Pirelli Tire North America is ramping up its Scorpion line with the launch of its newest all-terrain tire.
Specifically made for the North American market, Pirelli’s Scorpion All-Terrain Plus was launched at a two-day event at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas with driving events held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The event was kicked off with a reception where Marco Crola, Pirelli’s new NAFTA CEO, made one of his first public appearances in his new role and highlighted the company’s pillars that are driving its growth, which included in the NAFTA region, which Crola called a “high value market” for the company.
In line with that mindset, the tire replaces and builds on its predecessor, the Scorpion ATR, but with a more aggressive looks and off-road capabilities. It also has a three-peak snowflake rating, thanks to its high-density lateral siping that increases traction on wet roads, according to Steve Carpino, Pirelli’s head of research and product development.
In addition, the tire features an advanced tread compound for improved durability, traction and wear as well as deep tread grooved with conical stone ejectors that give it high resistance to cuts and punctures.
Complimenting the tire’s aggressive-looking tread, Carpino said the tire also features a new sidewall design to attract customers in the market that are looking for the style of an off-road tire.
“When the customer makes a purchase at the shop or on a screen flipping through different AT tires, you only have a few seconds to make an impression,” he said. “With this… they have the visual specifications they’re looking for.
But while the tire is optimized for more off-road uses, Carpino said the customer Pirelli was targeting with this tire are those who spend 95% of the time on-road and 5% off-road in their pickup or SUV.
The tire, which has a 50,000-mile warranty is available in various 16-inch to 20-inch sizes and its full range will be available to order by the beginning of the third quarter this year.
Article will be updated with new information as available.