Pirelli has introduced the third generation of its Scorpion tire designed for SUVs

The new Scorpion tire, certified by the independent certification body TÜV for its safety on both dry and wet surfaces, offers long-lasting comfort and performance. This new Pirelli tire was developed in collaboration with leading premium car manufacturers to meet the needs of vehicles in a high driving position.

Pirelli's latest version of the Scorpion summer tire, designed specifically for SUVs, offers a combination of safety, ride comfort, and long-lasting performance. Launched in 1986 for vehicles with high driving positions and first used on the Lamborghini LM002, the Scorpion brand now encompasses a wide range of products, from SUV tires to enduro and motocross motorcycle tires for on-road use, and off-road applications for the bicycle industry.

Safety, comfort, and high mileage performance on both dry and wet surfaces.

The new Scorpion stands out with its excellent performance on both dry and wet surfaces, as confirmed by the Premium Quality Mark awarded by the independent certification body TÜV [1] . Coming first in dry braking tests and taking the top spot in wet grip, the tire also ranks highly in wet braking and linear aquaplaning categories. The entire Scorpion range is rated A in wet steering control [2] in the European tire labeling system from launch , and also offers acoustic comfort (A/B Classes) [3] and high mileage performance. Rated B in rolling resistance [4], the tire also offers consistent performance on both dry and wet surfaces at varying summer temperatures.

Pirelli's Development Process for the New Scorpion, a Special SUV Tire

Developing a product specifically for the SUV segment requires expert designs that address characteristics such as increased weight and a higher center of gravity. The new Scorpion is presented with various improvements resulting from an integrated design approach. This approach is based on a new tread compound that provides consistent performance in different conditions, improved wet grip, and excellent mileage, in line with the characteristics of today's SUVs. The reinforced structure and updated compound also ensure even wear, making the tire ideal for heavier vehicles. The profile and tread pattern with a new groove geometry optimized for SUVs improves not only handling but also acoustic comfort, achieving A/B class in the European noise labeling.

New Virtual Development Methods

Pirelli's R&D team designed and tested the new Scorpion tire using virtual development processes. Thanks to mileage estimation tools developed by Pirelli engineers in Milan, more than 20 technological variants combining different compounds and tread patterns were evaluated in a completely virtual environment to find the best way to increase mileage. The virtual development process, supported by driving simulators, also enabled optimization of grip, dry-road performance, and driving pleasure. Subsequent physical tests confirmed the improvements made compared to the previous generation of the tire.

Third Generation Scorpion

Specifically developed for the SUV segment, the new Scorpion tire utilizes specific technical solutions such as a reinforced carcass, wider central tread blocks, and an optimized profile in the shoulder area to equalize pressure distribution and reduce deformation.

The tire also benefits from innovative materials that contributed to the success of the latest generation Cinturato. Pirelli's Cinturato summer tire for sedans and CUVs topped Tyre Reviews magazine's premium summer tire comparison test upon launch, proving it strikes a perfect balance between safety and efficiency without compromising on durability and rolling resistance.

Available in 16 different sizes from 18 inches to 22 inches, the new Scorpion tires also feature technologies such as Elect, which can increase the range of electric [5] and plug-in hybrid vehicles by up to 10%. They also include solutions specifically designed for the requirements of these power systems. Developed in collaboration with leading car manufacturers and taking the Scorpion family of summer tires, which has 300 homologations, to the next level, the new generation already has more than 40 homologations under development.

[1] TÜV Premium certificate no. 713384205. Tests were carried out by TÜV in September 2025 using 235/55R19 tires. For more detailed information: https://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-ww/car/catalogue/product/scorpion-s3

[2] All refurbishment measures have been rated as “A” class for wet grip according to the EU labeling system as of launch.

[3] All renewal measures were assessed as “EU” class for noise according to the EU labeling system as of launch.

[4] All replacement measures are rated as “B” class for torsional resistance according to the EU labeling system as of launch.

[5] In a comparison of PIRELLI SCORPION™ ELECT™ and PIRELLI SCORPION™ tires with size 235/60/R18, the battery range gained thanks to the lower rolling resistance of the ELECT™ version was measured. The test, carried out at a constant speed of 50 km/h over a range of 550 km, used a Volkswagen iD4 equipped with the necessary instruments. Source: In-house tests conducted by Pirelli R&D center between March and June 2022.