- Cars have achieved top-speed up to 284 mph in recent times
- With engine tech and aerodynamics exploring new avenues, tires is the limiting factor for faster cars
Michelin has begun developing new tyre technology that will help them build tyres rated for 300mph (about 483kmph). While singular runs have been achieved at speeds up to 284mph (457kmph), the current tyres have not been built for this speed making it a safety concern.
At high speeds, tyres generate a large amount of heat. The metal carcass of the tyre loses its strength as the metal softens up at these speeds. Also, the heat affects the rubber compound which might result in tyre bursts and at such high speeds, a tyre burst may provide fatal in spite of the all the latest safety equipment.
It is not only about the top speed, but also about the acceleration of these machines. With targets for the 0-100kmph going below 2 seconds and the horsepower figures going into four digits, the stress that the tyres undergo have multiplied over time which will need an entirely new design. Cars like the Tesla Roadster, the Hennessey Venom F5 and the all-new Koenigsegg in the making, the need of a 300mph tyre is going to arise sooner than later.
