Pirelli expands its winter lineup with a new non-studded replacement tire, the ICE FRICTION.

Developed to deliver complete performance on snow, ice, and wet surfaces, it combines grip and durability while offering low rolling resistance and acoustic comfort. The Italian company’s objective is clear: “We wanted to make a tire that makes no compromises on any winter attributes. This tire must perform in every aspect,” explains Ian Coke, Technical Director for Pirelli North America.

One of the technological pillars of this tire is based on a dual-layer compound construction. The upper layer is formulated to maximize grip on icy, wet, or cold surfaces, regardless of the type of powertrain. As for the lower layer, it differs depending on whether it’s for an electric or internal combustion vehicle. Being more rigid, it directly influences rolling resistance, where a significant portion of the energy consumed by the vehicle is lost. This work on managing and minimizing energy losses contributes, according to Pirelli, to a range increase estimated between 5 and 8% for electric vehicles (EVs).

The compound itself relies on a sustainable plasticizer based on vegetable oil, which allows the tire to maintain its flexibility and elasticity across a wide temperature range. This compound also incorporates nanomagnets, which modulate its characteristics according to ambient temperature, thus expanding its performance window.

The ICE FRICTION tread design adopts an aggressive symmetric V-pattern combined with a directional tread. This profile promotes rapid evacuation of water, slush, and ice, thereby limiting the risk of aquaplaning. The wide median grooves and central groove work together to provide optimal grip, while the sipes trap snow, increasing the contact surface with the road.

Performant and safe

The tread blocks have been redesigned to maintain their performance despite wear. Over the kilometres, the tread maintains its design and reveals new three-dimensional sipes located beneath the surface layer, helping to preserve a good portion of the traction throughout the tire’s lifespan. According to the manufacturer, the ICE FRICTION retains 83% of its original performance when it reaches the replacement indicator threshold. “This tire must be safe from the moment you buy it until the day it needs to be replaced,” states Coke.

In total, the Pirelli ICE FRICTION comes in 46 reference codes, including 22 specifically designed for EVs and identified by the ELECT marking. These versions incorporate a distinctive construction, capable of supporting the greater weight of electric vehicles while optimizing management of instant torque.

Products stamped with the ELECT symbol also include the Pirelli Noise Cancelling System (PNCS), a device composed of sound-absorbing material applied inside the tire. This system reduces cabin noise by half compared to using a traditional tire.

To validate the performance and predictability of its ICE FRICTION, Pirelli organized a media event at the ICAR circuit located in Mirabel. The first module focused on testing a variety of vehicles equipped with ICE FRICTION on snow and ice, on a slalom course, through turns, and in emergency braking. Two of the modules aimed to demonstrate the capabilities of its other products in its winter range, including the SottoZero and Scorpion, in various conditions. Sedans and utility vehicles zigzagged between cones while Land Rover Defenders and Ford F-150 pickup trucks showcased their strengths on an off-road trail. Finally, aboard Subaru WRX STIs fitted with studded tires, we were able to test the limits of grip on the track.

The new Pirelli ICE FRICTION illustrates the manufacturer’s desire to find the balance between winter performance, durability, and energy efficiency. “If it’s possible to improve the technical aspects, as well as the consumer experience, we will do it. We are here to push the boundaries in new directions,” concludes Coke.