Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow 255/55 R18 109H XL

The Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow winter tire was specifically designed for high-performance vehicles, such as SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks. This tire was created based on the popular Pirelli Snowsport winter model, which has excellent performance characteristics and is considered a standard winter tire.

This model stands out for its exceptional applicability to most modern high-performance vehicle models. This is ensured by the widest range of sizes, starting from 235/75 R15 and ending with 285/45 R22.

Tread design

When developing the tread pattern, Italian tire engineers took into account not only the specifics of winter operation but also the design features of high-performance vehicles, in particular their higher weight. The result of the research using computer modeling was a tread with a symmetrical non-directional pattern, made in an original S-shaped design.

Like any modern high-quality tire, the tread of this model is equipped with five longitudinal ribs, three of which are located in the center, and two are shoulder zones. Since the Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow tire is designed for high-performance vehicles, the specifics of which allow for the possibility of driving on rough terrain, each of the longitudinal ribs is a series of separate blocks. At the same time, all blocks are made in the shape of a quadrangle and are arranged at a certain angle to each other. The combination of this shape and arrangement of blocks made it possible to significantly reduce the noise level, which had a beneficial effect on the comfort level.

Efficiency of the Italian tire

Since the developers had the task of ensuring high braking efficiency on slippery surfaces for such a heavy vehicle as an SUV, they had to apply two original design solutions. Firstly, the tread was equipped with a multitude of transverse lamellas. This tread element, when in contact with the road surface, forms an additional edge that effectively grips even very small irregularities. If we take into account the huge number of these transverse lamellas, the numerous sharp edges formed by them provide very high braking efficiency, despite the large weight of the vehicle. Another design solution aimed at increasing braking efficiency was the special stiffness ribs that the tread blocks were equipped with. At the same time, the stiffened tread blocks made it possible not only to improve braking efficiency on slippery surfaces but also to provide precise handling on dry, clean roads.

Another distinctive feature of the Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow tire is its high resistance to aquaplaning, which is characteristic of most tire products from this well-known and respected Italian manufacturer. This was achieved thanks to the presence of a highly efficient drainage system. This tread element consists of four longitudinal water drainage grooves, where water is collected, and a multitude of transverse channels designed to remove moisture from the contact patch.

Perhaps the main characteristic feature of this model is the innovative composition of the rubber mixture, thanks to which its elasticity can change within fairly wide limits, depending on the tire temperature. Such phenomenal capabilities were achieved thanks to the use of three different polymers in the composition of the rubber mixture. This allows maintaining elasticity at a consistently high level in a temperature range from +7 to -40 degrees Celsius.

Main features of Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow

- A unique composition of the rubber mixture based on three different polymers allows the tire to maintain excellent elasticity in a very wide temperature range;
- An optimized S-shaped design of the symmetrical non-directional tread pattern, created with the help of digital technologies, provides excellent grip in any conditions;
- A carefully calculated shape and size of the tread blocks, in combination with optimized angles between them and a variable pitch of their placement, makes it possible to achieve a very low noise level;
- Excellent resistance to aquaplaning is ensured by the efficient operation of the drainage system, consisting of four wide and deep longitudinal drainage grooves and a multitude of transverse channels;
- A multitude of transverse lamellas, due to the numerous sharp edges, provide higher braking efficiency on slippery surfaces, thereby compensating for the large weight of the high-performance vehicle;
- Excellent traction on snow, thanks to a tread equipped with a large number of massive blocks.