Technical collaboration between the R&D teams at Pirelli and Porsche has resulted in another milestone for the partners, with the development of tires for the first all-electric Cayenne.
Pirelli has developed six tailor-made tire fitments through an entirely virtual design process, each engineered to match the vehicle’s different characteristics across varying seasonal conditions. These include the fifth-generation P Zero and the P Zero R for the high-performance Cayenne Turbo. The range also includes two winter tire options and one all-season tire. All are equipped with Pirelli’s Elect technology, specifically developed for electric mobility.
Pirelli adopted a fully virtual development approach, with every aspect of the new tire fitment tested before physical prototypes were produced, optimizing development times compared with traditional processes. Technical choices – including different compounds according to tire specification, axle and size – were specifically engineered to deliver precise steering response and stability under the high dynamic loads generated by the all-wheel-drive electric powertrain.
The dedicated P Zero, available in 21in and 22in sizes (with different specifications for the front and rear axles), focuses on three key areas: efficiency, achieved through low rolling resistance compounds that maximize battery range; the dynamic performance expected of a Porsche, enabling demanding maneuvers such as high-speed lane changes without compromising stability; and wet-weather safety.
The dedicated 22in P Zero R (with specific front and rear axle specifications), saw Pirelli develop specific compounds to meet the traction and grip requirements of the high-performance Turbo version, which accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds. The P Zero R features an ultra-high-performance compound developed from Pirelli’s extensive motorsport expertise, delivering performance close to that of the semi-slick P Zero Trofeo RS. It uses the same compound as the one developed for the 911, adapted to meet the challenges of the Cayenne Electric’s greater weight and increased wear demands. Its balance has been fine-tuned through different compounds for the front and rear axles, together with an optimized contact patch, ensuring that the instant torque delivered by the electric motors is translated into maximum longitudinal traction while maintaining high levels of stability throughout every phase of driving.
In addition to the P Zero family, Pirelli has developed a dedicated Scorpion Winter 2 as the approved winter fitment, available in 20in and 22in sizes, as well as a 20in Scorpion MS all-season tire.
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