Pirelli Tire North America Inc. is adding the Cinturato P1 Plus, a high-performance summer touring tire tuned for luxury and sports cars, to its aftermarket portfolio.

The Cinturato P1 Plus, which draws on Pirelli’s original equipment product development, is optimized for the North American aftermarket, maximizing driving pleasure without abandoning treadwear, Pirelli said. The tire debuted at this week’s New York Auto Show.

The tire will help the company continue its goal to segment its tires better—with the Cinturato P1 Plus in the comfort and reliability segment. The new tire joins the existing OE Cinturato P1, which has been manufactured for five years, the company said.

"We’re using the plus concept to deliver comfort and mileage," said Riccardo Cichi, senior vice president, Pirelli.

The tire will be manufactured in China, Cichi said, but the company’s long-term goal is to move production eventually to its plant in Mexico, said Paolo Ferrari, chairman and CEO of PTNA.

Pirelli describes the Cinturato P1 Plus as an "extension" of the Cinturato tire line’s "rich legacy." The Cinturato—Italian for "belted"—has been part of Pirelli’s lineup since the 1950s.

"For this segment … you’re getting low-profile tires, and they’re uncomfortable," Cichi said. "So we’re saying we’re going to offer you the performance. We’re going to offer you the comfort. And we’re going to offer you the mileage."

"So three characteristics that are usually not offered in a UHP summer tire."

Steven Carpino, vice president, research and development for PTNA, said the biggest difference consumers will notice between the new tire and its competitors is treadwear.

The tire will be distributed in key markets, especially Florida and California, where the largest share of the targeted segment exists, Cichi said.

"We have to be realistic," he said. "Obviously, we offer it to all the customers, but I’m sure that there’s going to be a little bit of pushback in Michigan because they’re going to say, ‘Either it’s an all-season or a winter. We don’t want a summer tire for whatever reason.’ Then they may sell them for special obligations."

Source: rubbernews.com