Time to put them to the test
The many trials involved numerous comparisons on dry and wet surfaces, and even in exaggerated situations.
Autocross
The day began with a lineup of ugly-sexy Impreza WRX STIs to perform handling tests through an Autocross. When stacked up against the likes of the Pirelli P Zero, Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position and Continental ExtremeContact DW, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 demonstrated superior grip on the relatively cold surface thanks to its proper mix silica and other compounds. The P/S A/S 3 was more compliant, enabling better grip at low temperatures.
Road Course
It was quite cool all day which played to the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3’s advantage. We followed the Autocross with a romp around a road course in some Cadillac CTS’. The term “compromise” I used earlier was unnoticeable on this exercise.
The P/S A/S 3s were able to match and even outperform tires dedicated almost solely to performance. Once again, the Pirellis, Continentals and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric had little or no edge on the Michelins.
It was quite surprising as the conclusion all journalists came to was: To the average user, the P/S A/S 3s would likely be chosen as the better tire. In fact, I would do the same.
The track revealed that body roll on cars shod with the Michelins was more progressive, which inspired more confidence. The CTS’ felt more at ease with smoother progression and turn-in, with an almost natural or organic response to driver inputs.
Wet autocross
This exercise, with Audi A4s, was meant to demonstrate how well the variable thickness sipes improved wet traction. In a nutshell, their ridged edges provide additional adherence in low-grip situations. In dry conditions, they compress onto each other to improve dry performance.
Although the working of the variable thickness sipes was difficult to pinpoint, the result of this exercise was once more discovering that the Michelins felt far more stable against Continental and Goodyear tires, with limited or better controlled body roll. Steering was more responsive and direct. The bottom line was that the P/S A/S 3s provided more feedback, aiding in driver confidence.
The many trials involved numerous comparisons on dry and wet surfaces, and even in exaggerated situations.
Autocross
The day began with a lineup of ugly-sexy Impreza WRX STIs to perform handling tests through an Autocross. When stacked up against the likes of the Pirelli P Zero, Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position and Continental ExtremeContact DW, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 demonstrated superior grip on the relatively cold surface thanks to its proper mix silica and other compounds. The P/S A/S 3 was more compliant, enabling better grip at low temperatures.
 |
| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |
Road Course
It was quite cool all day which played to the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3’s advantage. We followed the Autocross with a romp around a road course in some Cadillac CTS’. The term “compromise” I used earlier was unnoticeable on this exercise.
The P/S A/S 3s were able to match and even outperform tires dedicated almost solely to performance. Once again, the Pirellis, Continentals and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric had little or no edge on the Michelins.
It was quite surprising as the conclusion all journalists came to was: To the average user, the P/S A/S 3s would likely be chosen as the better tire. In fact, I would do the same.
The track revealed that body roll on cars shod with the Michelins was more progressive, which inspired more confidence. The CTS’ felt more at ease with smoother progression and turn-in, with an almost natural or organic response to driver inputs.
Wet autocross
This exercise, with Audi A4s, was meant to demonstrate how well the variable thickness sipes improved wet traction. In a nutshell, their ridged edges provide additional adherence in low-grip situations. In dry conditions, they compress onto each other to improve dry performance.
Although the working of the variable thickness sipes was difficult to pinpoint, the result of this exercise was once more discovering that the Michelins felt far more stable against Continental and Goodyear tires, with limited or better controlled body roll. Steering was more responsive and direct. The bottom line was that the P/S A/S 3s provided more feedback, aiding in driver confidence.
 |
| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |