MILAN: Pirelli's Cyber "smart" tyre has gained an additional ability that for the first time enable it to talk to the vehicle stability control systems, including the antilock braking system (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP) and traction control.
The information provided by the enhanced sensor in each tyre is used to offer better performance as well as safety. This technology will be adopted for the first time in the Pagani Utopia supercar.
The Cyber tyre is a unique offering on the market, which is already present on some cars currently on sale but now gains this new feature that increases the level of specialisation of car electronics.
It was showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in UK earlier this month.
Tyres are a key component of a car as they are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road.
P Zero Corsa, P Zero Trofeo RS and P Zero Winter are the Cyber tyre fitments that have been specifically developed for the Utopia, all equipped with special sensors embedded in the internal part of the tread pattern.
These sensors, connected via Bluetooth to the electronic control unit that manages the vehicle’s dynamic systems, supply useful information so that the car can select the optimal driving mode to match the tyres fitted to the car, in order to make the most of their potential.
This dialogue between the car and tyres is made possible thanks to software created and implemented by Pirelli, which works directly with the car’s electronic ‘brain’.
For example, if the car is on winter tyres, the ABS will be told how to make the most of them to reduce stopping distances.
On the other hand, when the car is on semi-slick tyres, the stability and traction control will be informed that there is additional grip available.
Without this information, all the systems that govern the car’s dynamics would work in a more conservative way, using assumptions and engine maps that don’t take into account the individual characteristics and performance of the tyres.
This insider "technical knowledge" allows the car’s control systems to work much more effectively, enhancing performance and safety.
The Utopia, unveiled in 2022, is limited to a production run of just 99 units, with all spoken for. Priced from US$2 million, it is equipped with a twin-turbo 6.0-litre AMG V12 engine that produces 852hp/1,100Nm paired with either a 7-speed Xtrac manual gearbox or a 7-speed automated manual.
At Goodwood, Pirelli also announced that it has struck a deal with Jaguar Land Rover to supply tyres using natural rubber that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) across its range of luxury vehicles. Natural rubber in Pirelli car tyres accounts for about 15% of total tyre weight.
FSC forestry management applies rigorous standards that requires biological diversity to be preserved, economically benefitting local workers and communities.
Pirelli created the world’s first roadgoing tyre using FSC-certified natural rubber and rayon in 2021. The other significant stops on this journey included the introduction of tyres made with FSC-certified rubber in Formula 1 from the first grand prix of 2024, as well as the debut of FSC certification in cycling with the new Pirelli P Zero Race RS2 earlier this year.
