The fifth generation of the Pirelli P Zero tire is presented

Pirelli has revealed details about its new summer tire, the Pirelli P Zero (PZ5), the fifth generation of its flagship model, which has been part of the Italian brand's lineup since 1985 and was the first Ultra-High Performance (UHP) tire on the market. Since then, the manufacturer has continuously improved its characteristics to meet the requirements of the premium and luxury segments of the automotive market.

The new generation tires were designed using artificial intelligence and virtual prototype testing, which reduced development time and ensured resource savings. The new tire has two key advantages over its predecessor: improved handling on dry and wet surfaces, as well as higher braking efficiency.

In all sizes available on the secondary market, the tire received an "A" rating for wet grip, and the company emphasizes that the PZ5 was developed to anticipate the requirements of the automotive industry, which is currently undergoing electrification.

To improve tire performance, Pirelli's engineers changed the shape of the grooves and contact patch, which reduced braking distances and increased wear resistance. It is reported that a stable level of grip is maintained throughout the tire's life cycle. Additionally, the tires feature contrast black elements on the sidewalls.

The new Pirelli tires have entered the market in 50 sizes with a rim diameter from 18 to 23 inches, most of which are made using the company's various proprietary technologies, such as Elect: tires that adapt to use on electric and hybrid vehicles and, due to reduced rolling resistance, can increase the electric range by 10%, as well as have a reduced noise level and can withstand the impact of high torque.

The PZ5 will be supplied to both car manufacturers and the aftermarket, and Pirelli's specialists are currently working to include them in the equipment of several dozen new cars. Separate versions have already been homologated for such cars as the Lamborghini Urus SE, Audi A5, BMW M5 and M5 Touring, Mercedes GLE and GLS, Lucid Gravity, Polestar 4, Nio ET9, and Xiaomi SU7.

"Our latest tire demonstrates how efficiency and technology continue to be key strengths of the PZero lineup, made possible by Pirelli's close relationships with all major premium and luxury car manufacturers," the company said. "Such valuable connections have led to Pirelli equipping more than 50% of premium and luxury vehicles on markets around the world."

Over the past 40 years, the company has created over 3,000 special versions of the P Zero for cars such as the Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren P1, all Pagani hypercars, Aston Martin V12 Vantage, and Porsche 911, as well as for dozens of other models from brands like Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Mercedes.

Pirelli emphasizes that it was the P Zero tires that "tested" numerous innovative developments, and, for example, the first Elect technology tires were made from this lineup in 2019. In addition, in 2023, the P Zero E model was added to the family, which became the first UHP tire on the market to be 55% made from renewable or recycled materials and received the highest "A/A/A" rating according to the EU labeling system.

The P Zero lineup currently includes tires for various applications, including models for racing tracks, electric cars, and winter seasons. For example, the P Zero R, although it has a sporting character, has been refined to increase the level of comfort; the semi-slick P Zero Trofeo RS is designed for the track but is legal for public roads; and the P Zero Winter 2 is designed to provide maximum driving pleasure during the winter period.