Pirelli Stars in German Winter Tyre Tests

Pirelli winter tyres performed well in tyre tests organised by leading German motoring magazines, Auto Zeitung, Adac Motorwelt, Auto Motor und Sport, Autobild, Sport Auto, Auto Bild Alles Allred, Automobil and Promobil. The results were achieved across the tyre spectrum, from uhp tyres to SUV and touring tyres, plus winter run-flats.

Winter Sottozero tyres performed particularly well on a variety of vehicles including BMW Series 1, Audi A3, BMW Series 5 and the VW Golf V GTI. These tyres have OE homologations with such prestigious vehicles as Lamborghini Gallardo, Maserati Quatroporte, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and F430, Aston Martin Vanquish and Mercedes C Class, S Class and CLK.

Another winter tyre – the Winter Snowsport – is OE on the BMW X3, Mercedes B Class as well as Jaguar, Maserati and Porsche models. A runflat version of the tyre, fitted to a BMW Series 1 came out winner in a test carried out by Auto Zeitung.

With the introduction of new larger sizes in the runflat versions, the Pirelli winter range covers all market segments and applications. This includes the high and ultra-high performance Winter Sottozero and Winter Snowsport tyres in sizes from 15″ to 19″, developed with innovative compounds and rated for speeds up to 150 mph; as well as the Winter Snowcontrol range available in sizes from 13″ to 15″ for touring cars. In addition, the Scorpion Ice&Snow is now available in sizes from 15″ to 20″ developed to enhance the performance of the latest generation of SUVs and it achieved the best result when tested on a VW Touareg by Auto Bild Alles Allred. The tyre has recently been homologated for the Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne. Where studded tyres are allowed, the Winter Carving is available to cope with the most extreme climatic conditions.

Pirelli claims a growth in market share for winter tyres from 2000 to 2004 in both the USA and Europe and the segment itself is growing, with a 10 per cent increase forecast for the USA over the next three years.