Pirelli has extended its original equipment supply to the Porsche 911 range with a tyre for the very first hybrid-powered variant, the Porsche 911 GTS. The Italian tyre brand has developed a bespoke version of the P Zero R for this latest model, a tyre that “balances sportiness with everyday usability.” It has also created a winter tyre option, the P Zero Winter 2.
“Updated specifically for the Porsche 911 GTS to enhance its dynamic qualities and driving pleasure, the P Zero R is available as original equipment on this model for the first time,” states Pirelli. “These tyres offer an optimal balance between performance and versatility. Thanks to a newly designed compound, the P Zero R provides excellent grip on a wide range of surfaces and in all sorts of weather, with a particular focus on wet conditions. The tread pattern reduces noise for improved comfort while low rolling resistance ensures optimal efficiency, meeting the vehicle’s performance requirements.”
Virtual design for faster development, less waste
For tyre development on the Porsche 911 GTS, Pirelli’s research and development team utilised advanced technologies at its Virtual Development Center (VDC) in Breuberg, Germany. This facility enables virtual tyre design and testing, which offers the advantages of greater precision than traditional methods thanks to a driving simulator, a 30 per cent reduction in development time, and a 30 per cent decrease in the number of physical prototypes produced. The VDC has allowed Pirelli to optimise every aspect of the new tyres, ensuring they “perfectly match the characteristics of the Porsche 911 and the needs of its drivers.”
For Pirelli, the joint development of the P Zero R as the primary fitment for the Porsche 911 GTS, represents the “latest milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Pirelli and Porsche.” Pirelli has achieved 338 homologations for all Porsche models, including SUVs, saloons, and sport-specific models, spanning internal combustion (ICE), hybrid, and electric (BEV) powertrains. The Italian brand considers notable highlights to include the P Zero Trofeo RS developed for the 911 GT3 RS and the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus designed for the 911 Dakar.
Latest evolution of winter range
For Porsche 911 owners seeking a dedicated winter tyres, the P Zero Winter 2 “represents the latest evolution of Pirelli’s range for high-performance vehicles.” Featuring a directional tread pattern, this tyre improves grip on wet and snowy roads compared to its predecessor, while enhancing braking and handling on dry surfaces thanks to its uniform stiffness and grip.
Both the P Zero R and the P Zero Winter 2 feature the ‘N marking’ on the sidewall that indicates their specific development for Porsche.
