Pirelli Ice Zero FR 3 — the winter novelty for Russia
By the next winter season, those who don't want to give up premium tires but aren't willing to overpay for parallel imports will be able to choose a new friction model from Pirelli - Ice Zero FR 3, which replaces the Ice Zero FR tire, introduced in 2015. The novelty will also be released on the markets of Canada and Scandinavia under the name Pirelli Ice Friction.
The new tires were tested at the Pirelli Sottozero Center test site in Sweden, which covers an area of 125 hectares and features 19 snow and ice tracks. Compared to the previous generation model, a number of important parameters have been improved, such as acceleration and braking efficiency on snow and handling on ice, with significant progress made in increasing traction on icy surfaces. In addition, the tires were tested by UTAC Ivalo (formerly Test World) experts, who highly praised their traction and braking properties on ice, snow, and wet asphalt.
The tire characteristics have been improved, in particular, thanks to a new V-shaped tread pattern with a complex network of grooves that quickly remove water and slush. The tread has a two-layer structure: the upper layer is optimized for maximum grip on snow and ice, while the more rigid compound of the lower layer improves handling on asphalt and reduces rolling resistance.
In the central blocks of the tread, there are lightning-shaped lamellas of varying width, which not only increase grip in difficult conditions but also increase resistance to lateral drift, while the L-shaped lamellas in the shoulder zones also improve handling. In addition, a new rubber compound with a vegetable oil content and functionalized polymers is used, which enhances grip on wet and icy roads while also improving fuel efficiency. The tread pattern is designed to maintain its effectiveness as it wears.
The tire will be released on Western markets in 44 sizes, 22 of which will feature the Elect technology package, making them suitable for use on electric vehicles. Additionally, the PNCS (Pirelli Noise Cancelling System) technology will be applied, which reduces noise levels through the use of a sound-absorbing foam insert. However, in Russia, Pirelli has stated that the Elect and PNCS technologies will not be used for the time being.
In Russia, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR 3 will be released in 32 sizes with a rim diameter of 16 to 22 inches for passenger cars and crossovers. We will prepare a full review of the novelty for the next season.