Pirelli targeting 'classic' Porsche owners

MILAN, Italy (May 4, 2016) — Pirelli Tyre S.p.A. has developed a line of tires targeted at owners of “classic” Porsche models covering the 1959-2006 period and designed to recreate the look of the various models' original equipment tires.

In launching the “N” series — designated as homologated by German car maker Porsche A.G. — Pirelli noted that more than two-thirds of all Porsches ever built are still considered roadworthy today.

The new line covers 32 recommendations for Porsche model ranges 356 B and C, Boxster (986), 911 (G Model, 964, 993 and 996) and 914 as well as for the transaxle cars: 924, 928, 944 and 968. The offering covers 161 summer and 131 winter tire size designations.

Maurizio Boiocchi, Pirelli's general manager technology, said Pirelli researchers worked hand in hand with engineers from Porsche to develop “bespoke” tires for each model in the targeted ranges.

“These special tires, engineered by Pirelli, meet the individual needs of every Porsche. They are custom-designed for each model in order to showcase its performance characteristics,” Mr. Boiocchi said.

The line covers classic Pirelli tread patterns from the CN36, P7 and P Zero Rosso series, Pirelli said, allowing the cars' owners to maintain an authentic appearance while also gaining the performance of modern tire technology, such as state-of-the-art compounds and modern construction.

Pirelli said it designed the N series tires to meet all official European Union tire regulation criteria while offering low rolling resistance, high levels of wet grip and reduced noise generation — more balanced driving qualities than those with original tires from former years or those using tires of matching size that are not tested and approved by Porsche.

To optimize the product, Porsche tire testers co-operated with former World Rally Champion Walter Röhrl, whose experience with historic Porsche models provided valuable input into fine-tuning the typical tire handling.

“In earlier years, the handling was not that complete and balanced,” Mr. Röhrl said. “The new generation of tires correspond to the way of driving a demanding sports car better than ever.“

Pirelli also is offering the semi-slick P Zero Trofeo R, in rim diameters of 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches, for those Porsche owners wishing to run their classics in competition or test them on tracks as part of the Porsche Driving Experience driver training program.

Pirelli noted that its tires had to meet 33 performance criteria set by Porsche to earn the N designation.

Pirelli said the new tires are being offered through a variety of channels, depending on the model:

• P6000, P Zero Rosso, P Zero System, Snowsport and Sottozero Serie II —  available through the normal Pirelli distribution channels

• Trofeo R — available through Pirelli motorsports distribution network, Porsche dealer network and Tire Rack for N Spec IP codes

• CN36, P7 — available through Pirelli Prestige, Porsche dealer network and Longstone Tires UK for N Spec IP codes.