As McLaren’s sole tire supplier and technical partner, Pirelli said it has developed bespoke versions of its P Zero and P Zero Corsa for the new MP4-12C for road and track use, respectively.
Pirelli’s researchers and McLaren’s engineers collaborated to enable “the complete integration of the tire design with the MP4-12C’s construction architecture and electronic technology” in order to “make the P Zero tires a fundamental component of the car,” the tiremaker said.
Pirelli added that the tires meet the needs of three distinct features of the new MP4-12C:
A high power output, generated by the twin-turbo engine, which requires a tire capable of laying the torque down in a progressive and consistent way.
A high-performance suspension system specifically designed for the tire.
A high power-to-weight ratio, plus varying aerodynamic downforce loads, which require a tire that can generate maximum grip and traction under any circumstances.
Both tires’ compounds have been designed to warm up quickly and complement the whole tire’s rapid reaction to direction changes, while providing consistently high levels of grip, Pirelli added.
The specialized P Zero and P Zero Corsa tires are based on the standard P Zero and P Zero Corsa UHP models. The P Zero offers high safety standards and reduced braking distances, combined with enhanced road-holding and perfect comfort, the tiremaker said. The P Zero Corsa is suitable for use on the road and on the race circuit, as well. Pirelli added it provides maximum performance and perfect safety both in the wet and in the dry, thanks to its directional precision and road-holding through corners.