From Ferrari to Land Rover: Pirelli highlights new OE at Paris Motor Show

A number of the most eagerly-awaited cars debuting at the Paris Motor Show this month wear Pirelli rubber as original equipment, the Italian manufacturer reports. Pirelli tyres can be seen on two new Ferrari models and on the latest Audi Q5, Porsche Panamera and Land Rover Discovery. The latter three benefit from the Pirelli Noise Cancelling System, a sound-soaking sponge within the tyre that reduces tyre noise by two to three decibels – an amount equivalent to around half of all cabin noise.

With KERS, a carbon chassis, and nearly 1,000 horsepower, the new LaFerrari Aperta is said to put Formula One technology onto the road. Using its experience as exclusive F1 tyre supplier and working closely with their counterparts at Ferrari, Pirelli’s engineers have developed bespoke rubber for the latest machine from Maranello, adopting elements of F1 technology allied to a wider working range that takes in a broader spectrum of conditions.

The LaFerrari Aperta comes exclusively equipped with the Pirelli P Zero Corsa Asimmetrico in 265/30ZR19 size at the front and 345/30ZR20 size at the rear. The bespoke tyre features an increased contact patch area, and this – particularly at the front – helps to reduce understeer, improving the way that the car turns in and elevating overall grip as it travels through the corners.

Ferrari has also chosen Pirelli tyres to equip its latest version of the GTC4 Lusso T. Pirelli says comfort with speed was the “winning combination of the outgoing model,” and these were the two key technical characteristics that Ferrari asked the tyre maker’s engineers to preserve. In addition to doing this, Pirelli was able to reduce rolling resistance on the new bespoke P Zero tyres by a good 15 per cent. It says this mission was accomplished by managing the tyre’s deformation when it comes in contact with the road, and consequently optimising the contact patch. As the car is equipped with a four-wheel steering system, this consistent contact patch also had to be guaranteed at the rear.

Pirelli has been involved in the development of the Audi Q5 from very early on in the piece, and the newest model comes equipped with P Zero tyres complete with noise-cancelling technology. Pirelli states that its engineers managed to maintain high levels of performance and driving pleasure while complying with the latest regulations regarding noise pollution and CO2 emissions.

The same objective has been reached with the most recent Land Rover Discovery, the tyre maker adds. The fifth generation of the classic British SUV wears Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season tyres, with 18- to 22-inch sizes being supplied. The largest diameter size makes use of PNCS technology.

As well as using the Pirelli noise cancelling system, the latest Porsche Panamera – another key Paris Motor Show newcomer – uses P Zero tyres with Seal Inside technology. A quieter ride is thus paired with a self-repairing capability in the event of a puncture.