Pirelli secures P Zero OE fitment on 2020 BMW M8 series

Munich, Germany — BMW AG has selected a pair of 20-inch Pirelli P Zero ultra-high-performance tires as OE fitments on the 2020 M8 Coupé, Competition Coupé, Convertible and Competition Convertible.

The Coupé and Competition Coupé models are more powerful and luxurious version of the M8 high-performance sports car, offering exclusive driving experiences on the road and on the racetrack, Pirelli said in a 14 Oct release.

The M8 Convertible and Competition Convertible are available for open-drive enthusiasts.

All models are powered by a 4.4-liter V8 biturbo gasoline engines, tuned to generated 625 horsepower, capable of powering these models to top speeds of 155 mph.

The tire fitments are BMW-specific models of the tire maker's P Zero UHP tires, sizes 275/35 ZR 20 (front axle) and 285/35 ZR 20 (rear axle), Pirelli said.

In order to adapt the P Zero's performance characteristics to the driving characteristics of BMW vehicles, Pirelli engineers modified the tread pattern of the tire, among other things, in order to optimise the rolling noise level while also offering improved dry grip and "excellent" wet performance.

To achieve the best possible balance between the front and rear axles, the engineers used different layer constructions in the carcasses for the front and rear tires. 

The front tire has a symmetrical carcass structure, while the rear tires have an asymmetrical structure.

This type of fitment reflects Pirelli's "Perfect Fit" philosophy of tuning its tires to the targeted vehicle in concert with the car maker's development team.

Compared with the original P Zero, the variant specified for BMW delivers better performance in terms of lap time, dry handling, wet handling, consistency, braking performance, straight hydroplaning, lateral hydroplaning, weight, comfort, noise and mileage, Pirelli claims.