Pirelli Tire North America used the occasion of its significant presence at the recent New York International Auto Show to launch the new Cinturato P1 Plus, a replacement market summer UHP targeting “luxury, mid-, full-size and sport cars.”
Cousin to the OE-oriented four-rib Cinturato P1, the new five-rib Cinturato P1 Plus has reduced rolling resistance compared to the OE version even with a 10/32nds tread depth.
The tire is now available in 24 sizes over 17- through 20-inch wheel diameters and V-, W- and Y-speed ratings. Eighteen of the sizes are extra load. All carry a UTQG rating of 420 AA, and the tire is backed by a 35,000-mile treadwear warranty, Pirelli said.
PTNA officials said that the new Cinturato P1 Plus is testament to “Pirelli’s commitment to expand its product portfolio for the North American market and to the Interactive Development Process, which allows for a quicker response time for new products.”
IDP, they explained, is the collaboration between engineers working in different departments, such as factory technicians and material researchers, “to jointly ensure development evolutions for new tires. This process is then combined with intensive virtual mathematical modeling to test products to be developed in various usage conditions via computer simulation.”
On hand to unveil the new product were PTNA chairman and CEO Paolo Ferrari; senior vice president of sales Riccardo Cichi; marketing director Mirella Cielo; vice president of North America R&D Steve Carpino; and vice president of communications, media relations and motorsports Rafael Navarro.
Ferrai said the new tire is being built primarily at PTNA’s plant in Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico. That facility, he said, is on pace to reach output of 2 million tires this year, and 5.5 million tires by 2017. Pirelli, he said, has enough property at the plant site to expand production to 15 million annual units if necessary.
Just after the formal product introduction, representatives from J.D. Power and Associates presented PTNA with a trophy signifying the brand’s success in the 2014 OE Tire Customer Satisfaction Study, where Pirelli topped the performance sport tire category. It marked the third time Pirelli ranked highest in this segment in the last five years.
Finally, in celebration of the 2014 Formula One race season, Pirelli hosted an exclusive dinner event – ‘Miles & Meals’ – for media and VIPs across the automotive, fashion and luxury industries.
Held at the members-only club, Parlor, guests were treated to a four-course menu created by Cipriani’s executive chef Silvano Fiorindo.
On hand, also, was Simona De Silvestro, recently signed by Sauber to drive in Formula One next season.
The menu was drawn from “Miles & Meals,” a cookbook developed by Pirelli from recipes used by its ‘Paddock Club’ at Formula One races. Each dinner attendee received a copy of the limited edition cookbook, as well.
