A question about the different types of Pirelli Compounds

[Raptor09]

Hey everyone,

I've been looking around but haven't found any answer so I was wondering if anyone knew. Firstly:

When it comes to P Zero, P Zero Rosso, P Zero Nero, P Zero "System".. does anyone know which offers the highest summer performance? And how some or all of them compare to each other? (The Pirelli website just..lists them all as high summer performance with different descriptions.. not very useful in comparison!)

I understand the corsa is the most track-aimed, highest grip of the Pirelli family but I was wondering how the others fit together.

Also what exactly is the "R01" compound that the R8 tyres are? Originally I thought it was only a Pirelli designation but then I saw PS2s listed as being "R01" as well, so I was wondering if anyone knew about that too.


Thanks a lot

[desperado]

First, the R01 means the tire construction is specifically tuned for, and approved by, Audi for fitment on their cars. You will see these codes on the sidewall of the tire, and are used across all tire manufacturer's lines: N0, N1, N2, etc, which are Porsche specifications, * which is for BMW, C1 for Chrysler (Viper) etc.

Judging by the tread wear ratings, you can estimate the softness (or grip) of the rubber.

• Both the PZero ("blend responsive handling, hydroplaning resistance and wet traction with dry road performance, even wear and acoustic comfort"), the PZero Nero ("enhance grip and steering response on a variety of road surfaces while enhancing resistance to irregular wear and generating low noise levels") are rated UTQG 220.
• The PZero Rosso ("combine high performance, high speed and a high degree of comfort") for some reason is rated differently for each different size tire, ranging from UTQG 160 to 300 in the R8 sizes, with the majority also at 220.
• The PZero System ("Designed to heighten performance in the dry and especially in the wet") is UTQG 140, so softer, but the available sizes don't complement the R8.
• The PZero Corsa System ("primarily for extreme road use, as well as track use at drivers' schools and lapping days. Original Equipment for the road versions of Ferrari 360 Challenge, Lamborghini Gallardo and Porsche GT2 & GT3 cars") is rated at UTQG 60, and are quite expensive.
• The new PZero Trofeo, which is a competitor to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup (UTQG 80) is rated at UTQG 60. These tires are more reasonably priced than the Corsa and are just becoming available in sizes for the R8, but availability is limited, so far, to motorsports distributors.

The UTQG 60 tires are the softest and grippiest of them all, but will wear out the soonest.

I believe the PZero is of more recent development than the Rosso or System. If that is not correct, I'm sure someone here can correct me. Also, not all sizes are available in each model of tire, so that may influence your selection.

I hesitate to make a recommendation, as you don't say what you are looking for in a tire. However, I would look at the PZero as an all-around tire primarily for street use, the Rosso as a higher performance option, and the Corsa or Trofeo for the ultimate in grip in a dual use tire for driving to and using at the track.

You can read the full descriptions which I've excerpted above, see available sizes, grades and pricing, at www dot tire rack dot com.

[Raptor09]

Thanks a lot Desparado!

Well I was mostly just trying to understand the differences. That cleared things up quite a bit. Since we get barely any rain here in Dubai and I don't take it out when its wet I'm looking for maximum dry/summer weather grip without having a very short lifespan. I'm guessing sticking to the stock P Zero R01 compound is probably good. Unless the Rosso satisfies this more? Wet weather really doesn't come up as I mentioned. I believe I also read on the Pirelli website somewhere that the "P Zero" is the newest of the ones were discussing.

Thanks again for all the information!

[desperado]

You are welcome. I suggest you look also at the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, which is an excellent tire and very grippy for it's UTQG 220 rating, while also wearing very well if you do a lot of extended highway driving.

If you really want "maximum dry/summer weather grip" and don't take long trips, look at the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup which is rated at UTQG 80. I see these as street tires on quite a few Porsche GT3's.

[SDR8]

You may want to search these forums for some past threads about tires too. There are some very strong support from users of the Michelin PS2 tires (Kfab and others).

Besides the tire size and tread wear, other specs to look at are the weight capacity and speed rating. My stock R8 tires were (100 Y) for the rears and (91 Y) for the fronts. The Y in parentheses is the highest speed rating, in excess of 186 mph. When you are looking at different tires, you usually want to get tires that are close to the original specs. A little higher weight capacity is alright, but you usually try to get as close as possible. You can also consider a slightly larger tire widths. Several owners have opted for this.

My next set of tires, which will be real soon, will be Michelin's. Either the PS2 or maybe the PS Cup+. I will go with 245/35ZR19 (93Y) up front and 305/30ZR19 (102Y) in the back.

[KfabR8]

Egad, I've been called out!

And rightfully so. If it were up to me (when I am King of the World!), the R8 would not come with P-zeros and would come with PS2's. Great tires. Search tire threads and my name and you'll come up with a lot of my (probably useless) opinions on the PS2s.

[Raptor09]

Thanks everyone!

I've read some of the older threads and had certainly not noticed kfabs emphatic preference towards the PS2s, so I was certainly considering them already - but with everyones PS2 support I've decided to get them and let the French win this one

I was thinking of going with 245s and 305s too, sorry to ask so many questions, but these do fit the stock 19" wheels without any modification?

I do a fair amount of highway driving, generally not more than 10-15 minutes in either direction on highways but quite often so I think I'll stick with the PS2s over the sport cup for the higher tread wear rating.

Though I just did some interesting read about how tire manufacturers are allowed to understate the tread wear numbers of tires but not overstate them to segment their offerings more advantageously.. PS2 it is

[Raptor09]

Also would you guys say the R01 designation on 235s & 295s outweighs the benefits of 245s & 305s which have the Porsche N2 designation instead of the Audi designation? (This all refers to Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s, since I couldn't find R01 tires in 245 & 305 on tirerack)

[SDR8]

I currently run P-Zeros in the 245 & 305 sizes with no problems. The 305 is a standard size for the polished or titanium colored rear wheels. I have read that several others have run these sizes with no issues.
I would not worry too much about the RO1 or N2 designation too much, just try to get tires that are the same or a little higher in weight load than stock.

[Raptor09]

Thanks SDR8 I've located 245s up front with the N2 designation, will be shopping around for the 305s. Thanks again everyone