The winter non-studded tire Pirelli Scorpion Winter is one of the latest developments of the Italian tire giant. Like its predecessor, the Scorpion Ice model, this tire is addressed to owners of luxury vehicles with increased passability. At the initial stage of sales, it will be available in 28 sizes with a diameter from 16 to 21 inches. Later, the size range is planned to be increased by another 20 sizes.
The new model provides maximum stability and handling for crossovers and SUVs not only on snow and ice but also on dry road surfaces. As befits a novelty, the most advanced technologies were applied in this tire. The combination of a new rubber compound, tread pattern, and carcass design guarantees high traction and handling performance on various surfaces and in climatic conditions characteristic of the autumn-winter period.
According to the results of independent tests conducted on the eve of the new winter season, this model demonstrated confident superiority over other tires of the same class, especially in terms of traction and braking efficiency. This was achieved thanks to the application of a new approach in creating the main components of the tire - the design of the tread pattern, structure, and rubber compound.
Tread pattern design
The aggressive V-shaped tread pattern design of this tire appeared due to numerous natural tests conducted in Central Europe, Scandinavia, and New Zealand. Such a wide geography of tests made it possible to develop a tread pattern with universal characteristics, optimally suitable for various types of road surfaces.
A characteristic feature of the new tread pattern is the longitudinal rib located in its very center. It is formed by specially designed V-shaped blocks, thanks to which the tire can hold a large amount of snow, creating better traction with the road when contacting "snow with snow". Thanks to this, the Pirelli Scorpion Winter tire perfectly holds the snowy road, demonstrating excellent acceleration efficiency and course stability even when passing turns and moving on slopes and inclines.
The central rib is separated from the rest of the tread by longitudinal grooves, the total number of which varies from one to four, depending on the tire size. These tread elements perform the function of drainage, diverting a huge amount of water and slush from the contact patch. Tires with a tread width of up to 255 mm are equipped with tread patterns with two longitudinal grooves, and wider ones - with four.
The symmetrical tread pattern, equipped with a large number of separate blocks, is distinguished by increased efficiency thanks to 2500 grooves that improve traction on any road surface. A distinctive feature of the grooves is the lamellas located on their surface, which allow holding as much snow as possible, significantly improving traction when driving on snow.
The total length of the sharp edges of one combination of blocks, grooves, and lamellas is 50 meters. This fact easily explains the exceptional braking and acceleration efficiency on snow and ice demonstrated by this tire. In addition, such a scheme of tread elements provides ideal balance of longitudinal and transverse forces, which is crucial when passing turns or making other sharp maneuvers.
New Italian tire rubber compound
Specialists have developed a new rubber compound specifically for this novelty, which largely ensured the Pirelli Scorpion Winter tire has excellent characteristics, both at low temperatures and during sudden warming. Before developing the new rubber compound, specialists identified the basic elements that would ensure the tire has an ideal balance between traction, braking, and course stability, preserving maximum performance for each of them.
The rubber compound of this tire is distinguished by the presence of the latest polymer components, which consist of silicon and carbon-based rubber. Thanks to this combination, the tire's tread retains elasticity even at very low temperatures. In addition, the rubber compound includes a number of other components that allow the tire to instantly adapt to changes in road surface characteristics within a very wide range.
Innovative Pirelli tire design
One of the most noticeable innovations was the breaker layer located directly under the tread. Thanks to the use of new materials, it was possible to make it softer and more elastic while maintaining its strength at the same high level. Due to this, it was possible to significantly increase the contact patch area, which, in turn, led to an improvement in the tire's main working characteristics. Other changes mainly concerned reducing the overall weight of the tire, which made it possible to increase the accuracy of control and reduce rolling resistance. In addition, small depressions were placed on the tire's sidewalls, which significantly reduced air swirls that occur during movement, reducing the noise level.
Main features of Pirelli Scorpion Winter
- The directed V-shaped symmetrical tread pattern, with the help of lamellas, holds a large amount of snow, ensuring maximum traction when driving on snow;
- The modular scheme of arranging tread elements in the central zone provides high acceleration and braking efficiency on slippery surfaces;
- The special arrangement of lamellas improves handling and reduces the braking distance;
- Wide and deep drainage grooves ensure rapid removal of water and slush from the contact patch, increasing traction with the road surface in unfavorable road conditions.
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