Pirelli has announced the launch of its new Scorpion, the third generation of its summer tyre range specifically engineered for sport utility vehicles. The latest iteration promises significant advances in safety, comfort and durability, backed by independent certification from German testing authority TÜV.
The Scorpion nameplate, which first appeared in Pirelli's portfolio in 1986 as original equipment for the Lamborghini LM002, has evolved into a comprehensive brand spanning SUV tyres, motorcycle applications and bicycle off-road products. This latest SUV-focused development represents a substantial technological leap forward from its predecessor.
Independent testing by TÜV has awarded the new Scorpion its Premium Quality Mark, with the tyre achieving particularly impressive results across multiple wet and dry performance metrics. The product secured first place in both dry braking and wet handling evaluations, whilst also topping the charts for wet braking and straight-line aquaplaning resistance.
At launch, the entire range achieved Class A certification under European tyre labelling regulations for wet grip—the highest possible rating. The tyre also delivers Class A/B performance for acoustic comfort and Class B for rolling resistance, demonstrating Pirelli's focus on balancing multiple performance characteristics without compromise.
According to Pirelli, the new Scorpion maintains consistent performance across the full range of summer temperatures in both wet and dry conditions, addressing a key requirement for drivers who demand year-round reliability from their summer fitments.
Developing tyres for the SUV segment presents unique challenges, principally the need to accommodate greater vehicle weight and higher centres of gravity compared to conventional passenger cars. Pirelli's engineers have addressed these requirements through an integrated design philosophy that encompasses compound development, structural reinforcement and tread pattern optimisation.
The new tread compound represents a significant advancement, engineered to deliver stable performance across varying conditions whilst enhancing wet grip and extending tyre life—crucial characteristics for modern SUVs, which are often heavier and more powerful than their predecessors. A reinforced carcass structure works in conjunction with the updated compound to ensure uniform wear patterns, particularly important for the heavier vehicles in the segment.
The tread pattern features revised groove geometry specifically optimised for SUV applications, contributing not only to improved handling characteristics but also to acoustic comfort. These refinements have enabled the tyre to achieve Class A/B certification under European noise labelling standards.
The development of the new Scorpion showcased Pirelli's advanced virtual development capabilities, with the company's Milan-based R&D team conducting extensive simulations before physical prototyping. Proprietary mileage-prediction software, developed in-house, enabled engineers to evaluate more than 20 technological variants combining different compounds and tread patterns entirely within a virtual environment.
This approach allowed the team to identify the optimal combination for maximising tyre longevity before committing to physical testing. Virtual development tools, including driving simulators, also facilitated optimisation of handling, dry performance and overall driving pleasure. Subsequent real-world testing validated the predicted improvements over the previous generation.
The third-generation Scorpion incorporates several dedicated technical solutions tailored to SUV requirements. These include a reinforced carcass structure, wider central tread blocks and an optimised profile designed to promote uniform pressure distribution and reduce deformation in the shoulder area—a common wear point on SUV tyres.
The product benefits from innovative materials that contributed to the success of Pirelli's latest Cinturato range, the company's summer tyre for saloons and crossover utility vehicles. The Cinturato topped Tyre Reviews' comparative test for premium summer products at its launch, demonstrating an exceptional balance between safety and efficiency whilst avoiding traditional trade-offs such as that between durability and rolling resistance.
Available initially in 16 sizes covering 18- to 22-inch rim diameters, the new Scorpion also features Pirelli's Elect technology for selected fitments. This specialised technology, developed specifically for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, can increase range by up to 10% through optimised rolling resistance and construction techniques suited to the unique characteristics of electrified powertrains, including instant torque delivery and increased vehicle weight from battery packs.
Developed in collaboration with leading automotive manufacturers, the new Scorpion builds upon the existing summer range that has secured 300 original equipment homologations. The third generation already has more than 40 homologations currently under development, indicating strong uptake from vehicle manufacturers for new model launches.
This extensive homologation portfolio underscores the tyre's suitability for a wide range of SUV applications, from premium compact crossovers to full-size luxury models, and reflects Pirelli's close technical partnerships with the automotive industry.
The new Scorpion is available now through Pirelli's distribution network, offering SUV owners a premium summer tyre option that combines independently verified safety performance with the comfort and longevity expected of modern premium products.
Tagged with: Pirelli Scorpion, SUV summer tyre, TÜV certification, wet grip Class A, EU tyre label, Elect technology, aquaplaning resistance, tyre mileage
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