Excursion 4×2 and Super Duty F-250 and F-350 Models Will Run on
Scorpion STRs

ROME – Georgia, December 20th, 2002 – Excursion, Ford’s
bigger-than-life SUV that ” does it all,” leads the full-size SUV
brigade with class-leading interior volume and cargo space. And now
it also leads in tires with Pirelli radials having been chosen by
Ford as an original equipment fitment on 2003 models. In addition,
Ford’s Super Duty F-250 and F-350 fullsize pickups, in both 4×2 and
4×4 configurations will be available with Pirellis for 2003.
Powertrains are at the heart of doing what SUVs and trucks are
designed to do.
Available engines include the 5.4-liter V8 and 6.8.liter V10
gas-fueled Tritons and an all-new, stump-pulling, 32-valve,
6.0-liter, turbocharged, Power Stroke V8 diesel.
The Power Stroke engine is the new diesel benchmark with the
highest torque and horsepower in its class: an unbelievable
560lb-ft @ 2000 rpm and 325 bhp at 3300.
Every Excursion comes standard with a Class IV hitch receiver and a
heavy-duty towing package. Properly equipped Excursion can tow up
to 11,000 lb.
Coping with all that torque and towing potential calls for a rugged
high-performance tire, and that’s where Pirelli enters the picture.
True to its slogan ” Power Is Nothing Without Control,” Pirelli’s
new Scorpion STRs will fill the Excursion’s and Super Duty pickups’
wheel wells with LT265/75R16 radials. The Scorpion STRs will be
available with either black sidewalls or raised outline white
letters.
Long acknowledged as a world leader in high-performance radial
technology, Pirelli
developed the world’s largest first ultra-low-profile, steel
radial, the P7, in 1974; followed by the ” Plus- One Concept” in
1975; the world’s first high -performance, all-season radial, the
P77, in 1981; and the ultimate-high-performance tire for the
world’s fastest supercars, the legendary Pirelli P Zero in
1987.

Pirelli OE on Ford Trucks
So, it is no surprise that Pirelli is at the forefront of the
development of high-performance
radials for the fastest growing segment of the U.S. tire market -
today’s truck and SUV fitments.
The ” Scorpion by Pirelli” range was introduced in 1994 with the
launch of the Scorpion I, America’s first asymmetrical, reversible
light-truck tire. The next year the Scorpion A/S appeared, bringing
with it outstanding all-season capabilities, followed by the
Scorpion S/T and its fitment sizes up to 18 inches. In early 1997
the Scorpion A/T was introduced for allterrain use, offering
performance for both on- and off-road driving. A year later the
Scorpion Zero, the thoroughbred, low-profile sport tire designed
for light trucks and SUVs and available with Z, V and H speed
ratings, entered the market.
The Pirelli Scorpion STRs destined for 2003 Ford Excursions and
Super Duty pickups
will be manufactured in Pirelli’s factory in Brazil. The technical
specification of the STR includes the combination of steel belts
and nylon wrap for which Pirelli is famous, being the core
technology behind Pirelli’s high-speed performance tires.
Tires will be shipped to Ford assembly plants in Louisville,
Kentucky and Cuautitlan,
Mexico and vehicles produced will be distributed in the U.S.,
Canada and Mexico.

Pirelli Tire North America specializes in the manufacture and
marketing of highperformance car, light truck and motorcycle tires
and is currently installing its highly advanced MIRS technology
(Modular Integrated Robotized System) in a new factory near
Atlanta, Georgia, to better serve the American OEM and Replacement
markets. For more information, visit the Company’s web site at
www.pirelli.com or www.us.pirelli.com.