Michelin Proxima RR Keeps Precept Rolling
12 January 2000
Michelin Proxima RR Keeps Precept RollingDETROIT, Jan. 11 -- With the help of Michelin North America, Inc., General Motors is introducing the GM Precept, a one-of-a-kind technology demonstration vehicle which evolved as a result of GM's involvement in Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNVG), at the 2000 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). In order to meet the stringent emission and fuel efficiency requirements, GM utilized many unique technologies including Michelin's Proxima RR tire. Benefits of the Proxima RR include: * Significantly reduced rolling resistance through the use of Michelin's XSE technology. The Proxima RR achieves a rolling resistance 10 percent lower than the previous generation of Proxima tires on GM's EV1. This allows the five-passenger Precept to reach 80 mpg. * A unique tread design that improves handling and wet traction and maintains long treadwear. * A special tire architecture that reduces noise emitted from a rolling tire. * An advanced technology to significantly reduce mass. A full set of four Precept wheels and tires weighs approximately 45 percent less than wheels and tires on today's average five-passenger vehicle. * The Precept is equipped with a low-tire warning system that monitors wheel-speed sensors to alert drivers when inflation is required. Also, the tire can be inflated through the on-board compressor that supplies the vehicle's air springs. * The P175/60R16 85T EL (extra load) Michelin Proxima RR tire equips the Precept demonstration vehicle. The 2000 NAIAS show vehicle, however, is equipped with the P175/55R18 Michelin hand-carved concept tire.