XAS
As asymmetric as foot
XAS - Driving precision
From its launch in 1965, the XAS remained the reference tyre until the end of the ʹ70s.
It was the first tyre with an asymmetrical tread pattern, with the inside and outside of the XAS working differently to give the vehicle an optimal balance.
As asymmetric as a foot!
Michelin made more progress by differentiating the many elements that form the tyre, leading to the creation of the XAS : the first tyre with an asymmetrical tread pattern. The XAS was developed by taking into account the separate type of work performed by the shoulders, sidewalls and various parts of the crown, depending on whether they are on the inner or outer side of the car. Just like a person’s foot is asymmetric, the inside and outside of a tyre work differently to provide the vehicle with optimal balance.
Like moving on rails!
This major development allowed the XAS tyre to provide:
- outstanding stability,
- exceptional road holding in bends,
- previously unknown levels of grip in all conditions.
It was the first standard tyre designed to run at 210 km/h (131 mph) and its exceptional performance naturally led to the XAS being used in Formula France racing from 1968 onwards, circuit racing, rallies and hill climbs.
