DeTomaso Mailing List: March 2000, Message #223

Well, I never.... I'm getting old. sheesh

<<< DESIGNER TIRES                          
         
People color-coordinate their clothes, makeup, and houses, but how 
about their vehicles? Well, a division of Michelin has come up with 
colored designer tires. That's right--you can now color-coordinate 
your tires to match your vehicle's paint finish! In days gone by, the 
black color of the tire was part of the rubber compound. Carbon Black 
was used, giving the tire its color and, more importantly, adding to 
the durability of the rubber compound. Now Michelin has come up with a 
compound that uses Silica, which is just as sturdy and, in its pure 
form, is a neutral color (cream-colored). Michelin found that it could 
add pigmentation without compromising the durability, and thus came up 
with a Tire of Color. At last November's Automotive After Market 
Industry Week in Las Vegas, I saw red, purple, yellow, orange, and 
turquoise tires. For information, visit 

http://www.michelin.com/ >>>