Oct 1, 2008 12:00 PM

A New Version of the X One wide-base tire for drive applications, the XDN2, has been rolled out by Michelin Americas Truck Tires. The first X One tire in North America to utilize multiple Michelin Durable Technologies (MDT), it provides improved traction, mileage, and fuel efficiency.

MDT includes self-regenerating tread patterns and a casing architecture featuring Infini-Coil Technology, a stabilizing belt construction that runs perpendicular to the radial ply for a more robust casing, thereby optimizing wear and handling.

The XDN2 tread pattern incorporates Matrix Siping Technology — corrugated grooves in the tread block that provide a zigzag appearance, said Michelin product manager Don Baldwin. These wavy grooves lock the tread block as it moves through the contact patch, providing both tread block rigidity and exceptional traction, while resisting tread scrubbing, as is normally the challenge with deep-treaded, heavily-siped tires.

Also a first for an X One tire is the open shoulder tread design for additional traction, he said.

The XDN2 tire, which will replace Michelin's X One XDA-HT Plus tire, will be available in November in a 445/50R22.5 size (equivalent to a 275/80R22.5 size), with a 455/55R22.5 size (equivalent to an 11R22.5 size) becoming available in December.