Pirelli To Launch Two New Motorcycle Tyres In 2025

Pirelli To Launch Two New Motorcycle Tyres In 2025

Pirelli has announced the introduction of two new motorcycle tyres in 2025: the DIABLO POWERCRUISER and the SCORPION MX32 MID SOFT. These additions will further expand the company’s diverse range of motorcycle tyres.

DIABLO POWERCRUISER: A new custom-touring tyre

The DIABLO POWERCRUISER represents a new chapter in Pirelli’s Custom-Touring range, explicitly tailored for high-performance sport Cruiser and Bagger motorcycles. Designed for bikes with powerful torque and sharp handling, it targets owners who seek a blend of aesthetic appeal and superior performance.

Part of the DIABLO family, which embodies Pirelli’s sporting DNA, the DIABLO POWERCRUISER combines the brand’s performance heritage with the free-spirited ethos of the custom bike community. The tyre delivers exceptional grip, stability, and handling across various conditions, including wet surfaces, while offering durability in line with its segment.

Key features include a slick shoulder for enhanced dry performance and a central tread pattern showcasing Pirelli’s iconic Flash design. The tyre will be available from March 2025 in popular sizes for American Cruisers and Baggers.

SCORPION MX32 MID SOFT: Built for champions

The SCORPION MX32 MID SOFT, successor to Pirelli’s highly successful motocross tyre, builds on the brand’s dominance in the FIM Motocross World Championship, where it has secured 82 titles since 1980.

Developed with insights from decades of top-level competition, the new SCORPION MX32 MID SOFT offers enhanced braking performance and cornering for the front tyre, while the rear provides improved traction for quicker starts and corner exits. It is also more versatile on medium-hard terrain.

The tyre will debut in the next Motocross World Championship, equipping bikes ridden by top competitors. Like all Pirelli racing tyres, it will also be available for purchase by motocross enthusiasts.

Advanced technology

Both new tyres feature high-contrast sidewall lettering for improved readability. Additionally, the SCORPION MX32 MID SOFT includes a distinctive yellow Pirelli label for easy identification at the track.

With these innovations, Pirelli aims to strengthen its position across both custom-touring and motocross markets, ensuring riders benefit from the latest advancements in tyre technology.

Continental Secures Two Porsche OE Approvals for Panamera, Cayenne

Continental Secures Two Porsche OE Approvals for Panamera, Cayenne

Continental has secured two fresh original-equipment approvals from Porsche. Both the SportContact 7 and the newly introduced SportContact 7 Force have been sanctioned for the Panamera G3 II, while the WinterContact TS 860 S is recommended by Porsche for the Cayenne E4 in colder conditions. The approvals cover 21- and 22-inch sizes bearing XL markings that denote greater load capacity.

The SportContact 7 serves as a summer tyre engineered for highly responsive and precise handling. Its tread design and rubber formulation deliver strong grip and brief braking distances on dry and wet surfaces alike, ensuring notable stability at elevated speeds. The SportContact 7 Force, meanwhile, represents a high-performance extension of Continental's summer range.

Developed as a specialised variant of the SportContact 7, the Force version addresses elevated performance and stability requirements. An adaptive tread pattern paired with a refined rubber compound allows for more accurate handling and efficient power transfer under extreme conditions. It blends track-derived capability with suitability for daily driving.

For the Cayenne E4, the WinterContact TS 860 S has been tailored to high-powered, handling-oriented SUVs. It offers short braking distances and precise dry-road handling, alongside solid snow performance for dependable control and stability. Its low rolling resistance may also help extend electric vehicle range.

Pirelli Develops Bespoke P Zero For BRABUS BODO CABRIOLET

Pirelli Develops Bespoke P Zero For BRABUS BODO CABRIOLET

Pirelli has been selected as the exclusive supplier of 22-inch tyres for the new BRABUS BODO CABRIOLET, developing a bespoke P Zero for the open-top Gran Turismo. The same tyre is also available for the Coupé variant. The German luxury brand required a solution balancing grip at high speeds with comfort and precision.

BRABUS collaborated closely with Pirelli engineers throughout development, tailoring the tyre to the supercar’s chassis, wheel dimensions and V12 engine, which propels the 2+2-seater to 360 kmph. Attention centred on construction, tread pattern and compound to achieve high-speed performance, steering precision, stability and comfort.

Advanced virtualisation and simulation techniques allowed Pirelli to optimise the tyre’s characteristics before an intensive joint testing programme at Germany’s Papenburg track, where handling and high-speed behaviour were evaluated and fine-tuned for the BODO CABRIOLET.

Aesthetic details also mattered: a high-contrast sidewall reinforces the car’s bold character. The P Zero carries a ‘BB’ marking denoting bespoke development and is offered in 285/30 ZR22 XL front and 335/25 ZR22 XL rear sizes, delivering power and torque without sacrificing Grand Tourer comfort.

Joern Gander, CTO, BRABUS, “The successful development of this 22-inch tyre combination, created together with Pirelli, underlines our ambition to perfectly harmonise maximum performance, precision and driving dynamics with the BRABUS BODO, right down to the smallest detail.”

Nexen Tire To Supply ROADIAN GTX Tyres For 2027 Kia Sorento Hybrid

Nexen Tire To Supply ROADIAN GTX Tyres For 2027 Kia Sorento Hybrid

NEXEN TIRE will supply its ROADIAN GTX tyres as original equipment for the hybrid version of Kia’s mid-size SUV, the Sorento, following the vehicle’s 2027 model-year update. The refreshed model introduces a new 20-inch ROADIAN GTX lineup alongside the existing 17-inch size.

Both sizes will be offered on the Sorento Hybrid. The 17-inch fitment is designated for vehicles sold in Korea and North America, while the 20-inch version will be available for those sold in Korea. The ROADIAN GTX is an SUV-specific tyre engineered for strong braking, long tread life, quiet operation and ride comfort.

A specialised compound supports consistent performance across diverse temperatures, while a zigzag tread pattern promotes even pressure distribution and reduces vehicle pull. Enhanced mileage extends replacement intervals, addressing hybrid SUV durability and efficiency needs. The tyre has earned OE fitments on global SUV models including the Kia EV5 and EV6, Renault Filante and Jeep Cherokee. NEXEN TIRE plans to deepen partnerships with automakers across Korean and North American markets, expanding worldwide OE supply using technology proven with European premium automakers.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, "This expanded OE supply demonstrates that our technological excellence and product quality continue to earn recognition in the global market. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with global automakers and expand our OE tyre supply going forward."

ZC Rubber Secures Xiaomi Auto Tyre Contract For SkyNomad N70

ZC Rubber Secures Xiaomi Auto Tyre Contract For SkyNomad N70

ZC Rubber has been selected to supply original equipment tyres for a new sport utility vehicle developed by Xiaomi Auto, marking a further step in its expansion into electrified vehicle applications.

The Hangzhou-based tyre manufacturer said its ARISUN 1 Star tyre would be fitted to the Xiaomi SkyNomad N70, a five-seat range-extended SUV. The tyre, in size 245/55R19, will be used on all 19-inch versions of the N70 Pro and N70 Max models.

The N70’s design places specific demands on tyre performance, including supporting vehicle weight, improving driving range and maintaining low cabin noise. ZC Rubber said it had optimised the ARISUN 1 Star across compound, structure, tread pattern and manufacturing process using its Phecda Tech System.

The development focused on reducing rolling resistance, lowering noise levels and maintaining ride comfort and grip in both urban and long-distance driving conditions.

Noise reduction was a central objective. The tyre incorporates 24 internal noise-reduction plugs and an acoustic chamber designed to disperse tread noise. A high-elasticity sidewall and modified carcass structure are intended to absorb road impacts and improve noise, vibration and harshness performance.

To improve efficiency, the tyre uses a low rolling resistance compound aimed at reducing energy loss. It also integrates the company’s BPOT Technology, which increases the contact area by 5 per cent and is designed to promote more even wear and longer service life while supporting vehicle range.

ZC Rubber said grip and wet-road stability were also key considerations. The ARISUN 1 Star uses Hybrid Formula 3.0 and an optimised drainage pattern to improve water evacuation and support braking and cornering in wet conditions.

“Developing tires for electrified vehicles requires a careful balance of efficiency, NVH, grip, handling and durability,” the company said. “The ARISUN 1 Star for the Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 reflects our vehicle-specific approach to OE tire development.”

The Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 project represents an extension of ZC Rubber’s original equipment partnerships in the electric vehicle segment. The company said it plans to expand collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and continue developing tyres tailored to changing vehicle requirements.