In preparation for the rainy season, we replaced the wonderful, stock Michelin Pilot MXX3s with a tire designed for rain, mud and light snow-Michelin Sport A/S tires (size 225/45ZR-17), developed for ultra-high-performance all-season use. The Pilot Sport A/S features a "three-compound tread"-a special high-dry-grip compound in both shoulders; a balanced compound for cold dry, wet and snow between both shoulders; and a wet-traction compound in the tire's center rib. These compounds are molded into a directional tread design, the continuous circumferential center rib sharpening steering response and enhancing road feel while reducing noise. Other exterior performance elements include high-angle directional tread blocks, which enhance responsiveness and handling, and circumferential and high-angle lateral grooves, designed to evacuate water, resist hydroplaning and enhance wet traction.
Inside, two high-tensile, lightweight steel cord belts are reinforced with Michelin's "Filament At Zero" (FAZ) technology. FAZ spirally wraps an individual strand of Kevlar across the entire tread area under the steel belts, and again above the steel belt's edges, to enhance wear and ride comfort while providing high-speed durability and predictable handling.
Although a bit louder than the tires they replaced, the A/S rubber was predictable with progressive break-away. And they rule in the rain.
It's hard to believe we've already spent a year with the Saab Aero, a car that will break a few hearts when it leaves. If you had told me, a few years ago, I'd be falling for a Saab, I'd wouldn't have believed it. During the recent launch of the newly styled 9-5, Sean McNamara-the American product planner responsible for putting the gorgeous BBS wheels on the Aero-and I discussed this same behavior. "It's frustrating sometimes," said McNamara. "The 9-5 is a damn good car, but it's like some great secret only a few people know."
I promised Sean I'd tell a few of my closest friends about Saab. So here it goes: Check out the Saab 9-5 Aero wagon (the sedan works, too). Tell them Les sent you.