Pirelli launches two winter novelties
Pirelli continues to update its all-season and winter tyre range, launching two new models: the passenger car Pirelli Powergy 2 Winter, and the Pirelli Scorpion Winter 3 for crossovers and SUVs—both belonging to the European-type non-studded winter tyre category.
The Pirelli Powergy 2 Winter is designed for both urban driving and trips outside the city. According to the manufacturer, it combines stable grip on dry and wet asphalt, as well as on snow, with reduced rolling resistance that improves fuel efficiency. The tyres feature a directional tread pattern with widening diagonal grooves, engineered to reduce the risk of aquaplaning and enhance safety on slush-covered roads.
The tread blocks contain wave-shaped sipes that simultaneously improve handling on dry asphalt by maintaining the necessary tread stiffness, and increase traction on snow by creating additional biting edges.
The tread pattern also includes "snow traps" that capture snow, further enhancing grip on snowy roads.
The tyre profile has been optimised for even pressure distribution across the contact patch, which, the company says, improves handling performance and shortens braking distances on dry asphalt. Additionally, the rubber compound includes a modified polymer that enables efficient performance across a wide temperature range.
Compared to the previous generation, the size range has been expanded, allowing the Powergy 2 Winter to fit a wide variety of car models. The tyres are available in sizes from 16 to 19 inches, with one in every four sizes achieving an efficiency rating of C on European energy labels.
In turn, the Pirelli Scorpion Winter 3 tyres were developed in collaboration with leading car manufacturers, with their construction and tread pattern optimised to handle the increased loads typical of heavy SUVs. These tyres are designed to deliver optimal grip and stability under various winter conditions. Snow testing was conducted at Pirelli's Sottozero Centre in Flurheden, Sweden—approximately 900 km north of Stockholm—while wet surface tests were carried out at the company's test track in Vizzola, Italy. On the European tyre label, the Scorpion Winter 3 achieved an A rating for wet grip across all sizes available on the replacement market, as well as an A/B rating for noise levels.
The tread pattern (almost identical to that of the passenger car Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3) features a zigzag central groove that enhances lateral grip and improves handling on snow.
Wave-shaped sipes close under lateral loads, further improving handling stability.
Given that these tyres are intended for crossovers and SUVs, the sipe layout has been refined to reinforce tread blocks, enhancing stability and extending tread life.
The groove walls are equipped with special protrusions (Pirelli's patented Snow Keeper Teeth technology) that help retain snow and boost grip—particularly effective on fresh or loose snow.
The rubber compound uses a "latest-generation polymer and innovative plasticisers," allowing it to remain flexible at low temperatures. Combined with wide grooves, this enhances safety on wet and snowy roads.
The tyres have also been adapted to the specific characteristics of electric crossovers and SUVs—such as higher vehicle weight and instant torque delivery—as indicated by the Elect marking on the sidewalls. Additionally, the tyres incorporate PNCS (a noise-cancelling foam layer inside the tyre structure) and Seal Inside (self-sealing technology for punctures), while contrasting design elements on the sidewalls "emphasise the tyre's premium status."
Pirelli Scorpion Winter 3 tyres are available in sizes with rim diameters from 18 to 22 inches.