Pirelli has been selected by Lotus Cars Limited as the principal supplier of tires for the stunning new Lotus Evora.

The Evora is the first all new Lotus to be released since the iconic Elise roadster in 1995. The launch at Loch Lomond in Scotland earlier this month gave the press a perfect opportunity to drive the exhilarating Evora on its original equipment (OE) fitment Pirelli P ZerosTM, experiencing first hand how well the partnership between car and tire really works.

The fitment for the Lotus Evora is the Pirelli P ZeroTM, which also serves as a reference point for many other ultra-high performance vehicles – and provides cars with superior grip and sharper steering response and feel. The homologated size on the Evora is the 225/40ZR18 on the front and 255/35ZR19 on the rear.

Mathew Becker, Executive Engineer of Vehicle Dynamics for Lotus believes that the Pirelli P ZeroTM enhances the dynamic performance of the Evora. “The Lotus Evora has been developed to deliver class-leading steering and handling performance whilst maintaining excellent ride quality. The exceptional abilities of Pirelli’s P ZeroTM enhance these vital elements, and we have been impressed with the excellent steering linearity and consistent grip levels that this particular tire provides in all conditions.”

The most technologically advanced product to come out of Pirelli Research & Development, the P ZeroTM offers the most demanding drivers unprecedented performance in all areas: sports handling, comfort and safety thanks to a range of ground-breaking features developed by Pirelli and protected by 5 patents. The asymmetric tread pattern is innovative with a design that responds both to the need for increased levels of safety and for enhanced performance of the car. Precise in the dry and resolute in the wet, P ZeroTM maintains remarkable consistency between its static and dynamic footprint. The P ZeroTM tread pattern also ensures durability and consistent performance throughout the life of the tire. The active structure of the P ZeroTM responds to rolling stresses without transmitting tension through to the steering wheel, even at high speed. The tires use compounds that react immediately, guaranteeing the same high degree of performance whether the tire is cold or up to temperature. It is these attributes that helps make the P ZeroTM the ideal tire of choice for the Lotus Evora.

P Zero Sizes used on the Lotus Evora

Front: 225/40 ZR18 92 Y XL
Rear: 255/35 ZR19 96 YXL

In recognition of its superb handling both in the dry and in the wet the P ZeroTM has recently been awarded Tire of the Year 2009 by Auto Express.

Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles in both the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycles and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets. For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.

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Media Contacts:
Rafael Navarro, Director Communications & Motorsports
951-533-0305 rafael.navarro@pirelli.com

Joe Severns, Public Relations Manager
706-506-2195 joe.severns@pirelli.com

Pirelli Tire clinched the top spot in three out of four online consumer surveys this week. Pirelli’s Scorpion Ice & Snow, the 210 Sottozero, and the Winter Carving tires were rated #1 by tire consumers according to an opt-in survey conducted by Tire Rack, one of the largest tire dealers in the United States and one of America’s leading performance products distributors (www.TireRack.com). 

Consumers and customers of the online retailer are asked to contribute their opinions to a tire survey that addresses twelve separate areas, including hydroplaning resistance, wet traction, cornering stability, dry traction, noise/comfort, steering response and other parameters such as light or heavy snow traction, ice traction and whether or not the customer would consider purchasing the tires again if given the opportunity.  The survey data is tabulated from the responses of customers and website visitors, with performance traits rated on a scale from “0″ to “10″, with “10″ considered superior. 

Scorpion Ice & SnowThe Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow tire is rated number one by TireRack.com’s online consumer tire survey in the Studless Ice & Snow LT (Light Truck) category.

Scorpion Ice & Snow placed 1st in survey in the Hydroplaning Resistance category; 1st in Wet Traction; 1st in Cornering Stability; 1st in Dry Traction; 1st in Steering Response; 1st in Ride Comfort; 1st in Noise Comfort, and 1st in Tread Wear.  The Scorpion Ice & Snow tire is specifically designed to enhance the low temperature performance of fast, luxury Sports Utility Vehicles, the Scorpion Ice & Snow is the ideal solution to ensure maximum mobility.  Like all Pirelli Scorpion products, safety and comfort are prioritized in the design and full control is assured even under the most demanding conditions.

210 Sottozero

The Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero tire is also rated number one by TireRack.com’s online consumer tire survey, and competed in the Winter Passenger Category. 

The Winter 210 Sottozero placed 1st in survey in the Wet Hydroplaning Resistance category; 1st in Wet Traction, 1st in Dry Traction:  1st in Dry Cornering Stability; 1st in Dry Traction; 1st Ride Comfort; and tied for #1 in Noise Comfort.  Winter 210 Sottozero utilizes structural technology that places Pirelli amongst the leaders in the ultra high performance low profile tire segment. 

Pirelli’s Winter 210 Sottozero exhibits high speed stability, precise turn-in, and efficient grip under braking though the corners and under acceleration.  These are tangible qualities that elevate driving pleasure through an increased sense of security.  Winter Sottozero is also available in a run flat version, developed by Pirelli through its exclusive and innovative MIRS production technology. 

Winter Carving

The Pirelli Winter Carving studdable tire is rated number one by TireRack.com’s online consumer tire survey in the Studdable Winter Category. 

Pirelli’s Winter Carving placed 1st in survey in the Wet Hydroplaning Resistance category; 1st in Wet Traction, 1st in Ice Traction:  1st in Ride Comfort; 1st in Noise Comfort; and finished 1st in Treadwear.  Winter Carving utilizes structural technology that places Pirelli’s Winter Carving scored Superior or Excellent in every category. 

Pirelli’s Winter Carving is a new studdable tire benefiting from Pirelli’s rally experience and a prolonged testing program in Arctic conditions.  The Carving provides an innovative technical solution to the challenge of driving in the extremes of winter, always with increased safety as a priority.  The Winter Carving has an aggressive tread pattern designed to increase the effectiveness of the tire footprint, both on snow and ice. 

TireRack.com’s Tire Survey Results can be found at: www.TireRack.com/tires/surveyresults. 

Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles, motorcycles and race cars for original equipment and replacement markets.  Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets.  For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.