Pirelli debuts its fifth-generation P Zero tyre, offering better grip, safety, and performance for premium and electric vehicles.
Pirelli P Zero: From Motorsport to Electric Vehicles
Pirelli has launched the fifth generation of its flagship tyre, the P Zero, a product line that pioneered the Ultra-High Performance (UHP) tyre market. Revealed earlier this year, the tyre, that was first introduced in 1985, blends cutting-edge technology with the company’s engineering expertise.
Originally developed for motorsport, the P Zero line has since expanded to cover a broader family of tyres, tailored for the premium automotive markets. The fifth-generation P Zero arrives with more than 50 products readily available, ranging from 18 to 23 inches sizes.
Enhanced Performance and Safety
Pirelli‘s engineers used advanced development technologies, including artificial intelligence and virtual prototyping, to design the new tyre. This approach enabled faster development cycles as well as a deeper understanding of the tyre’s performance. The result is a product that promises improved handling, shorter braking distance, and an “A” rating for wet grip on the European label.
Structural and tread enhancements, such as updated grooves and a more balanced contact patch, contribute to cornering grip and consistent performance throughout the tyre’s lifespan. The tyre’s sidewall also features refreshed graphics for a “striking” visual identity.
Fit for Electric Vehicles
The latest Pirelli P Zero range incorporates the tyremaker’s Elect technology package, which reduces rolling resistance by up to 10 per cent. This is a key factor for extending the range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Several car models have already homologated specific versions of the new tyre, including the Lamborghini Urus SE, Audi A5, BMW M5, Mercedes GLE and GLS, Lucid Gravity, Polestar 4, Nio ET9, and Xiaomi SU7.
A Legacy of Bespoke Development
Pirelli‘s ongoing collaborations with premium car manufacturers have been crucial to the P Zero‘s evolution, with more than 3,000 bespoke versions created since its debut. The tyre has equipped legendary models such as the Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren P1, Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Porsche 911, and every Pagani car.
Beyond the flagship P Zero, Pirelli‘s extended family of tyres includes the P Zero E, an environmentally focused version using over 55 per cent natural or recycled materials and carrying a triple ‘A’ rating on the European label, and the P Zero R for maximum driving pleasure. The lineup also features the track-ready P Zero Trofeo RS and the P Zero Winter 2 for challenging winter conditions.
