Pirelli launches new Powergy range of tyres

Tyremaker Pirelli has launched a new range of summer tyres in Australia.

The range, dubbed Powergy and created for crossovers, SUVs and medium-large sedans, can be had to fit rims between 15 to 21 inches.

As well as being developed to offer improved wet grip performance, particular attention has been paid to making the Powergy tyres more environmentally friendly and sustainable – thanks to low rolling resistance to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and also to cut noise.

To create the Powergy range, Pirelli’s research and development team in Milan, Italy, used advanced virtual reality systems through a simulator – as well as real-world track tests.

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By producing them in this manner, fewer physical prototypes were used – making the results more environmentally friendly and cutting development time to 18 months, despite COVID-19 restrictions.

These new processes allowed the tread pattern and tyre profile to be optimised, maximising the contact patch to make it perfectly balanced with uniform pressure to reduce braking distances and enhance a car’s controllability and driving precision.

These aspects are matched to compounds with specific polymers, improving wet braking and tyre life. The tread pattern design allows better dispersal of water to help prevent aquaplaning and increase safety in wet driving conditions.

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The fresh rubber is being introduced to mark Pirelli’s 150th anniversary, with events taking place throughout 2022, including a launch of the product in Sydney today.

“It’s been a particularly trying time in Australia of late with the effects of the pandemic and La Niña particularly affecting the east coast,” a Pirelli spokesperson said.

“With more cars on our roads than ever before, and conditions on those roads being less than optimal with the amount of rain we have had, it’s never been more important to ensure that your car is fitted with the best tyres possible.

“The new Powergy range is safer, more fuel-efficient and provides your car with significantly better handling, making it the ideal tyre to upgrade to.”

Powergy's introduction coincides with an investment in Pirelli's supply chain. The Powergy range replaces the Cinturato P1 and P6 lines as well as the Dragon Sport, which Pirellis says will help both customers and stockists.

On top of that, there will be more warehouse floorspace to stock more tyres and improved delivery services to tyre dealers.

As if 2020 weren't busy enough, the local CEO, Dimitrios Papadokos, is departing for a new role with Pirelli in Shanghai. His replacement, Fabio Siricio, has been with Pirelli for over a decade and is currently serving as Country Manager for South East Asia, based in Singapore.

Pirelli Powergy tyres are available to order now.