Pirelli Launches World’s First ‘Telephone Tyre’

Pirelli has introduced a range of interactive tyre technologies including the X-Pressure AcousticBlue, a bluetooth compatible tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and an upgraded version of its Safety Wheel self inflation system – now redesigned for SUVs. At the same time, the Italian manufacturer announced the expansion of its existing range of run flats.

According to the company, the X-Pressure AcousticBlue (available from September) is a world first. Pirelli reports that the development of this mobile based TPMS was motivated by the “often too broad and potentially insufficient” legal regulations. In response the company is offering high-level tyre pressure monitoring capabilities to anyone who owns a Blue Tooth compatible mobile phone. By utilising the new this system Pirelli is offering customers a higher level of tyre pressure awareness, the company says.

The X-Pressure range includes four variants: The X-Pressure Optic gives a conventional colour coded signal on the valve cap – white OK, red under pressure; The X-Pressure Acoustic takes this a step further, relaying an audio alarm to the driver via the onboard electronic management system; The X-Pressure AcousticBlue, as described above, sends a signal to the driver via a Blue Tooth mobile phone; The top of the range X-Pressure Monitor is designed to send the same signal through the car’s on-board InfoMobility system. Benefits reportedly include the “plug and play” immediate fitment, minimal unit weight of between 3.5 and six grams, and a maximum autonomy of 5000 hours for each of the valve based sensor.

Although Pirelli’s Safety Wheel System became a reality in 2004, while at the Paul Ricard track, the company gave some dynamic demonstrations of the motorbike technology in action, while also showing off the SUV version of the product.

Pirelli also widened its run-flat coverage to include 23 new Europhoria sizes, two new P Zero Nero tyres, an additional two winter Snowsport homologations and finally another six Sottozero sizes. The Audi A3, BMW 5 Series, Volvo’s S60, V70 and S80, are all now covered by the extended range. Pirelli also reported that homologations for the BMW 6 series are also on their way.

The Milan based company revealed the new technologies during a “Technology in Revolution” presentation at the French Paul Ricard race track near Marseille in the south of France.