Scorpion Winter 3: Pirelli’s third generation of winter tire for SUVs

Milan, Italy – The new Scorpion Winter 3 completes the renewal of Pirelli’s winter tire range and has been developed to meet the specific needs of SUVs in typical cold-weather conditions. Vehicles in this segment now account for more than 50% of the global market and have distinctive characteristics, including greater weight and a higher center of gravity, which call for tires with dedicated internal structures and tread patterns. These requirements have guided the development of Scorpion Winter 3, which delivers a high level of performance balance across the different conditions encountered during the winter season, from snow and wet roads to dry surfaces. It therefore overcomes one of the main compromises associated with winter tires, offering drivers of Sport Utility Vehicles consistently strong performance, even in the most demanding situations. This has already been confirmed by the first independent test, in which Scorpion Winter 3 was named the best-performing tire among its competitors.

All sizes available at launch have an A rating for wet grip on the EU tire label, while noise levels fall within classes A–B. To meet the growing demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in this segment, Scorpion Winter 3 is also available with Pirelli Elect technology, specifically designed for these powertrains.

The development process began by examining tire behavior under heavy loads. The contact patch was redesigned to optimize pressure peaks, a key requirement for both mileage performance and even wear on heavy vehicles such as SUVs. This approach has led to the first major innovation of the new generation: as the tread wears, the active edges within the contact patch – and, consequently, grip on snow and wet roads – remain consistent over time. The tire structure has also been engineered to accommodate high vehicle weights, with a dedicated internal carcass and tread design.

The tread geometry incorporates several solutions developed for the Cinturato Winter 3, which recently won a test conducted by independent German automotive association ADAC. These include the zigzag central groove, which helps evacuate water and supports lateral grip on snow; Pirelli’s patented Snow Keeper Teeth technology, which retains snow within the grooves to harness the grip generated by snow-on-snow contact; and a high void ratio, which enhances performance on snow and wet roads while helping to counter aquaplaning. These features are complemented by solutions specifically developed for SUVs, including stiffer tread blocks to improve handling and wear resistance under high loads, and a carefully calibrated sipe density to maintain performance on dry roads as well.

The compound draws on the experience gained with P Zero Winter 2, the tire developed to deliver winter performance for high-performance cars. It incorporates specific polymers, including Dual-Core Polymer, whose dual operating mechanism provides enhanced grip in a variety of conditions, while plasticizers broaden the tire’s operating temperature range.

In developing Scorpion Winter 3, Pirelli’s engineers at Bicocca made extensive use of the company’s established advanced Virtual Development techniques. These enable precise results to be achieved by simulating a range of variables, while also reducing development times and the number of prototypes required for fine-tuning. The use of driving simulators – from static to dynamic systems – enabled the team to focus on performance, particularly dry handling and driving enjoyment. During the testing phase, the Pirelli Sottozero Center, a proving ground located in Swedish Lapland, played a key role in the development process. Its facilities make it possible to test the tire on a variety of surfaces, from snow to ice, throughout the year, thanks in part to its indoor testing facilities.

Scorpion Winter 3 launches with a range of 30 sizes, from 18 to 22 inches, and offers several specialized technologies. These include Elect technology, which can increase the range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by up to 10%; and the Pirelli Noise Cancelling System (PNCS), which reduces perceived rolling noise inside the cabin through the use of a special sound-absorbing material fitted inside the tire. The tire is also available with Seal Inside technology, which helps maintain air pressure in the event of a puncture caused by an external object.

The new winter tire joins the Scorpion family, launched by Pirelli in 1986 specifically for high-riding vehicles and first fitted to the Lamborghini LM002. Since then, the Scorpion range has expanded to cover summer, winter and all-season applications, spanning road tires for SUVs and products designed for off-road use. From the outset, Scorpion has had a strong focus on original equipment, with products developed in collaboration with car manufacturers. Scorpion Winter 3 continues this tradition, contributing to the family’s portfolio of more than 1,200 homologations, including bespoke developments for models from leading premium and prestige brands such as Aston Martin, Porsche, Lamborghini, Lotus, Audi, BMW, JLR and NIO.

With the requirement to carry winter tires or snow chains coming into force on 15 November, Scorpion Winter 3 completes Pirelli’s Winter range, which has been fully renewed over the past two years and tailored to different vehicle types. Alongside the new winter tire for SUVs and CUVs, the range includes P Zero Winter 2 for high-performance cars and Cinturato Winter 3 for saloons and crossovers.