A new record for Michelin and Renault

Germany’s Nürburgring racetrack, the international benchmark for demonstrating the performance of the world’s leading sports cars, now has a new world record in the FWD category. A lap time of seven minutes, 54.36 seconds was set by the new Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R fitted as original equipment with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

The performance of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 can be summed-up in a few facts and figures:
Seven minutes, 54.36 seconds
The new record set by the Renault Mégane RS Trophy R on the Nürburgring circuit.
1,500 km
The distance traveled by the Renault Mégane RS Trophy R on the Michelin Technology Center test tracks in Ladoux, France to fine-tune the tyre specifically for use on cars.

470
The number of prototype tyres manufactured as part of the certification and on-car development process.

500
The number of pre-series tyres manufactured for use in initial trials.

And most importantly
275 hp
The power developed by the engine of the new Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R, riding on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres that can withstand a torque of 360 Nm.

“The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is remarkable for the grip and speed performances it enables us to achieve, while at the same time providing a much-appreciated level of on-road driving comfort,” said Renault Sport driver Laurent Hurgon, “and it’s the product of work carried out jointly by the Michelin and Renault Sport teams, with a level of mutual understanding that allowed us to set this record today.”

The specific engineering carried out by Michelin on behalf of Renault Sport improves driving precision, vehicle stability and sportiness, while also providing grip, not to mention heat resistance, i.e. the ability to perform consistently, lap after lap, even as the tyres wear down.

“The northern loop of this legendary racetrack, with its very demanding contours, has enabled us to go even further in developing the tyre to perfectly match the parameters of the Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R – front-wheel driving and steering, front-heavy weight distribution and a strong ambition to make it around the circuit in record time!” said Pierre Chaput, Developer of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 for the Renault Mégane RS Trophy R.