Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli has developed bespoke versions of its P Zero R tyre for two Audi models, the RS 5 and RS 3 competition limited, focusing on elevated grip and reduced braking distances without compromising everyday usability.
New Pirelli P Zero R Optimises Braking and Handling for Audi RS 5 and RS 3
The tyre development was led by Pirelli‘s German R&D centre in Breuberg, in close collaboration with its Milan headquarters, drawing on experience gained through motorsport. The primary objective set by Audi was braking performance, with the P Zero R engineered to get as close as possible to the stopping distances of the Trofeo R, Pirelli‘s semi-slick tyre already fitted on other RS models.
The new compound used in the bespoke P Zero R has been optimised to deliver strong grip even when cold and rapid deceleration under stress. Despite its performance credentials, the tyre carries a European label certification for efficiency and is designed for everyday road use.
Steffen Bamberger, Head of Technical Development at Audi Sport GmbH, said, “The tyre is the only connection between the vehicle and the road surface. Therefore, it plays a significant role in chassis development, especially in our RS models, where excellent handling has paramount importance. A close, collaborative partnership is essential to achieving this level of performance.”
The RS 3 competition limited, created to mark the 50th anniversary of Audi’s five-cylinder engine, is available with two tyre options. The standard P Zero R delivers grip on both dry and wet surfaces, combined with everyday comfort. Meanwhile, the P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick is road-homologated but optimised for track use, featuring an asymmetrical tread pattern and a motorsport-derived compound for maximum dry grip, lateral support, and short braking distances.
The RS 5 presented a different challenge as Audi Sport’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid. The added weight of the hybrid components required Pirelli to develop the first High Load tyre size for this model by reinforcing the P Zero R‘s structure to withstand more weight, handle the hybrid system’s high torque, and maintain handling precision. Pirelli supplies a dedicated 285/30 R21 fitment for the RS 5.
The development process combined digital simulation at both companies’ R&D centres with physical testing on circuits, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife, test tracks in Spain, and laboratory work in Milan.
The new fitments build on more than 25 years of collaboration between Pirelli and Audi Sport. The partnership began with the original RS 4, for which Pirelli is now the exclusive original equipment supplier on the RS 4 competition. Each tyre carries the R0 marking, certifying its development as an integrated vehicle component under Pirelli‘s Perfect Fit strategy.
