A fifth generation of the Pirelli’s 1985-introduced flagship range has arrived. The Italian brand tells us that this latest Pirelli P Zero “has two key strengths” – excellence in performance and safety – thanks to improved handling on wet and dry surfaces as well as reduced braking distances. It achieved these and other breakthroughs using advanced development technologies.
Going into further detail, Pirelli explains that by combining artificial intelligence systems with in-house designed algorithms, its research and development engineers created “groundbreaking solutions to achieve an unprecedented understanding of tyre performance dynamics.” Virtual prototype testing also played a key role in this process, reducing development time and optimising resources.
Keeping ahead of evolving needs
Generational improvements in handling and braking are reflected in the range’s EU tyre label rating, which from launch is ‘A’ for wet grip. A further key goal for Pirelli’s latest product was to keep ahead of the rapidly evolving needs of today’s automotive market, beginning with the transition to electric mobility.
Pirelli reports that its development strategy focused on tyre structure and tread design, which it optimised through updates to the grooves and contact patch to enhance cornering grip. A more balanced contact patch improves braking performance and wear rate to ensure consistent performance throughout the entire life cycle of the tyre. New graphics with contrasting markings on the sidewall ensure that the new P Zero stands out visually, too.
Comprehensive tyre family
At launch, the fifth-generation Pirelli P Zero is available in more than 50 dimensions for 18- to 23-inch rim diameters. With its debut, Pirelli states that “the P Zero brand, originally born out of Pirelli’s long expertise in motorsport, has now expanded into a comprehensive family of tyres that meets the diverse needs of the high-end market.”
These new additions sit alongside the other tyres from the P Zero family to provide “complete coverage for the premium and prestige market across all applications.” Most SKUs in the new line-up features Pirelli specialities such as Elect, a technology package for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that increases range by up to ten per cent thanks to reduced rolling resistance, as well as solutions specifically designed to handle high torque and reduce noise.
On top of that, Pirelli’s engineers are already working to tailor their new P Zero for dozens of soon-to-be released cars. The development team is partnering with vehicle manufacturers to homologate the new tyre for models such as the Lamborghini Urus SE, Audi A5, BMW M5 and M5 Touring, Mercedes GLE and GLS, Lucid Gravity, Polestar 4, Nio ET9, and Xiaomi SU7.
Partnerships with vehicle manufacturers have been an integral part of the P Zero narrative over the past 40 years, and Pirelli tells us that it equips more than 50 per cent of high and ultra-high-end vehicles across all markets worldwide. Over these four decades, it has created more than 3,000 bespoke versions of the P Zero for cars such as the Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren P1, every Pagani, Aston Martin V12 Vantage, and Porsche 911, as well as dozens of other models from brands including Audi, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, and Mercedes.
