New Pirelli P Zero Has Multiple Personalities

The new Pirelli P Zero is the “pinnacle” of Pirelli’s flagship P Zero line of tires, according to Pierluigi Dinelli, chairman and CEO of Pirelli Tire North America Inc.

However, it is more than one tire. Every original equipment tire is not only tailor-made to fit its respective premium or prestige vehicle, but also features the OEM’s logo. A slight difference in the compound or tire structure, perhaps even a minor change in the tread design, makes each new P Zero unique.

For example, the bead in the P Zero on new model Ferrari’s is a Formula One bead!

There are two basic P Zero models. One is designed for sports cars. The other is designed for luxury sedans.

At a press conference for the tire in Las Vegas prior to the opening of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Dinelli said the tire is part of Pirelli’s longtime strategy focusing on the premium and prestige market. Technological features include the following:

* Pirelli Noise Cancelling System. In order to dramatically reduce inside noise, Pirelli has applied a sound absorbing device applied to the inside circumferential wall of the tire.

* Seal Inside. Dinelli said the proprietary run-flat technology covers nearly 85% of the possible accidental causes of pressure loss.

In addition, the company introduced the P Zero Corsa, designed for super cars; and the P Zero All Season Plus, a tire designed for the replacement market. The new P Zero tires will be available next year.

All the tires will be showcased in the Pirelli booth at the Global Tire Expo in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Global Tire Expo, sponsored by the Tire Industry Association, is part of the SEMA Show; it will run from Nov. 1-4.

Two other new replacement tires, the Scorpion Zero All Season Plus and the Scorpion All Terrain Plus, will be available near the end of the second quarter or the beginning of the third quarter.

Dinelli said Pirelli will stick to its strategy of producing separate tires for the OE and replacement markets. He added the company also continues to believe that the best way to distribute its tires is through tire dealers, not company-owned stores, mass merchandisers or online.