Michelin has improved its best-selling regional tire, the all-position Michelin XZE. Among the improvements are a 15% increase in overall tread life and an optimized tire profile, incorporating a siping technology and four-groove design that’s said to protect the tire against irregular wear.

As well, the new XZE2 sports a 6% wider tread area that’s said to deliver enhanced traction and stability, improving handling and maneuverability. The enhanced cut-resistant tread compound is suitable for all load ranges, a compound previously only seen in LRH tires. Combined with the 22/32nds of original tread depth, Michelin says this allows excellent wear in high-scrub applications. The company claims a 5% reduction in rolling resistance.

The XZE2 tire will be available beginning March 1, 2008, in sizes 11R22.5, 275/80R22.5 and 11R24.5, with a 275/80R24.5 size ready in April. The XZE tire will remain available through the end of the year.