While this is just a press release, we're using it an excuse to celebrate the effort undertaken to customise tires for specific high end vehicles, and post a pretty tire picture. Good work Michelin!

Specially developed versions of the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires will be the sole track-focused original equipment fitment on the new Mercedes-AMG GT R.

These road-legal MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires feature an optimised profile and asymmetric tread design, along with a new single rubber compound developed in motorsport series such as the World Endurance Championship. This combination has ensured the optimum balance between handling, grip and endurance on track which was specified by AMG’s engineers.

As AMG’s most advanced road car to date, the challenge for Michelin’s engineers was to design an ultra-high- performance tire which offers the highest levels of safety in a variety of road and track conditions while not compromising on tire life – particularly during circuit use.

During the 18-month development process Michelin produced and tested almost 900 prototype tires and 800 pre-series tires. These were extensively tested by both Michelin test drivers and AMG’s engineers on a number of circuits including Nardo, Nurburgring and Michelin’s own Ladoux test tracks near Clermont-Ferrand, France.

In addition to the new mono-compound and asymmetric tread pattern, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires also incorporate the motorsport-developed Track Variable Contact Patch 3.0. This optimises pressure in the tire's contact patch so the same amount of rubber is always in contact with the road or track, whether driving in a straight line or cornering.

As well as the bespoke technical elements used inside the tire, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires also use Premium Touch effect in the design of the sidewalls. This enhances the look of the tires and ensures they are in keeping with the aggressive good looks of the car.

The Mercedes-AMG GT R tire sizes are as follows:

275/35 ZR 19 front and 325/30 ZR 20 rear