PIRELLI P ZERO
Dramatically improved wear resistance and grip
The new Pirelli P Zero has evolved into its fifth generation. Thanks to a focus on the construction and tread pattern development, grip and wear resistance have been significantly improved.
The Pirelli P Zero was first introduced in 1985 as a tire fitted to the Lancia Delta S4. It could be considered the successor to the world’s first ultra-low profile tire, the P7, and has reigned as Pirelli’s flagship model to this day, supporting prestigious brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Aston Martin.
The P Zero has attracted enthusiastic attention not only from super sports car manufacturers but also from premium car brands, and as a result, the lineup now includes four models: the P Zero for premium models, the P Zero R for super sports cars, the P Zero Trofeo RS, which is a road tire but can also be used on circuits, and the P Zero E for BEVs, which is designed with environmental performance in mind. In the premium and luxury car segments, the P Zero family is said to account for more than 50% of the tires fitted to the factory line.
Recently, the P Zero, the family’s core model, was redesigned into its fifth generation, and I had the opportunity to learn about its technical background and take a test drive, so I’d like to report on what happened that day.
Outstanding quietness on public roads
We were able to take a thorough test drive on the public roads around Lake Como in a Mercedes-Benz GLE450d equipped with 315/40R21 tires.
The new P Zero has focused on the development of its construction and tread pattern, with improved grooves and contact patch for improved cornering grip, resulting in improved braking performance and wear resistance, ensuring consistent performance throughout the tire’s lifecycle.
This time, we test drove a Mercedes-Benz GLE450d (size 315/40R21) equipped with the new P Zero tires on public roads around Lake Como.
The impression I got was that the ride was comfortable and quiet. Not only was there little bumpiness, but the tires themselves had good damping, so there was no unpleasant vibration even when going over bumps in the road.
The low road noise of the P Zero must have been due in part to Pirelli’s proprietary technology, “PNSC.” This technology suppresses the resonance phenomenon inside the tire by attaching a sponge to the inside of the tread surface. An engineer explained to me about PNSC, and said that the reason each sponge is a random length of about 10cm to 20cm is to prevent resonance by not having a fixed period.
A test drive event where you can fully experience the capabilities of the P Zero family
At this test drive event, we were able to experience the P Zero family, including the new P Zero, as well as the P Zero R, P Zero E, and P Zero Trofeo RS.
Although we didn’t have a chance to test the cornering performance this time, the tires showed satisfactory straight-line stability and smooth steering response on the highway, and seemed to be easy to ride even on long-distance drives.
It is a tire that contributes to improving comfort and quietness without destroying the vehicle’s characteristics. This may be the secret behind why the P Zero has gained support from a wide range of manufacturers.
REPORT / Tatsuya OTANI
PHOTO / Pirelli
MAGAZINE / GENROQ August 2025 issue
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