Pirelli Introduces Scorpion Winter 3 Tires for SUVs

Pirelli launched the Scorpion Winter 3, completing the renewal of its winter tire range. The tire was developed for SUVs operating in cold-weather conditions. According to Pirelli, the tire’s internal structures and tread patterns address the higher weight and center of gravity typical of SUVs. The design aims to balance performance on snow, wet and dry roads.

Pirelli said all launch sizes carry an A rating for wet grip on the EU tire label. Noise levels fall within classes A–B. The tire is also available with Pirelli Elect technology for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Pirelli Scorpion Winter 3 Design Features

Pirelli said engineers redesigned the contact patch to optimize pressure distribution under heavy loads. The design targets mileage performance and even wear on SUVs. As the tread wears, Pirelli said active edges within the contact patch remain consistent over time. It said this helps maintain grip on snow and wet roads.

The structure includes a dedicated internal carcass and tread design to support higher vehicle weights. The tread geometry incorporates solutions introduced on the Cinturato Winter 3, including:

• A zigzag central groove to evacuate water and support lateral grip on snow;
• Pirelli’s patented Snow Keeper Teeth technology to retain snow in the grooves and leverage snow-on-snow contact;
• A high void ratio to enhance performance on snow and wet roads and help counter aquaplaning.

SUV-specific features include stiffer tread blocks to improve handling and wear resistance under high loads. A calibrated sipe density helps maintain performance on dry roads, Pirelli said.

The compound draws on P Zero Winter 2 and uses specific polymers such as Dual-Core Polymer. Pirelli said the formulation enhances grip in varied conditions and plasticizers broaden the operating temperature range.

Virtual and Physical Testing

Pirelli used advanced virtual development techniques and driving simulators to refine tire performance, it said. The systems ranged from static to dynamic simulators.

Development focused on dry handling and driving characteristics. Physical testing took place at the Pirelli Sottozero Center in Swedish Lapland. The facility supports year-round testing on snow and ice, including indoor tracks.

Sizes and Available Technologies

The Pirelli Scorpion Winter 3 launches in 30 sizes from 18 to 22 inches.

Available options include:

• Elect technology, which Pirelli states can increase the range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by up to 10%;
• Pirelli Noise Cancelling System (PNCS), which uses sound-absorbing material inside the tire to reduce perceived cabin noise;
• Seal Inside technology, designed to help maintain air pressure after a puncture caused by an external object.

Scorpion Winter Tire Range

Scorpion Winter 3 joins the Scorpion family, which Pirelli introduced in 1986 for high-riding vehicles. The family has expanded to summer, winter and all-season applications for road and off-road use.

Pirelli reported more than 1,200 homologations for Scorpion products. These include developments for Aston Martin, Porsche, Lamborghini, Lotus, Audi, BMW, JLR and NIO.

Winter tire or snow chain requirements take effect Nov. 15 in some markets. Pirelli noted that it has renewed its winter range over the past two years.

The lineup is tailored to different vehicle types. Alongside Scorpion Winter 3 for SUVs and CUVs, it includes P Zero Winter 2 for high-performance cars. Cinturato Winter 3 is designed for sedans and crossovers.