Pirelli releases a novelty for soft winters

The Pirelli company continues to update its winter range, and the recently introduced studded tire Pirelli Ice Zero FR 3 for the northern winter is joined by the friction Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 of the European type, which managed to participate in the qualifying stage of the big test Auto Bild and passed into the main part of the tests due to effective braking on snow and wet asphalt.

The new Pirelli, like the previous generation model, the Cinturato Winter 2, has a directed V-shaped tread pattern, developed, among other things, to improve longitudinal grip on snow, which reduces acceleration time and braking distance in similar conditions. In addition, transverse channels capture snow, increasing traction, and the central zigzag channel increases transverse grip on a snowy road, improving handling.

Developers have also increased the width of the transverse channels and the overall volume of the tread voids, increasing grip on snow and wet asphalt, reducing the risk of aquaplaning, while the latest generation polymers and plasticizers provide the tires with an extended operating range, as well as reduce rolling resistance and improve wear resistance.

V-shaped pattern increases longitudinal grip on snow

Transverse channels capture snow, increasing the level of grip

The central zigzag channel enhances transverse grip and improves handling on a snowy surface

Increased tread voids improve driving characteristics on snow and wet asphalt, as well as reduce the risk of aquaplaning

The novelty was tested by Dekra experts, who compared them with key premium-class competitors: Bridgestone Blizzak 6, Continental WinterContact TS 870, Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and Michelin Alpin 7 in the 205/55 R16 size, and on snow, the novelty surpassed all competitors in terms of acceleration and braking efficiency, as well as handling.

Braking on snow (here and below, the results are indicated as a percentage)

The new Pirelli was also tested by TÜV SÜD specialists, who compared them with the same models of tires from competing brands, but in the 225/45 R17 size.

Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 went on sale in 35 sizes from 195/55 R16 to 235/40 R20, and there are versions made using Elect (tires adapted for use on electric cars) and PNCS (a special insert in the design reduces the noise level) technologies. In the European tire labeling system, the tire received "A/B" ratings for wet grip and "B" for noise.

01 october 2025