With an output of 592bhp, the Type S is the most powerful NSX to date. It’s also the final version of the second-generation car, and Honda is producing just 350 specimens. Customers in the USA, where the car is known as the Acura NSX Type S, will receive 300 of these, with the remainder going to buyers in Japan and Central America. Pirelli is supplying tyres for the 2022 Acura NSX Type S.
When Lucid Motors brings the Air to market in the second half of 2021, this inaugural model from the EV start-up will wear Pirelli’s very first high load index tyre – a new type of tyre dedicated primarily to electric or hybrid cars and SUVs. This original equipment arrangement initially pertains to Lucid Air models sold in the USA and sees Pirelli supply its P Zero to Lucid in size HL 245/35R21 99 Y XL for the front axle and HL 265/ 35R21 103 Y XL for the rear.
Pirelli claims a world first with the launch of a range of FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) tyres. Designed for the BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in-hybrid, these tyres contain FSC-certified natural rubber and rayon. According to Pirelli, its FSC-Certified P Zero represents “a new horizon for increasingly sustainable tyre production.”
The new Ferrari 488 GT Modificata is a limited-edition car exclusively for use during track days and at Ferrari Club Competizioni GT events. Announced last November, the 488 GT Modificata makes its first public appearance this weekend at Finali Mondiali Ferrari 2020, which is taking place at the Marco Simoncelli Misano World Circuit in Italy. As expected, it debuts on Pirelli tyres, in this instance the Pirelli P Zero DHE.
Pirelli claims a world first with its original equipment tyre supply to the new McLaren Artura hybrid supercar. The Italian firm isn’t shipping any old bespoke P Zero tyres, rather tyres that will ‘talk’ to the Artura via Pirelli’s Cyber Tyre system. Each of the 235/35Z R19 front and 295/35 R20 rear tyres contain a sensor that loquaciously provides vital data to the car’s onboard computer.
Pirelli shares that its tyres have gained a total of 78 original equipment homologations for the latest versions of the BMW 8 Series Coupe, Gran Coupe, and Cabrio, including M Sport models. These cars ride on bespoke Pirelli P Zero and Cinturato P7 tyres. Depending on model, Pirelli will supply BMW with 18- to 20-inch fitments.
Pirelli has served as sole tyre supplier to the British GT Championship since 2016 and has announced its return for a fifth season in 2020 – with a pair of new-spec tyres. Competitors in the GT3 category will race on the Pirelli P Zero DHE tyre this season, a product that replaces the prior-generation DHD2. Cars in the slightly less powerful GT4 category will wear another new tyre, the Pirelli P Zero DHB, successor to the DH.
It was a glaring omission from an illustrious who’s who of the tyre world – the Pirelli P Zero was nowhere to be seen amongst the list of finalists for the Auto Bild summer 2020 tyre test. Its combined result in the preliminary round’s wet and dry braking tests only sufficed for 25th place from 50 tyres, a result that Auto Bild called “disappointing”. Pirelli isn’t leaving this stain on the P Zero’s reputation unanswered.
Pirelli has announced that its new P Zero Experience supercar track day, run in association with Salon Privé, will take place between 2 and 3 June 2020 in the UK. The event features driving, premium hospitality and of course and exquisite cars. Initially launched in France 10 years ago, the events now take place at Italy’s famous Mugello circuit, the Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi and the famous Hockenheimring in Germany. This year the home of British motorsport, Silverstone, joins the line-up.
In mid-October Pirelli introduced its Pirelli Tyre Hotel concept to Dubai. The temperature-controlled facility at Pirelli’s P Zero World in Dubai is fitted with custom-designed racks designed to enhance health and longevity of tyres. The concept was first introduced by Pirelli at its Tyre Performance Centre in Burton-on-Trent, England.
Pirelli has presented the tyre that will equip the new Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo from the 2020 season onwards in all four Ferrari Challenge championships. The tyre is the Pirelli P Zero DHA, the product of some seven months of close collaboration between Pirelli and Ferrari engineers. The P Zero DHA is available in size 275/675-19 at the front and 315/705-19 at the rear.
BMW Group has approved the Pirelli P Zero as an original equipment tyre for the BMW M8. The Pirelli tyre has been homologated for the M8 in size 275/35 ZR 20 (102Y) XL (front axle) and 285/35 ZR 20 (104Y) XL (rear axle).
Tyres from the Pirelli Collezione range for vintage and modern classic cars have taken a first-generation Mazda MX-5 to world record glory on the 30th anniversary of the roadster’s launch.
Track Adrenaline is a new product from Pirelli’s Cyber Technologies department, which was launched at the Geneva Motor Show roughly a month ago. Pirelli says this system is aimed at “absolute petrolheads only”, which is why – for the time being at least – it is only available on P Zero Trofeo R tyres.
