellows Performance Driving School offers high performance driver training to improve driving technique, provide professional racing instruction, or simply enjoy the opportunity to drive one of America’s fastest production race cars. Instructors are trained to test the limits of the drivers and the vehicles on an exhilarating, purpose-built road course in a safe, controlled environment.

Tommy Milner will be pleased when fellow American, Jordan Taylor, age 22, rejoins the team as a third driver at Le Mans. Meaning, Milner (28) will no longer be the youngest, or the only American driver on the team. With a 2012 GT driver title with Oliver Gavin, six wins in the past two seasons, including victory at Sebring in 2013, plus a Le Mans win in 2011, he is quietly building an impressive record.

As the Official High Performance Driving School of Corvette, the Driving School exclusively uses current model Corvette C7 Stingray and ZR1 models on MICHELIN® tires.

Set against a stunning mountain backdrop just 55 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, the Driving School is located within the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club.

MICHELIN® Tire Fitments and Part Numbers Pilot® Super Sport

Pilot® Super Sport ZP Pilot® Sport PS2™

Pilot® Sport PS2™ ZP

Pilot® Sport A/S 3

Pilot® Sport A/S + ZP

Pilot® Sport Cup ZP

Pilot® Sport Cup 2 ZP Pilot® Alpin PA4

Front

Front

Front

Rear

Front

Rear

Front

Rear

Front

Front

87984

18205

31651

62312

15335

37542

78156

07893

09579

89020

39254

10331

43657

15925

13913

13161

43657

15925

13913

13161

78156

07893

Rear

03264

29422

99872

14566

99872

Rear

69693

10332

05916

02430

Front

Rear

44359

43008

28120

46023

14566

03264

29422

69693

10332

28120

46023

15466

61244

25687

11313

12666

59857

09579

89020

06553

05258

39254

Rear

32048

10321

32048

10321

08704

Rear

Front

Rear

12852

35211

12852

35211

03949

10712

51138

10331

05916

02430

13913

13161

32048

10321

08704

51138

05916

02430

13913

13161

32048

10321

08704

51138

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Countdown to August National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park readies for launch

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new world class motorsports park is opening in August 2014 and Corvette enthusiasts and Michelin are helping to make it happen. The National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park, located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, will become the perfect complement to the National Corvette Museum and the General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant.

Michelin will become the official tire of the NCM Motorsports Park.

Located on approximately 184 acres of land with 1.5 miles of frontage on I-65, directly across the interstate from the Museum, the initial phase of the Park will consist of a twin circuit

arrangement of a two mile / 13 turn West course and a one mile / 10 turn East course which can be combined into multiple configurations.

Both circuits will feature technical turns, straights and elevation changes.

These two courses could be used independently for multiple events, or connected together into a unique large course.

The adjoining 221 acres have also been incorporated into Phase II of the Master Development Plan, and may be

used for future development. The track was designed with challenging features that are reminiscent of the famous Circuit de la Sarthe course in Le Mans, France where Corvette Racing has enjoyed great success.

Variable configurations for autocross will also be available on a 21 acre wet/ dry skid pad area.

The NCM’s high performance driver education (HPDE) school offers an intense program teaching vehicle dynamics, car control, cornering, braking and driving fundamentals in the classroom and on the track, led by highly-trained classroom and certified in-car instructors. http://www.motorsportspark.org

Michelin North America, Inc • One Parkway South, • Greenville, SC 29615 • TEL: 1-800-458-5000 • www.michelin.com • Printed in USA, April 16, 2014 • Volume 8, Issue Corvette No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior permission of the publisher. • Copyright © 2014 Michelin North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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