The third generation of the Pirelli Scorpion has just been introduced, a tire for SUVs that has independent certification from TÜV, a German organization with recognized competencies in technical inspections and safety testing. Developed in collaboration with leading premium car manufacturers, who are generally more demanding than so-called “generalists,” it combines exceptional performance and comfort with above-average longevity, and, above all, with a capability that is as effective on dry surfaces as it is on wet.
Originally introduced in 1986 on the Lamborghini LM002, thereby presenting the tire’s orientation for all vehicles that combined formidable performance with off-road capabilities, the Scorpion range has remained in constant evolution, which is the reason behind its offerings for both vehicles in the current fashionable format (SUVs) and for bicycles (off-road) and motorcycles (enduro and motocross). The new generation, the third in thirty years, is distinguished by its exceptional performance on both dry and wet surfaces (as confirmed by TÜV, both with this certification and with the awarding of the Premkum Quality Mark).
In the comparative tests conducted by the technicians of the German entity, the new Scorpion secured the first position in braking on dry surfaces and in maneuverability on wet surfaces, and also managed to rank at the top of the classification in braking on wet surfaces and, furthermore, in behavior during straight-line aquaplaning. In practice, these results translate to class A in wet surface grip, on the European Union (EU) tire label, and classes A and B in acoustic comfort and mileage, respectively. Finally, in the field of rolling resistance, class B. According to Pirelli, this tire maintains consistent performance in the typical temperature range of summer, both in dry and wet conditions.
A product aimed at SUVs necessarily requires specific developments, due to the need to meet the differentiated characteristics of heavier vehicles with higher centers of gravity. Among the improvements introduced in the Pirelli Scorpion, the new tread compound, which ensures stable performance in different conditions, more grip on wet surfaces, and greater longevity. The reinforcement structure and the updated compound ensure that wear is much more uniform, and the profile and tread design, with new groove geometry, optimize both acoustic comfort and maneuverability.
In the design of the Scorpion, Pirelli used new virtual development methods. During this process, more than twenty technological variants (different compounds and tread patterns) were analyzed, allowing for the identification of the best combination to increase mileage. Additionally, using simulators, the team that worked on the program was also able to optimize maneuverability, performance on dry surfaces, and driving enjoyment. The third generation of the Italian manufacturer’s tire features a reinforced structure, wider central tread blocks, and an optimized profile (promoting uniform pressure distribution and reducing deformation in the shoulder area). For the new Scorpion (which also incorporates Elect technology, capable of increasing the range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles equipped with this tire by up to 10%), Pirelli offers 16 sizes for rims ranging from 18’’ to 22’’.
