Pirelli offers longer-life P Zero Nero GT

By Bruce Davis, Tire Business staff

AKRON (Aug. 5, 2013) — Keeping true to its "no compromises" pledge, Pirelli Tire North America is adding a GT version to its P Zero Nero UHP line that promises up to 20-percent longer tread life without sacrificing other performance characteristics.

Pirelli is rolling out the P Zero Nero GT is 27 sizes in 17-, 18- and 19-inch rim diameters and expects to have up to 60 fitments available before year-end, the company said during a presentation in Akron recently.

The GT version's tread pattern is in the same asymmetric family as other P Zero Nero versions, according to Steve Carpino, vice president of research and development for PTNA, but Pirelli has re-engineered the tire's structure to yield a larger footprint and reformulated the tread compound to produce a tire with all the performance and handling characteristics common to the Nero line but with longer tread life.

This targeted tread pattern set-up also helps maintain constant ride comfort and reduced noise level throughout the life of the tire, Mr. Carpino said.

This change will allow the company to go after a broader customer base without compromising its DNA as a performance and luxury car outfitter, according to Paulo Ferrari, PTNA chairman and CEO.

"The launch of the P7 All Season Plus last fall was the first step in a direction towards our ultimate goal of servicing the American consumer with dedicated replacement products that fit their needs," Mr. Ferrari said.

"With the P7 All Season Plus we improved treadwear performance along with achieving a significant reduction in rolling resistance. We were able to replicate a similar scenario with the Nero GT, increasing treadwear without compromising any of the performance features."

Pirelli expects the GT to sell in the aftermarket at a price level customary for the Pirelli brand, slightly below Michelin and slightly above other targeted competitors' offerings, Mr. Ferrari said.

Pirelli is increasing its spending on marketing this year about 30 percent over last year, Mr. Ferrari said, with a growing emphasis on digital and social media.