Pirelli Scorpion – On and Off Road Luxury

With growth in the UK 4×4 market continuing, particularly at the high-end of the sector, Pirelli’s Scorpion range of high performance SUV tyres have no shortage of potential customers. Featuring tyres aimed at a the full spectrum of driving conditions, the Scorpion range, designed for luxury off-road vehicles such as the Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover and BMW X3, offers something for virtually everyone.

The UHP segment is especially well catered for, with Pirelli offering no less than three unique tyres in this category. Arguably the most extreme of these is the Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico, a low profile V,W, or Y speed rated tyre. Pirelli describe the Asimmetrico as intended for extreme conversions and aimed at boosting the performance of the most powerful 4×4 vehicles. Manufactured using Pirelli’s patented MIRSTM join-free manufacturing process, the Asimmetrico is available in 17 to 28 inch sizes and is an approved fitment for the new Range Rover Sport.

The UHP Scorpion Zero is promoted as providing high-speed comfort, low noise, precision handling and a high level of traction in extreme conditions. With H, V, or Y speed ratings available the low profile Scorpion Zero is approved for speeds up to 186mph. The tyre also features a unique “Z” tread design that gives it a distinctive and immediately identifiable appearance. Available in 15 to 25 inch sizes, the Scorpion Zero is an approved fitment for the new Range Rover and Discovery.

Fitted as an original equipment option for the Porsche Cayenne, Pirelli’s P Zero Rosso is derived from the company’s iconic P Zero UHP car tyre. Offered in W and Y speed ratings, the tyre features an asymmetric design with wide ribs, continuous grooves and full shoulders, qualities Pirelli advise result in higher contact pressure and rapid water dispersal while providing high-speed comfort and low noise. The tyre is available in 18 to 20 inch sizes.

The all-purpose performance segment is covered by two Pirelli offerings. The Scorpion STR offers the versatility of an all-season tyre and has a higher load index for handling the stresses of heavier and more powerful vehicles. The STR, which comes as original equipment on the BMW X3, is available in speed ratings up to V and promoted as offering precision handling and high speed comfort on-road and excellent braking grip and all weather traction off road. The Scorpion STR is available in 15 to 20 inch sizes.

Also catering for the all-purpose market is the Pirelli Scorpion S/T, a low-profile tyre reportedly designed in close co-operation with engineers from Land Rover and fitted as original equipment on the 2004 Freelander. With 15 to 18 inch sizes and S, T and H speed ratings available, Pirelli claims the Scorpion S/T is a versatile tyre offering good handling, high speed comfort and low noise on-road, and good traction and manoeuvrability off road, even on snow.

Off-road enthusiasts have not been forgotten in the Scorpion range. Pirelli’s Scorpion ATR has been designed using what has been described as Pirelli’s ‘most advanced technology and experience gained by the company in the field of motorsport.’ The end result is a tyre the company believes is capable of guaranteeing high performance, good resistance to wear, contact patch uniformity and a higher level of traction and braking, even on slippery surfaces. The 15 to 25 inch R,S,T and H rated tyres are designed for a wide range of off-road vehicles, from Suzuki’s smaller offerings up to the Hummer H2 and H3.

The Scorpion A/T, an approved fitment for the Porsche Cayenne, provides customers with another off-road option. Pirelli claim the A/T offers driving comfort and exceptional handling without compromising its high-speed capability on-road, and in gruelling off-road conditions, particularly in snow, it is said to perform competently. The Scorpion A/T can be purchased in 15 to 18 inch sizes in speed ratings up to T.

An established favourite with 4 x 4 enthusiasts is the Scorpion Mud. Designed for serious off-road users, the tyre’s self-cleaning block tread design provides the traction needed in muddy conditions. Recent changes to the Scorpion Mud’s design include sidewall ribs for increased lateral strength. The Q speed rated tyre is available in 15 and 16-inch sizes.

Pirelli’s winter offering in the Scorpion line-up is the Scorpion Ice & Snow. Designed for snow and ice affected roads where more traction is needed than the typical all season tyre can provide, the Scorpion Snow & Ice is made from a compound that retains flexibility at lower temperatures, enhancing grip and handling in winter conditions. The tread’s circumferential grooves are said to provide good resistance to aquaplaning and help to maintain firm traction on wet and slush covered roads. And in terms of styling, Pirelli believes that the Scorpion Ice & Snow’s ‘strong personality’ will suit even the most aggressive styling conversions. Pirelli’s winter Scorpion comes in T, H and V speed ratings and 15 to 20 inch sizes.