Pirelli first to reach market with AA-rated tyre

Pirelli unveiled its new Cinturato P7 Blue passenger car tyre on the first day of Reifen 2012 – an event that is significant as it is the first product to reach European markets with A ratings for both wet grip and rolling resistance. The tyre achieved the AA rating in size 235/45 R17, and is an evolution of the company’s Cinturato P7 product.

Pirelli representatives at Reifen said that the tyre achieves the improved characteristics over the base P7 model through use of a new compound and several subtle changes to the tread pattern, including “optimisation of the shoulder”. The base compound of the tyre, underneath the tread, was also credited for helping the P7 Blue attain it’s A ratings.

While the P7 Blue’s label was displayed prominently at the heart of Pirelli’s large Hall Three stand, the brand has yet to unveil the labels for the rest of its range, represented at Reifen by most of the latest passenger car to 4×4/SUV models. The brand’s representatives told Tyrepress that tyre labels and ratings for the remainder of the range would be forthcoming in the “next three weeks”, or by the end of June.

Replacement for the Scorpion Ice

Pirelli also displayed a replacement model for its Scorpion Ice tyre, the new Scorpion Winter. The Winter is described by the brand as being “much more balanced” for cold and wet weather conditions, while retaining some of its ability to perform on ice. Perhaps the most striking difference immediately visible is the tread pattern’s move away from the asymmetric Scorpion Ice design.