Posts tagged with "pirelli"

Lamborghini by relli Public Relations, US via 360 Magazine

Pirelli – Lamborghini Urus Performante

THE FIRST PIRELLI P ZERO TROFEO R FOR SUVs IS BORN WITH A RECORD FOR THE LAMBORGHINI URUS PERFORMANTE

The latest custom tire for the newest Lamborghini joins the six tires already produced by Pirelli for the Urus

The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R has set a new benchmark, conquering the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on the Lamborghini Urus Performante in record time for the category. This same tire was chosen by Lamborghini as the original equipment for the newest version of its super SUV.

From the start, the Urus was already homologated with six variants of Pirelli tires: P Zero tires in 21, 22, and 23 inches, designed to ensure high performance on the road; 22-inch P Zero Corsa covers for fun on the track; as well as 21-inch Scorpion Zero All Season and 22-inch Scorpion Winter equipment to drive on any terrain and in low temperatures. Joining them is now the 22-inch P Zero Trofeo R: the most performance-oriented Pirelli tire of all, specifically intended for the track but also approved for the road.

It marks the very first time that Pirelli has adapted a P Zero Trofeo R for the needs of an SUV: this latest evolution tire for the Lamborghini Urus Performante is able to offer high performance in a wider range of conditions and temperatures than the standard P Zero Trofeo R. The new tire is also capable of conquering some of the most famous roads in motorsport, such as the epic Pikes Peak Hill Climb course in Colorado. With multiple hill climb champion and Pirelli test driver Simone Faggioli behind the wheel, the Performante recorded a time of 10m32.064s: beating the previous class record of 10m49.902s, set in 2018.

Like all Lamborghini tires, this particular P Zero Trofeo R was born out of the close collaboration between Pirelli and Lamborghini, which dates back to 1963. The technological partnership that binds the two companies is based on the ‘Perfect Fit’ philosophy: a strategy through which Pirelli develops bespoke tires for each car made by the Premium and Prestige manufacturers it collaborates with. All Lamborghinis can be fitted with Pirelli tires created for the specific features of each model, both as original equipment and on the aftermarket. Pirelli and Lamborghini also have a shared history in competition that goes back more than 30 years: from the debut of the Scorpion for the LM002 that contested the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1988, to the current GT World Challenge Europe: exclusively supplied by Pirelli with Lamborghini among the leading teams.

Pirelli BMW iX via Pirelli Tires for use by 360 Magazine

Pirelli  × BMW iX

Pirelli will supply P Zero Elect tires as original equipment to the new BMW iX—a 100% electric SUV from the renowned German car manufacturer—for the xDrive50 version and the sportier M60. P Zero Elect tires are available for the BMW iX xDrive50 version in 255/50R21 109Y XL and 275/40R22 107Y XL sizes, with the latter size also available for the sportier M60 version of the German SUV. All of these tires are marked with a star on the side to indicate that they have been specially developed for BMW as part of Pirelli’s ‘perfect fit’ philosophy, which also includes a 22-inch BMW iX tire with more grip than the other two: made for maximum performance. This tire has an “I” on the side, in addition to the star marking. Pirelli’s presence as original equipment for the latest generation of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is growing thanks to these latest homologations, featuring tires equipped with the Italian firm’s Elect technology package. Elect tires, such as the P Zero developed for the German all-electric flagship, distinguish themselves thanks to their supreme driving comfort with contained road noise as well as immediate grip, a long-range and safety-focused design. The intense development dedicated by Pirelli to the BMW iX underlines the Italian firm’s commitment to design specific tires for electrified cars, BEVs or plug-in hybrids. These products are created from the beginning to enhance the individual characteristics of electric cars, as denoted by the ‘Elect’ marking on the sidewall of the tire itself. 

Tires for Superior Battery Range 

The Pirelli P Zero Elect tires developed for the BMW iX focus on low rolling resistance, to allow the car to travel for more miles after a charge. The specific profile of the tire also influences the mileage, thanks to its superior aerodynamics compared to the standard P Zero. The external profile has been modified to ensure that the tire protrudes less, reducing aerodynamic turbulence while improving overall efficiency, without sacrificing adequate rim protection. The embedded lettering on the side of the tire is just as distinctive, hollowed into the sidewall rather than standing out in relief. 

Silence and Comfort 

Particular attention is paid to comfort for BMW iX drivers, with the dedicated Pirelli P Zero Elect tires also equipped with PNCS (Pirelli Noise Cancelling System) technology, which reduces road noise. PNCS technology consists of a specific sound-absorbing material placed inside the tire, which dampens the acoustic vibrations that would otherwise be transmitted into the car, with a consequent reduction in road noise. The tire structure has also been optimized to cope with the considerable weight of this 100% electric zero-emission vehicle, designed to offering optimal levels of driving comfort in all road traffic conditions.

 

Green Car by Mina Tocalini

Sesquicentennial of Pirelli

“What an original stroke, don’t you think? Look at that P…it looks elastic, like rubber”. These are the words that launched the celebrations of 150 years of Pirelli, with the setting of the Piccolo Teatro of Milan where a theatrical story brought together testimonials, voices, and images to represent a history of industry, culture, tradition, technology, and passion that began on January 28, 1872.

The most significant moments were revisited by Ferruccio De Bortoli, Stefano Domenicali, Paolo Mieli, Renzo Piano, Ferruccio Resta, and Annamaria Testa, alongside the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Marco Tronchetti Provera, and Alberto Pirelli, representing the bond between family and company. The event, conducted by Ilaria D’Amico, recounted Pirelli’s journey across three centuries through the things that most distinguish it: international scale, factories, relationship with culture and artists, creativity in communication, presence in sport and motorsport, a constant search for innovation, and cutting-edge technology.

“Today we wanted to take a journey together through history but with our eyes on the future. Anticipating change is what Pirelli has done for 150 years thanks to the solidity of its entrepreneurial culture and ability to be a protagonist of the present. These things have allowed us to reach this milestone with a brand established around the world. We felt it important to share this story with our city, our country, and all the international groups and communities that we work with every day. A thank you to all the 30,000 people who every day at Pirelli build our history”, said Marco Tronchetti Provera, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Pirelli.

The History

On stage at the Piccolo Teatro, immersed in a set made up of five large screens, four actors told the story of Pirelli, beginning with its history. Images, videos, and photographs of the past and present alternated with the voices of the actors, who revisited the company’s different moments together with Ferruccio De Bortoli, Paolo Mieli, Alberto Pirelli, and Marco Tronchetti Provera. The dialogue centered on the figure of Leopoldo Pirelli and his father Alberto through the recollections of his grandson. His role in the company’s contribution to the modernization and industrialization of the country was discussed.

A journey, Pirelli’s, began on January 28, 1872, by Giovanni Battista Pirelli, who at only 23 years of age bet on something absolutely new: rubber. In the beginning, the company produced insulators for telegraphs and cables that linked the most distant points of the newly born Italy. It grew rapidly around the world and produced objects of everyday use (from swimming caps to toys to raincoats) and tires for wagons and bicycles. From its birth, it focused on innovation; the company offered products that also become symbols of the country’s progress. But even Pirelli encountered obstacles: the failed mergers in the 1990s with Dunlop and Continental and the plan to integrate networks and content in telecommunications, pursued from the early 2000s through Telecom Italia and cut short by external interference. Crises were overcome restarting from the core business, leading the company to focus on tires. 

The factories

The journey onstage at the Piccolo Teatro continued with the exploration of the company’s industrial tradition. Through its factories, Pirelli put down roots in many countries, currently 12, building plants that are light-filled, safe, and sustainable. They are welcoming places for people working with passion and for industry 4.0 with simulators, artificial intelligence, and robots like MIRS invented by Pirelli itself. In summary, there are 18 beautiful and efficient factories, with Settimo Torinese the model, designed and built by the architect Renzo Piano. 

Culture, communication, and image

On its journey, Pirelli was always in dialogue with artists and intellectuals to keep an eye on society. It did so, and continues to do so, through innovative languages and instruments, such as the “Rivista Pirelli“, Pirelli Calendar, Pirelli HangarBicocca, publications and exhibitions of the Fondazione Pirelli, products of Pirelli Design, World Magazine, and the volumes of its Annual Report enriched with the contributions of artists and writers. The list to emerge from the Piccolo Teatro’s stage is rich and begins with the iconic Pirelli logo, born in New York at the beginning of the 20th century, with that long P which stretches as if it were rubber. The company experimented with new languages, produces tires, and interviews Umberto Eco. It talks with writers, philosophers, poets: from Carrère to Kureishi, from Elio Vittorini to Eugenio Montale and Salvatore Quasimodo. It hosts Luchino Visconti and John Cage and puts Carl Lewis in high heels.

These themes were addressed by Annamaria Testa, Ferruccio De Bortoli, Paolo Mieli, and Marco Tronchetti Provera—recounting different worlds with the underlying idea that when you are involved in the industry with passion you are also producing culture.

Motorsport and passion for sport

What is the passion that makes people excited at Pirelli? Motors. That is an area where technology is fundamental, as explained by Alberto Pirelli. Now, Pirelli is present in over 350 motorsport competitions. The Beijing-Paris of 1907 is particularly memorable. Prince Scipione Borghese, driving an Itala equipped with Pirelli tires, covered 17,000 kilometers to finish 20 days ahead of the team in second place. This was a great success that transformed mobility into innovation and spectacle, and competitions into open-air laboratories. The onstage discussion of the greatest motorsport competition involved Stefano Domenicali, who now heads Formula 1, on the eve of an important change: the introduction of 18″ tires in a competition where, in the midst of Italian flags, there is also Pirelli’s. For Pirelli, however, sport is not limited to motors, but also football, cycling, winter sports, and sailing, with Luna Rossa.

Innovation, research, product

History reveals that Pirelli is a company that always moves with its eyes on the future. “Look inside to understand, to discover new solutions,” was once said Mr. Emanueli, who signed many of the 6,700 patents registered by Pirelli in 150 years. A lesson told by Mr. Emanueli is now known by the over 2,000 people who work in Research & Development, a sector of fundamental importance for the company. Its collaborations with leading universities (over 50) are also fundamental, as explained by Ferruccio Resta, who tells Ilaria D’Amico also about the relationship of reciprocal inspiration that links Pirelli and the Politecnico di Milano.

The “heirs of Emanueli” are involved in managing the acceleration of innovation, as in the case of electric vehicles, where Pirelli is already present with Elect, a package of technological solutions ad hoc to handle the different weight, acceleration, and consumption of these vehicles. Also, new connected products like the Cyber Tyre, with sensors that supply real-time information to the driver, are being developed. 

At the center, as always, there is natural rubber with which Pirelli produced the world’s first FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified tire, testifying to a 100% sustainable supply chain. A great safeguard for the environment occurs, for example, with Pirelli’s participation in the Birdlife project to conserve biodiversity in Indonesia. Thanks to its commitment at the social, environmental, and economic levels, Pirelli finds itself at the top of the most important sustainability indices.

Scorpion AS Plus 3 courtesy of Pirelli Tires LLC for use by 360 Magazine

Pirelli Announces New Tire Launch

PIRELLI RUN FLAT: 20 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY BORN OUT OF RALLYING: NOW APPLIED TO COMFORT, SUSTAINABILITY AND NEW ELECTRIC MOBILITY

MORE THAN 1000 DIFFERENT TYPES OF RUN FLAT TIRES DEVELOPED, MORE THAN 70 MILLION TIRES PRODUCED AND OVER 50 CAR MODELS ON THE ROAD WITH THIS TECHNOLOGY

The principal benefit of Pirelli’s run flat technology – introduced to select Pirelli road tires in 2001 using the lessons learned from rallying – is to allow drivers to continue driving for a while after most punctures, rather than being stranded by the side of the road. Rallying is where this technology was tried and tested for the first time, with tires featuring a reinforced structure designed to allow driving after a puncture, which would otherwise cost several minutes in the heat of intense competition on a wide variety of roads.

NEW MATERIALS AND PROCESSES TO INCREASE COMFORT AND SUSTAINABILITY

Non-stop research and development into new materials and processes has helped Pirelli to improve driving comfort in recent years for cars equipped with Run Flat tires. Thanks to new technology in the tire’s structure, as well as advances in the materials used, increased comfort for drivers and better rolling resistance, with reduced fuel consumption and fewer emissions, are possible. These tires are built to absorb bumps in the road, and they offer similar levels of comfort as standard tires, but with the key advantage of being designed to allow continued driving up to 50 miles at 50 miles per hour (mph) to seek assistance after most puncture events – even with reduced air pressure. The particular suspension characteristics of vehicles equipped with Run Flat tires as original equipment should encourage the driver to always use tires with this technology, including as replacement tires when needed, to maximize the performance of the car.

USEFUL TECHNOLOGY FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES, WITH AN EYE TOWARDS THE FUTURE

Spare tires are not usually available in electric cars, in order to free up more space for batteries. That’s why several vehicle manufacturers choose extended mobility solutions such as Run Flat or Seal Inside to minimize inconvenience and allow the driver to get to a shop in the event of most punctures. Run Flat tires are designed to allow motorists, including those with electric vehicles, to continue driving up to 50 miles at up to 50 mph without loss of air pressure, even after most punctures. Run Flat technology is also expected to play an important role in future autonomous driving systems, by helping the vehicle remain operative in most road hazard events.

OVER 1,000 DIFFERENT VERSIONS DEVELOPED AND MORE THAN 70 MILLION RUN FLAT TIRES PRODUCED

Over the last 20 years, Pirelli’s engineers have developed more than 1,000 different types of tires featuring run flat technology, which are built to allow drivers to keep driving for up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of up to 50mph. It’s a solution that has been adopted by many different manufacturers, who have requested run flat tires as original equipment on their new vehicles – such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo. Throughout these two decades, Pirelli has produced more than 70 million run flat tires, including summer, winter and all-season tires – some of which have been fitted to the most powerful and prestigious cars of recent times, including the entire BMW and Mini range, a substantial part of the Mercedes range, the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi Q5 and Q7.

A WIDE RANGE AVAILABLE

There are more than a dozen premium and prestige vehicle car manufacturers that use Pirelli tires with run flat technology today, including Audi, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce. This technology is available on more than 50 models of Pirelli tires homologated as original equipment for use by car vehicle manufacturers. All these tires carry ‘run flat’ markings on the sidewalls, together with markings denoting the individual vehicle manufacturer they are intended for. On some tires, this technology is combined with Pirelli Elect and PNCS noise-cancelling technology. The former is dedicated to electric vehicles and is focused on low rolling resistance, reduced tire noise, grip, and a structure designed to support the weight of a battery-powered vehicle. PNCS is instead focused on reduction of perceived tire noise inside the cabin, thanks to the use of special sound-absorbing sponge on the inside of the tire. Pirelli Seal Inside is yet another technology made available by Pirelli. In the event of a puncture in most portions of the tire, a sealing substance inside the tire forms a seal around the foreign object as soon as it penetrates the tire, preventing air from escaping and the tire from losing pressure. When the foreign object is extracted, the same material seals up the edges of the resulting hole, until the tire can be repaired, so drivers can carry on driving in control and comfort.

Pirelli’s high-end Run Flat tires are the result of Pirelli’s innovative MIRS production process, which is entirely controlled by computer with ‘raw’ tires made using robots offering a final result with high standards of quality and reliability. Pirelli’s self-supporting run flat system uses special reinforcements inserted into the internal sidewalls, which are designed to sustain the lateral and transversal loads on the car even in the absence of tire pressure.

By: Matthew Anthenelli

Today, Pirelli is proud and excited to announce the introduction of the newest model to their Scorpion AS Plus line, the Scorpion AS Plus 3. The quiet, sporty tire was designed using cutting-edge 3D technology to ensure the most durable, gripping tire possible for all North American crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. 

Pirelli is an internationally known brand that is signified by its outstanding quality tires that increase the performance of virtually any kind of car. Their tires are specifically designed to provide the maximum amount of comfortability, quietness, grip, and durability for cars ranging from electric vehicles and hybrids to Formula 1 race cars. 

The Scorpion line of tires from Pirelli is designed specifically for North American consumers and was started in 2013. This means that all the tires were manufactured not only to custom fit many popular American car models and brands, but also in order to be able to perform in the conditions of all four seasons and a wide variety of terrain. Another main goal of the Scorpion line is an increased mileage guarantee, with the new Scorpion AS Plus 3 boasting a seventy thousand mile warranty. 

The AS Plus line of Pirelli tires have been specifically designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of larger vehicles like crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Pirelli has always maintained its reputation of providing high quality products that are geared towards performance and innovation, while still being able to be used for both sports and lifestyle purposes. 

As a result of the pandemic, CEO Pietro Berardi explained that Pirelli has put more investment into researching their customer base and design innovations than ever before in the past year. The head of Pirelli’s North American Marketing team added that in their research for the Scorpion AS Plus 3, designers were able to use 3D modelling and simulation in order to create the most optimal tread design for the best handling and grip on both tight turns and high speeds. The 3D models are a huge innovation in the design and manufacturing of tires, as designers were able to see in real time the differences in type of treads in different environments as well as comparing how they’d each hold up over time. 

Using 3D technology, Pirelli was able to design the Scorpion AS Plus 3 to optimize quietness and comfortability, road-hugging grip, and all-season performance that motorheads and thrill-seekers will depend on. The tires are designed for all North American crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks and come in a wide variety of thirty seven different sizes. They even have custom-fit tires for popular vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and F-150 for customer’s ease and convenience. 

The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a highly technologically advanced tire that is a must for anyone driving a crossover, SUV, or pickup truck and looking for a high performing tire to go with it. Featuring tread designed with innovative 3D models and a seventy thousand mile treadwear warranty, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is without a doubt the most futuristic and cutting-edge tire available today. 

Check out Pirelli’s new video featuring Danica Patrick, which highlights the performance capabilities of the new Scorpion AS Plus 3 here! You can also find out more by checking out Pirelli’s Instagram and website.

Pirelli P Zero illustrated by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Pirelli P Zero DHE

PIRELLI P ZERO DHE FOR THE NEW FERRARI 488 GT MODIFICATA: COMPETITION TIRES FOR THE NEW TRACK-BASED GT CAR

Pirelli’s DHE was introduced last year for GT3 racing championships, but now equips Ferrari’s limited-edition track day special in 325/680-18 size at the front and 325/705-18 size at the rear.

The Pirelli P Zero DHE has been selected as original equipment for the new Ferrari 488 GT Modificata: a limited-edition car exclusively for use during track days and at Ferrari Club Competizioni GT events. The 488 GT Modificata, announced last November, will make its first public appearance at the Finali Mondiali Ferrari 2020, which will take place from March 4-7 at the Marco Simoncelli Misano World Circuit in Italy. Pirelli’s P Zero DHE racing tires, developed by Pirelli for GT3 cars, equip the new Ferrari in 325/680-18 size at the front and 325/705-18 size at the back.

Produced in very limited numbers, the Ferrari 488 GT Modificata is for customers who compete at the wheel of a Ferrari in GT championships all around the world. It captures the spirit of both the 488 GTE and 488 GT3 racing cars perfectly. The 488 GT Modificata will be eligible for Club Competizioni GT events, which are carving out an increasingly prominent place among Ferrari’s track activities. Pirelli’s P Zero DHE is an evolution of the previous DHD2, with modifications designed to make these tires more versatile for the wide variety of GT3 cars and drivers. This tire offers even more consistency and reliability than its predecessor and is able to guarantee optimal performance throughout a wide variety of different circuits and conditions.

The 2020 Finali Mondiali Ferrari, which this year takes place in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic that forced a postponement to 2021, represents the spectacular culmination of Ferrari’s GT season. On the menu are the final rounds of the Ferrari Challenge as well as meetings of the XX and F1 Clienti programmes. The World Finals also decide the Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa Shell titles: all well-known Ferrari-backed competitions that rely on Pirelli tires. Since the Ferrari Challenge made its debut in 1993, Pirelli has been the worldwide exclusive tire supplier. The Ferrari Challenge represents the perfect ­­open-air laboratory for Pirelli, allowing future road-going tires to be developed using the lessons learned on the racetrack.

Pirelli Elect

The Porsche Taycan is the first car to use Pirelli Elect tires.

With low rolling resistance to increase autonomy, decreased road noise, immediate grip that puts the power down for a quick getaway and a special structure to support the weight of a battery-powered vehicle, Pirelli Elect tires are changing the game.

They are developed specially with leading car manufacturers to meet specific technical requirements of and be compatible with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The Elect marking, which was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019, is the distinguishing factor. It is available as original equipment for the most modern cars.

The new P Zero Elect was developed by Pirelli’s own engineers for the Porsche Taycan, and they capitalize on the already staggering performance.

Pirelli’s perfect fit philosophy was the baseline for the tire, and the compound, construction and tread pattern suit the Taycan to a tee.

Even with the power and low-down torque of the Taycan, the Pirelli tires give the driver autonomy, grip and reduced noise, enhancing drivability and perfecting safety.

All drivers of Taycan can now feel comfortable with tires designed with fully electric cars in mind. 

Pirelli has also created Elect versions of their Winter Sottozero 3, Scorpion Winter and P Zero Winter for all of the laws mandating winter tires in many different countries. The P Zero Winter is available in 19-inch and 20-inch sizes.

Winter tires are recommended for those who put in a lot of miles in the cold or simply want the best performance in harsh conditions.

When temperatures drop below 44 degrees, summer tires are unable to perform to their maximum capabilities. Winter tires are softer, allowing them to work even when temperatures drop below zero, providing secure braking.

To learn more, you can click right here.

Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires for Ford F-150 as announced by 360 MAGAZINE.

Pirelli Scorpion ATR x Ford F-150

A new “tailor-made” Pirelli Scorpion ATR tire has been designed specifically for the all-new Ford F-150, part of F-Series, America’s best-selling vehicle for 38 years.

For more than 20 years, Pirelli and Ford have had a strong relationship, working together to develop tires specifically designed for a wide range of more than fifteen different Ford models. These joint efforts manifest today in this new version of the Scorpion ATR with innovations designed to emphasize the performance of the new F-150. This new tire design will be the basis of a range of tires within the Pirelli Scorpion family that will be released in the coming months.

Over the past two and half years, engineers from Pirelli and Ford worked together through a rigorous homologation process, which involved co-design, prototyping, industrialization phases, severe indoor testing as well as hundreds of hours of simulation and modelling.

The goal was to design a perfect-fit tire that incorporated all of Ford’s targets. In particular, Pirelli’s engineers designed mold profiles specifically for the new F-150, in order to offer a maximum level of grip with improved rolling resistance.

In addition, the tailor-made Scorpion ATR for the Ford F-150 presents a dedicated tread design to reduce tire noise by up to 3 decibels. Pirelli’s technicians also worked on a new generation of tread compound to provide secure wet handling and snow performance for this heavy duty vehicle.

To achieve these goals, Pirelli deployed its most advanced simulation and engineering tools to meet Ford’s demanding tire specification targets at every iteration of development. This digital and collaborative design approach significantly increased development speed and optimized tire performance, along with a reduction in the number of physical tires tested.

The Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires designed for the Ford F-150 are available in two sizes: 275/60R20 and 265/70R17.

The ATR is part of the Pirelli’s range of Scorpion SUV and light truck tires, offering comfort, excellent traction and better wear resistance. As an All Season tire, it provides controlled performance on the most diverse surfaces and weather conditions.

Triumph Car illustrated by Mina Tocalini for 360 MAGAZINE.

Pirelli Tires

PIRELLI TIRES TAILOR MADE FOR RIVIAN DELIVER SILENCE ON BOARD AND LOW ROLLING RESISTANCE

SPECIAL VERSIONS OF SCORPION TIRE RANGE CREATED SPECIFICALLY FOR R1T, THE FIRST ELECTRIC PICKUP TRUCK IN THE WORLD, AND R1S, THE ELECTRIC SUV

RIV IS THE DEDICATED MARKING THAT WILL IDENTIFY PIRELLI’S TIRES FOR RIVIAN;ELECT MARKINGS WILL IDENTIFY EV TIRES

PIRELLI’S 21-INCH TIRES FOR RIVIAN HAVE A WORLD-UNIQUE SIZE

The EV startup Rivian has chosen Pirelli Scorpion range to fit its highly anticipated R1T pickup, which begins production in June 2021, and its R1S electric SUV. Pirelli has developed special versions of its Scorpion Verde All Season, Scorpion Zero All Season and Scorpion All Terrain tires (Pirelli’s dedicated range for SUVs and pickups) to meet Rivian’s specifications, and to enhance the vehicles’ unique characteristics following the “Pirelli Perfect Fit” strategy. Indeed, all Pirelli tires developed for Rivian have a special marking on the shoulder: RIV and Elect.

“Elect” is the marking that identifies Pirelli tires for electric vehicles. Tires play a crucial role in EV performance – they are a key safety, performance, and range optimizer. 

Pirelli tires marked “Elect” offer a number of advantages for electric vehicles, thanks to a specific set of technical characteristics. Low rolling resistance helps to maximize each car’s range. In electric cars, reduction in noiseaccentuates one of the key advantages of electric driving: silence. Finally, the Pirelli tires marked “Elect” offer improved traction in line with the intense demands from the transmission. Electric motors deliver the maximum torque available right from the bottom of the rev range, and so they need tires that can bite into the asphalt instantly.

Pirelli and Rivian co-developed these products over almost two years, and this collaboration has resulted in three special tires: 20, 21 and 22 inches. In particular, the Scorpion Verde All Season in 21 inches have a very special tire size, unique in the world, introduced in the industry by Pirelli specifically for Rivian: 275 55R21.

The technical partnership with Rivian underlines the focus of Pirelli on sustainable mobility and American car brands.

PIRELLI SCORPION VERDE ALL SEASON: THE “LOW ROLLING RESISTANCE” TIRE

The Scorpion Verde (Italian for green) All Season is Pirelli’s eco-friendly Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire developed for the drivers of crossovers, sport utility vehicles and pickups.

The main challenge Pirelli’s technicians had to face to develop a dedicated version of these tires for Rivian was to meet their low rolling resistance targets.

Pirelli’s engineers worked on a higher-silica compound that decreases the vehicles’ energy consumption. Then, they worked on a dedicated design of the mold, narrowing the tread pattern of the tires and keeping an optimal footprint pressure distribution. In this case reducing surface-to-ground contact translates into less energy dissipation.

Pirelli’s Scorpion Verde All Season tires for Rivian are constructed from lighter raw materials that don’t compromise durability or performance. The Scorpion Verde All Season also presents a special size, unique in the industry: 275/55R21. 

The Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season for Rivian increases efficiency and range. It is also designed to combine dry and wet road handling, comfort and year-round capabilities, including all-season traction in light snow.

PIRELLI SCORPION ZERO ALL SEASON: THE “GRIPPY” TIRE

If “Verde” in the Pirelli vocabulary defines its environmentally friendly tires with low rolling resistance and weight, “Zero” definitely indicates its high-performance range.   

In particular, the Scorpion Zero All Season tires are developed for the drivers of powerful crossovers and SUVs, as well as sport-tuned and performance pickup trucks looking for a combination of high-performance capability with all-season utility, including the ability to drive in snow.

For its vehicles, Rivian asked Pirelli to develop an even “grippier” version of its Scorpion Zero All Season tires. To achieve this request, Pirelli’s engineers introduced nano-composite compounds to ensure maximum grip and stability. Then they focused on the tread pattern, introducing a dedicated mold with a larger tread width, able to provide more contact area and, consequently, leading to a better handling performance.

All of that, without compromising the low rolling resistance targets needed to support a longer vehicle range.

PIRELLI SCORPION ALL TERRAIN: THE OFF-ROAD TIRE

Pirelli’s 275/65R20 off-road tire, the Scorpion All Terrain Plus, was also specifically developed for the R1T and R1S with electric adventure in mind.

The Scorpion All Terrain Plus is Pirelli’s On-/Off- Road All-Terrain light truck tire developed for drivers of pickup trucks, crossovers, and SUVs who want a balanced blend of on-road civility with off-road capability. The Scorpion All Terrain Plus is designed with a focus on optimizing durability, traction and wear resistance, in addition to providing snow traction: it gained indeed the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.

The Scorpion All Terrain Plus is molded into a symmetric, high-void pattern. This pattern is designed to provide smooth and quiet on-road operation along with aggressive looks and confident off-road traction. Deep grooves and independent tread blocks help provide the clawing action needed to find grip in loose terrain, and conical stone ejectors resist punctures by forcing small rocks from the tread.

In this case, the challenge to create a dedicated version of these tires for Rivian has been to match their low rolling resistance targets with the off-road applications of the Scorpion All Terrain. 

To achieve this result, Pirelli’s engineers designed a dedicated mold in order to reduce the weight of the tire, adding then a special compound for light trucks that made the tires more resistant to cuts and lacerations.

McLaren and Pirelli Automobile Photo from Pirelli

Pirelli × McLaren 765LT

In exciting automobile news, Pirelli is to exclusively equip the new McLaren 765LT. The two companies have been set on a mission to deliver as much performance as possible on dry-weather for the luxury British supercar company’s fastest-ever Super Series car to lap a circuit. The P Zero Trofeo R tire was chosen as the starting point for this latest collaboration; this tire is Pirelli’s best-performing track day tire and is entirely road legal. Now, the Trofeo R has been further refined in a joint effort from Pirelli and McLaren to meet the high-performance requirements of this latest car, following some intense work from Pirelli’s renowned research and development division. For drivers who are less inclined to use their cars on track, the Pirelli P Zero tires are also available.

Speed and Safety

The new McLaren 765LT announces its sporting intentions with a 765-horsepower engine that puts out 800 Nm of torque to deliver the ultimate in performance, as well as aerodynamics that place plenty of load through the bespoke P Zero Trofeo R tires. To meet McLaren’s need for a tire that is bespoke to the 765LT, Pirelli’s engineers have worked on the structure and profile of the tires.

Another fundamental element in achieving McLaren’s objectives was the tread pattern compound. The design of the tread pattern has been designed to guarantee the best possible road holding both in a straight line and through corners, reducing braking distances and maximising lateral grip. All this extra performance from the tires, allied with the innovative capabilities of the new 765LT itself, has allowed the car to go faster round a circuit than any other car ever produced in Woking.

Collaboration Between Pirelli and McLaren

The new P Zero Trofeo R created for the McLaren 765LT represents the latest tire born out of the long collaboration between Pirelli and McLaren, which also draws on the extensive lessons learned from motorsport by both companies. Every vehicle leaves the McLaren Production Centre with its own specific Pirelli tire, tailor-made for that particular car and distinguished by a distinctive ‘MC’ marking on the sidewall. Some of these tires are additionally equipped with other Pirelli technologies such as PNCS – Pirelli Noise Cancelling System – which guarantees maximum acoustic comfort inside the car.

PIRELLI: FOUR TIRE MAINTENANCE TIPS TO RESUME DRIVING SAFELY

If your car has been standing for a while, it is worth checking the tires to make sure you can get going again safely. There are some checks you can carry out by yourself, but others are best done by a tire specialist.

Pirelli’s experts recommend in particular:

1. Checking tires visually to see if there are any lumps or deformations caused by the car standing still for a long time, or by the weather conditions. Check also for damage, cuts, abrasions and the tire bulging – and ensure that the valve caps are tight.

2. Checking tire pressures, also the spare tire, ideally at a tire dealer with professional monitoring equipment. This helps guarantee optimal performance and safety, as well as the correct rolling resistance to enhance fuel economy.

3. Tire wear to be above the legal limit of 2/32″ tread depth. This can be checked using the tread depth indicator on the tire itself.

4. Paying close attention to any vibrations could be felt through the steering wheel after the car has been standing for a long period of time. If these don’t go away after the first few miles, get the car looked at by professionals as soon as possible.