Less rolling resistance, but still sticky
The core feature of a green tire is low rolling resistance. The Scorpion Verde All Season has 20 percent less rolling resistance than comparable tires. Pirelli says that, combined with 8 percent lighter weight, translates to 3.2 percent less fuel consumption when traveling at a constant 55 mph, or a 4 percent reduction when traveling in a stop-and-go urban cycle.
Low rolling resistance, and longer wear, are both achieved by using harder compounds, and such is the case with Scorpion Verde.
But Pirelli noted that consumers perceive these hard compound tires to have reduced traction. Pirelli said Scorpion Verde has all the grip you want, because it utilizes some silica (the material that makes winter tires softer and more flexible), and because its tread pattern keeps more rubber on the road.
Like all Pirelli tires, the Scorpion Verde has a solid centre strip that is always in contact with the road. Pirelli also noted that the tire’s stiff sidewalls and distinct shoulder pattern, also contribute to traction, as the tire’s contact patch continues to be “square” to the pavement during cornering.
We had a chance to sample the stickiness of this new green tire on that parking lot course. Pirelli provided two identical diesel-powered BMW X5 crossovers: one equipped with Scorpion Verde tires, and the other with Michelin Latitude Tour HP tires (the latter was not a green tire, though Michelin does have a green version of it).
The consensus of our group was that the Verde equaled or bettered Latitude, when it came to quick lane changes, and hard cornering. (And no pylons were “fatally” wounded)
In-car computers revealed that in the braking exercise, where full ABS was applied on a wetted-down portion of the track, all drivers stopped quicker with the Pirellis.
More green to come
This new tire will be original equipment fitment for the new VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. Because it will be available in 16 to 20-inch rim sizes, it can be a suitable replacement tire for a wide range of SUVs and crossovers, from a Ford Escape to an Infiniti QX56, and everything in between. A run flat version will also soon be available.
Verde does not replace the “regular” Scorpion All Season tire.
Anthony Paulozza noted that Verde will be priced “marginally higher” than its counterpart, but in no way does he see that price differential as any kind of problem: “We feel confident, as a company, that people are willing and ready to embrace the green tire.”
So confident that Pirelli will introduce more and more green tires to its portfolio. Next up: the Scorpion Verde Winter Tire.
The core feature of a green tire is low rolling resistance. The Scorpion Verde All Season has 20 percent less rolling resistance than comparable tires. Pirelli says that, combined with 8 percent lighter weight, translates to 3.2 percent less fuel consumption when traveling at a constant 55 mph, or a 4 percent reduction when traveling in a stop-and-go urban cycle.
 |
| Photo: Moke Geotz |
Low rolling resistance, and longer wear, are both achieved by using harder compounds, and such is the case with Scorpion Verde.
But Pirelli noted that consumers perceive these hard compound tires to have reduced traction. Pirelli said Scorpion Verde has all the grip you want, because it utilizes some silica (the material that makes winter tires softer and more flexible), and because its tread pattern keeps more rubber on the road.
Like all Pirelli tires, the Scorpion Verde has a solid centre strip that is always in contact with the road. Pirelli also noted that the tire’s stiff sidewalls and distinct shoulder pattern, also contribute to traction, as the tire’s contact patch continues to be “square” to the pavement during cornering.
We had a chance to sample the stickiness of this new green tire on that parking lot course. Pirelli provided two identical diesel-powered BMW X5 crossovers: one equipped with Scorpion Verde tires, and the other with Michelin Latitude Tour HP tires (the latter was not a green tire, though Michelin does have a green version of it).
The consensus of our group was that the Verde equaled or bettered Latitude, when it came to quick lane changes, and hard cornering. (And no pylons were “fatally” wounded)
In-car computers revealed that in the braking exercise, where full ABS was applied on a wetted-down portion of the track, all drivers stopped quicker with the Pirellis.
More green to come
This new tire will be original equipment fitment for the new VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. Because it will be available in 16 to 20-inch rim sizes, it can be a suitable replacement tire for a wide range of SUVs and crossovers, from a Ford Escape to an Infiniti QX56, and everything in between. A run flat version will also soon be available.
Verde does not replace the “regular” Scorpion All Season tire.
Anthony Paulozza noted that Verde will be priced “marginally higher” than its counterpart, but in no way does he see that price differential as any kind of problem: “We feel confident, as a company, that people are willing and ready to embrace the green tire.”
So confident that Pirelli will introduce more and more green tires to its portfolio. Next up: the Scorpion Verde Winter Tire.
Article Gallery