Underlining its position as a leading developer of run-flat tires, Pirelli now has more than 500 homologations for its run-flats. In total, it has secured 516 OE fitment deals – 326 for summer tires, 100 for winter, and 90 for all-season tires. All together Pirelli has more than 2,800 OE contracts with OEMs for its products.
Alfa Romeo was the latest marque to chose Pirelli run-flats for the Giulia, but manufacturers such as BMW, Cadillac, Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes and Mini are also supplied by the Italian tire maker with run-flat tires.
If there is a sudden loss of pressure in a tire, run-flats are able to carry on driving for distances up to 50 miles at a speed up to 80.5km/h (50mph). The specially-designed sidewall structure is capable of supporting the weight of the car, ensuring a safe journey to the nearest tire dealer.
Pirelli’s bespoke self supporting system uses special reinforcements inserted into the sides of the internal structure that are able to withstand both the vertical and horizontal loads on the car.
Pirelli’s run-flat technology is available on the P Zero, Cinturato, Scorpion and Scorpion Winter, Winter Sottozero 3 and Winter Sottozero Serie II. The range covers 97% of fitments in 18in size or higher, with 24 exclusive product codes, which are sizes that no other tire manufacturer sells.
Throughout the development process, which takes two or three years, Pirelli’s engineers work hand in hand with their counterparts at each manufacturer to create customized tires for the application.
