Powergy is two tyres in one for Pirelli

PIRELLI turns 150 years old in 2022 and, after a few pandemic-induced delays, the Italian company has unveiled its new Powergy tyre line to replace both the Dragon Sport at the upper end and the mid-spec Cinturato P1 and P6.

The company will aim marketing efforts for the Powergy at customers who may be the second or third owners of a premium, non-Pirelli homologated car, who are more price-conscious about their rubber choices than the first owner.

Speaking with GoAuto at the Powergy launch event in Sydney last week, incoming Pirelli Tyres Australia CEO Fabio Siricio said streamlining the range with this new tyre would help improve logistics for Pirelli stockists.

He also said the company is investing heavily in upgrading its supply chain by hiring more people, acquiring more warehouse space and improving the delivery of product to dealers.

Available in a wide variety of sizes, for 15-inch to 21-inch wheel diameters with profile aspects ranging from 65 down to 30 and widths ranging from 165mm to 295mm, the 21-inch Powergy will in particular be aimed at models like the Porsche Cayenne.

The Powergy is an all-rounder tyre that Pirelli claims to offer improved wet performance over the tyres it replaces as well as longer life and reduced road noise, enabling it to meet more rigorous European Union standards.

Pirelli says the Powergy generates two fewer decibels in external noise and one decibel less in the cabin.

The new construction is dominated by three solid ribs, which Pirelli’s Australian technical director Simon Pool said reduces rolling resistance and improves tyre strength.

Mr Pool said the tread pattern features fin-shaped sipes and grooves to channel water and reduce noise.

Pirelli benchmarked the Powergy range against various tyres from the line-ups it replaces, with the larger tyres referenced against the 245/40 Dragon Sport.

The company will continue producing the Scorpion Verde tyre for SUVs and original equipment.

In a busy year for the local operation, Pirelli’s local CEO Dimitrios Papadokos is moving on to a new role in Shanghai as chief commercial officer for Japan and Pacific.

His successor, Mr Siricio, is currently based in Singapore as South East Asia country manager and moto director for Asia Pacific.

Mr Siricio has been with Pirelli for nearly fifteen years, having spent time in both his home market of Italy and nearly five years in Brazil.