Pirelli: Scorpion Range Represents ‘Freedom of Choice’

As the 4×4 market in the UK continues to grow, Pirelli is responding to the particular growth of the luxury SUV segment by offering a range of high performance tyres to meet the needs of drivers of a new generation of luxury SUVs, such as Porsche Cayenne and BMW X3. According to the Italian manufacturer, the Scorpion by Pirelli 4×4 tyre range comes as a direct result of “high-level technological experience in design, materials, research, production, control and testing, providing ‘drive anywhere’ performance.”

The Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico sits top of the pile in Pirelli’s ultra-high performance offering. A low profile tyre with V, W and Y speed symbols (for speeds up to 186mph), the Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico was created for extreme conversions aimed at boosting the performance of the most powerful 4×4 SUVs. These tyres are manufactured exclusively using Pirelli’s MIRS process in rim diameters ranging from 17 to 28 inches. The Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico is an approved fitment for the New Range Rover Sport.

As fitted to Porsche Cayenne, the P Zero Rosso is an ultra-high performance tyre derived from the legendry P Zero. It comes in W and Y speed rating is characterised by high speed comfort and low noise levels. The asymmetric design, divided into three elements, with wide ribs, continuous grooves and full shoulders, reportedly results in higher contact pressure and rapid water dispersal, inspiring confidence in both dry and wet conditions. The P Zero Rosso is available in 18 to 20-inch rim diameters

All-purpose performance

The Scorpion STR is fitted as original equipment on the BMW X3 and is characterised by “all-season” versatility. The higher load index provides resistance to the extreme stresses of heavier, more powerful vehicles. On the road, Scorpion STR is said to produce good mileage, high speed comfort and precision handling. Off-road performance is optimised by excellent braking grip in both wet and dry conditions and good traction. The Scorpion STR is available in rim diameters 15 – 20 inches and speed ratings up to V.

Pirelli describes its Scorpion Zero tyres as “a state of the art, on/off–road ultra-high performance product for the latest generation of off-roaders.” As an approved fitment for the New Range Rover and Discovery, the Scorpion Zero has H, V and Y speed symbols (for speeds up to 186mph), and exclusive “Z” tread design and low profile. The tyre is available in rim diameters ranging from 15 – 25 inches.

When things get that bit more chilly…

Pirelli’s range covers a number of other off-road options in addition to its many road-going SUV options (namely the Scorpion A/T, Scorpion ATR and Scorpion Mud). However, Pirelli’s recent increase emphasis on winter products has resulted in the company promoting a range of tyres designed to offer more traction than typical ‘all season’ tyres – the Scorpion Ice & Snow. Pirelli reports that “like all Scorpion products,” safety and comfort are prioritised in the tyre design and full control is “assured even under the most demanding conditions.”

Scorpion Ice & Snow features a tread compound that remains flexible at lower ambient temperatures to enhance grip and handling in typical winter conditions. The tread design features a stable shoulder area to enhance dry road handling, circumferential grooves to provide aquaplaning resistance and help maintain good traction on wet and slush-covered roads and angled tread blocks with circumferential and lateral sipes that help the tyre bite into snow. Scorpion Ice & Snow is available in rim diameters of 15 – 20 inches and speed ratings T, H and V.