Pirelli launches 3rd generation of all-season P7 AS Plus

NEW YORK—Pirelli Tire North America Inc. has launched a third generation of its P7 AS Plus tire, the company's all-season touring tire for sedans and coupes, developed for North American conditions.

According to Pirelli, the updated product, the AS Plus 3, offers extra mileage, comfort and all-season capabilities, thanks to a new tread pattern, compound and construction. The tire performs well in snow, Pirelli said, with improved wet/dry handling and a quieter ride.

Pirelli has offered the P7 AS Plus in its lineup since 2012, launching the product then with the motto, "One tire, four seasons, no compromises."

The P7 AS Plus 3 will be available in 31 sizes, covering rim diameters from 17-20 inches. Pirelli is targeting owners of vehicles such as the Acura TLX, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, KIA K5 and Cadillac CT6.

Pirelli said its engineers focused on improving the tire's mileage compared to previous generations. The new product has new tread pattern with a more regular distribution of sipes, resulting in a more uniform stiffness and more regular wear.

The company did not quantify the latest iteration's performance improvements over the second-generation product, launched in February 2020.

In addition, the tire offers a more square-shaped footprint to improve snow performance and tread wear mileage. This design helps reduce the pressure on the shoulder, translating into an improved braking and treadwear mileage, Pirelli said.

Pirelli said the tire is made of "functionalized polymers" that extend the tire's range in winter conditions, delivering improvement in mileage and in wet conditions. The tread pattern also absorbs sounds from the road to reduce noise and increase comfort.

The new tire completes the Italian tire maker's "Plus 3 Generation" range. With the May launch of the Scorpion AS Plus 3, an all- season tire dedicated to SUVs and pickup trucks, Pirelli covers more than 70 percent of the most popular sizes in the 18-inch and above H and V vehicle market, with its Plus 3 line portfolio.

Pirelli said it designed the Plus line of products for drivers in the North American market to, in particular, meet the demand for all-season tires. The P7 AS Plus 3 comes with Pirelli's Confidence Plus Plan, which includes a 70,000-mile limited treadwear warranty and a 30-day Trial offer.