Evan J. Smith Freelancer October 16, 2017 Photos By: Courtesy of Ford

Mustang enthusiasts are excited experience the thrill of Ford’s high-tech 2018 Mustang GT that’s equipped with a 460 horsepower 5.0L engine and backed by either the improved six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic. The popular pony wears a lowered, aggressive nose and a list of high-tech features including the optional MagneRide suspension. Thankfully, traction will not be a problem thanks to the all-new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires developed specifically for the 2018 Ford Mustang GT.

“We took everything we learned at the track, including feedback from professional drivers, to create a tire custom-tuned for Mustang GT,” said Gary Swingle, Michelin tire engineer. Ford and Michelin engineers used data from the Ford GT supercar and the Shelby GT350 Mustang to develop a custom high-performance summer tire that provides optimal wet and dry grip, improved braking distance and enhanced lateral handling performance.

According to Swingle, “Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires have been fitted for some of the top performance cars in Europe, and will make their mass-market North American debut on Mustang GT.”

Rubber meeting the road will measure 275/40-19 out back and 255/40-19 for the front. In fact, the new Michelin tire helped the Mustang achieve record sub-four-second 0-60 mph times and they to go along with its available drag mode and 10-speed automatic transmission. “A variety of factors make the Pilot Sport 4 S tire uniquely tuned for Mustang,” said Swingle. “An ultra-reactive tread pattern adapts continuously to the road, and a hybrid belt of aramid and nylon ensures optimum transmission of steering input to the road.”

Construction of the tire includes a hybrid elastomer to form its outer rib, which delivers exceptional dry grip to help relieve stress under hard cornering. A middle rib, along with an inner rib with a new mix of functional elastomers and silica, delivers excellent wet grip for improved braking. This will equate to high level of grip for the street, strip, occasional track day or autocross. Mustang owners are also interested in aesthetics, and the Michelin tires feature a racy tread design with a premium look along with a velvet effect applied to accentuate graphics on the outer wall.