Pirelli unveils P Zero Trofeo RS – it’s ‘most sporting’ semi-slick tyre yet

The Pagani Automobili Utopia hypercar is the first model to specify the new Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS as original equipment (Photo: Pirelli)

Pirelli has launched the P Zero Trofeo RS, a new iteration of its semi-slick tyre range designed for sporting performance. The tyre has already been requested, in a specialised edition, for the Pagani Automobili Utopia hypercar. Pirelli said the tyre is a “technical evolution” of the P Zero Trofeo R, though the RS is primarily targeting original equipment channels, compared to the R’s positioning as an aftermarket tyre to improve on-track performance.

Pirelli says its new generation of semi-slick tyres offer increased dry performance with extra consistency in the most intense driving conditions. Maintaining performance for longer allows more speed and safety over several different track sessions, technical features developed via Pirelli’s extensive portfolio of apex motorsport series. The manufacturer says its materials, especially those in the tread pattern compound of the P Zero Trofeo RS, help the tyre to adapt to road and amateur track use. The tyre’s original equipment homologations for road-going hypercars and supercars meant that Pirelli’s engineers also concentrated on safety on wet asphalt.

Pirelli adds that it is able to apply a menu of customised technical features to the tyre on demand, depending on the specifications of the OEM. Its research and development department was able to apply a series of innovative technologies to the P Zero Trofeo RS, developed thanks also to the company’s engagement in top-level motorsport.

Multi-compound Tread is one such option, a technology that allows tyres to be personalised to complement the individual characteristics of each car by matching them to different tread pattern compounds from Pirelli’s Prestige catalogue. For the Pagani Utopia, P Zero Trofeo RS tyres capable of elevating performance in extreme sports driving compared to the P Zero Corsa were requested, without compromising the balance of the car or the feeling experienced by the driver. This was accomplished thanks to the selected compounds. In the rear tyres, the most performance-focussed compounds were chosen to deliver speed and safety on the track as well as ease and predictability on the road.

Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS (Photo: Pirelli)

Another innovation that Pirelli’s engineers had at their disposal was Virtual Geometry Development, which allowed them to assess a huge number of different profiles and footprints through virtual modelling, in order to define the reaction of the tyres to driver inputs with maximum precision. This virtual development process was used extensively for the Pagani Utopia, before the first physical prototypes were driven on track. Plenty of work was done on the contact patch to offer extreme grip and control.

The new Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS is already available for cars fitting it as original equipment. In future, Pirelli says a wide range of aftermarket tyres will be available. The P Zero Trofeo R will remain available in a specific selection of sizes.