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New Pirelli P Zero Tire Was Designed Using AI and Tested Virtually

Modernizing the tire-making process Pirelli's P Zero, now 40 years old with over 3,000 versions, has long been synonymous with high-end cars and discerning drivers. For the tire's fifth iteration, Pirelli eschewed traditional design and testing practices, instead opting to lean into artificial intelligence and its own bespoke algorithms to craft its best tire ever. The company calls its efforts 'groundbreaking,' and it might be right. In addition to algorithms and artificial intelligence, Pirelli says it tested the new P Zero virtually, too. Its 'virtual prototype testing' helped Pirelli trim development and testing time and 'optimize' resources. For Pirelli, it's another step toward rapid advancement and improvement in an area of cars many overlook: the tires. Pirelli P Zero tires on a Lamborghini Urus The benefits of virtual testing and design Where years of design and testing might ultimately produce an interactive update to a tire, Pirelli now has decades of data influencing its in-house algorithms and data sets to help produce better tires faster. By focusing on tire structure (Pirelli is incredibly proud of its compounds) and tread design, Pirelli feels it created a tire with enhanced grip, particularly when cornering. Another one of its newest tires, the Scorpion XTM, shows the company's efforts on sidewall tread and durability as well. Pirelli P Zero tires on a BMW The P Zero also shares an enhanced contact patch with the Scorpion. Pirelli claims that the P Zero's new contact patch increases braking performance and the tire's wear rate, which is meant to help it perform optimally throughout its lifecycle. The P Zero is rated 'A' on the European Label for Wet Grip. The new AI-crafted tire will be available homologated for the Lamborghini Urus SE, Audi A5, BMW M5, BMW M5 Touring, Mercedes GLE, Mercedes GLS, Lucid Gravity, Polestar 4, Nio ET9, and Xiaomi SU7. The robust nature of the Pirelli P Zero The P Zero currently has over 50 fitments available in sizes from 18 to 23 inches. It's worth noting that the P Zero family of products is expansive, with the flagship P Zero serving as the hallmark of performance for the lineup. Pirelli notes that across its entire P Zero lineup, it is able to provide 'complete coverage' for premium and prestige vehicles across every segment. This includes electric vehicles, where Pirelli's Elect branding means the tire is specially designed for the weight and rigors of EVs. The company says 'most' of the lineup is available as an Elect tire, which it claims adds 10 percent more range due to reduced rolling resistance and 'solutions specifically designed' for high torque driving while reducing noise from the tires. Pirelli P Zero tires on a BMW Final thoughts Pirelli P Zero tire Pirelli tires cost a bit more than most of the competition across segments and fitments, but it's nice to see the brand not resting on its laurels. The company is investing heavily in research and development to meet the demands of our electrified future, where rapid technological improvements will place different demands on tires. A.I. and virtual prototype testing may sound like gimmicks, but they're subtly brilliant moves by Pirelli.