Pirelli P Zero Review

There are a very few names in the tire industry that are synonymous with performance, but the P Zero is one of them.

PROS

  • World-class dry grip
  • Predictable handling
  • Pricing is actually decent
  • Absolutely massive selection of sizes

CONS

  • Short tread life
  • Wet weather traction could be better

 

Designed originally as a factory fitment for vehicles like the Audi R8, Ferrari 599 and Lamborghini Murcielago, the Pirelli P Zero has gown into a full line of tires for numerous luxury sedans, sports cars and now plenty of SUVs as well.

As a max performance summer tire, it’s designed to deliver outstanding performance in the dry and wet, but should not be used in near-freezing temperatures (below 45 Fahrenheit).

The tread compound is made of a silica and carbon black compound thats designed to deliver maximum grip in the dry, maintain that level of performance in the wet and still offer decent tire life. In the dry, there’s essentially zero complaints; in fact, quite the opposite. Owners report being thrilled by the tire’s grip, fantastic braking performance and predictability at the limit.

The S-shape of the tread is designed to deliver maximum traction under all performance conditions and resist degradation. High speed stability and turn-in responsiveness come as a result of three massively thick center tread sections, while the at-the-limit predictability is due in many respects to the massively wide outside tread section. This design is quite unique in the industry in that rather than there being many shoulder tread blocks, it’s really just one consistent piece of tread with slits in it.

Silica-infused tread compounds are often lauded for their ability to maintain traction in the wet. On this tire, results are mixed with many owners not thrilled. The low profile tread is party to blame here, as is that shoulder tread design which doesn’t clear water as effectively.

Where this tire looses the most marks to its rivals like the Michelin Sport Sport is in tire life. Many owners report just 15,000 miles on a set. While that’s not unexpected Michelin owners tend to not have the same level of complaints and get around 20,000 miles on a set.

In addition to this tire’s world-class performance it’s also available with a runf-flat option. Additional sizes marked as PNCS come with the Pirelli Noise Cancelling System, in which an additional layer of foam is added to the inside of the tire to absorb road noise.

Pirelli P Zero Price

Pricing for the Pirelli P Zero ranges from around $200 to roughly $350 depending on the size and fitment.

 

Pirelli P Zero Warranty

As a max performance summer tire, Pirelli does not offer a tread life warranty on the P Zero.

It is backed by the brand’s standard limited warranty that covers replacement for defects in the first 2/32-inch of treadwear or first year of ownership, whichever comes first. After that point, Pirelli will replace defective tires on a pro rated basis for up to six years.

Pirelli P Zero Sizes

17-inch sizes
205/45R17
225/45R17
235/45R17
255/40R17

18-inch sizes
205/40R18
215/40R18
225/40R18
225/45R18
235/40R18
235/50R18
235/55R18
245/35R18
245/40R18
245/45R18
245/50R18
255/35R18
255/40R18
265/35R18
265/40R18
275/35R18
275/45R18
285/35R18
295/30R18

19-inch sizes
225/35R19
225/40R19
225/45R19
235/35R19
235/50R19
235/55R19
245/30R19
245/35R19
245/40R19
245/45R19
255/30R19
255/35R19
255/40R19
255/45R19
255/50R19
255/55R19
265/35R19
265/40R19
265/50R19
275/30R19
275/35R19
275/40R19
275/45R19
285/30R19
285/35R19
285/40R19
295/30R19
295/35R19
295/45R19
305/30R19
355/30R19

20-inch sizes
225/35R20
235/35R20
235/45R20
245/30R20
245/35R20
245/40R20
245/45R20
255/30R20
255/35R20
255/40R20
255/50R20
265/30R20
265/35R20
265/40R20
265/45R20
275/30R20
275/35R20
275/40R20
275/45R20
285/30R20
285/35R20
285/40R20
295/30R20
295/35R20
295/40R20
295/45R20
305/25R20
305/30R20
305/35R20
305/40R20
315/35R20
325/25R20
325/35R20
335/30R20
345/25R20

21-inch sizes
245/35R21
245/40R21
255/30R21
255/40R21
265/40R21
265/45R21
275/30R21
275/35R21
275/45R21
285/30R21
285/35R21
285/40R21
285/45R21
295/25R21
295/35R21
295/40R21
305/25R21
315/35R21
325/25R21
325/30R21
355/25R21

22-inch sizes
265/40R22
275/40R22
285/35R22
285/40R22
315/30R22
325/35R22
335/25R22