Pirelli is 'perfect fit' for Alfa Romeo EV

NEW YORK—Stellantis N.V. has selected specially developed Pirelli P Zero tires as an original equipment fitment on the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Italian car brand's first mass-produced electric vehicle.

The P Zero, in size 235/40R20 96V XL, is fitted on the Tonale's hybrid, plug-in hybrid Q4 and diesel models, according to Pirelli Tyre. The tire was developed to emphasize the Tonale's sporty look and offer safe performance on wet and dry asphalt.

The synergy between the tire and vehicle is part of Pirelli's "perfect fit" strategy. The AR marking on the side of the tire indicates that its been developed specifically for the Tonale, the company said.

Pirelli and Alfa Romeo, both based in Milan, worked together on creating the P Zero, starting with a Tonale concept shown at Geneva Motor Show in 2019.

"The course of the production tire's design required processes of analysis and design, including virtual analysis and development—the heart of Pirelli's development strategy—and concluded with validation of performance through tests carried out on Stellantis' Balocco track and Pirelli's track at Vizzola Ticino," Pirelli said.

"Loyal to its Italian DNA," the new tire was designed at the research and design center in Milan and produced at Pirelli's Settimo Torinese plant, one of the group's most advanced production facilities.

The collaboration is the latest between Pirelli and Alfa Romeo, furthering a bond that began in racing competition nearly 100 years ago.

The Pirelli Superflex Cord was the tire fitted on the Alfa Romeo GT Tipo P2 that won the first Car World Championship in 1925, with drivers such as Antonio Ascari, Giuseppe Campari and Gastone Brilli Peri, who won the decisive race on the Monza circuit, according to Pirelli.

"Performance and sportiness have always united Pirelli and Alfa Romeo, both on track and road," the company said.