The new Pirelli tires automatically adjust according to temperature and driving conditions.
Pirelli has introduced the Cinturato P7, a new generation summer tire that can adapt to a wide range of temperatures and driving conditions.
As a performance-oriented summer tire, the previous generation Cinturato P7 had a fairly narrow bandwidth. It was thought to perform well in both wet and dry conditions, but like previous summer tires, it was not suited to low temperatures. With the change in tire compound, the new Cinturato P7 now works in a wider range of temperatures.
The new tire is "enriched with silica and certain resins that help to increase grip and enhance the function of the tire's polymer," according to Pirelli. These materials change their properties in response to ambient temperatures and maintain a certain level of grip. [According to Pirelli, the new Cinturato P7, designed for luxury cars, was also designed with reduced road noise and improved bump absorption characteristics in mind. According to the company, low rolling resistance was also prioritized to improve fuel economy.
Most luxury cars today are also equipped with a number of driver aids, and according to Pirelli, the Cinturato P7 is designed to work with them. Because it is tuned to work with specific manufacturers' systems, Pirelli claims that the tire can extract the best performance from features like Lane Keep Assist.
The new Cinturato P7 has already been homologated by the automaker for use in 23 specific vehicle applications, in addition to the 100 homologations of its predecessor. The tire is a run-flat type and is also available with Pirelli's seal-inside feature.
Tire companies have unveiled several exotic concepts over the past few years, but it is unclear what will make it into production. Earlier this year, Goodyear unveiled the ReCharge, a "self-regenerating" concept, and previously introduced a shape-shifting tire.
Pirelli's new P7 tire will be available in Europe and Asia this summer. No launch dates have been announced for other markets.
