Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 is billed as an ultra high performance tire that's all-season capable. It's a notable addition to the Ultra High Performance lineup, having been completely redesigned for 2023 from its predecessor, the P Zero All Season Plus.
More specifically, it's a major addition for tire buyers in North America. At the launch of the P Zero AS Plus 3 back in June, Pirelli noted that 94 percent of tires sold in this market are all-season rubber. That's a significant number, and it's why the Italian-based brand spent a lot of time dialing in the AS Plus 3 to give it more grip in all conditions, especially under braking. And because North America is a place where drivers can cover a lot of distance, Pirelli also worked to improve tire wear and rolling resistance.
To achieve all this, the AS Plus 3 has a new tread pattern with 3D sipe technology. This helps in both wet and snow conditions; Pirelli says the tire is 20 percent better in snow braking and 10 percent better in wet braking. When it comes to dry braking, the tire is also a modest 4 percent better than the outgoing model.
Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3
But tread is only part of the equation. The P Zero AS Plus 3 also uses a new compound that improves both grip and wear. The result is a 25 percent improvement in wear and a 10 percent improvement in rolling resistance. And as the tire wears, Pirelli says 99 percent of the AS Plus 3's overall performance is still there when the tire is half worn. It comes with a 50,000-mile (80,467-kilometers) treadwear warranty, and at the end of its life, the tire still has 82 percent of its performance.
So says Pirelli, but what about in reality? Tire expert and Tyre Reviews chief Jonathan Benson joined Pirelli at the tire's launch in June and found the steering response to be quite impressive. He followed that up with a comprehensive ultra-high performance tire test, pitting the new P Zero AS Plus 3 against six performance-focused all-season competitors. His video is embedded at the top of this article (start with the Pirelli review at the five-minute mark), but the bottom line is that the new Pirelli ranked near or at the top in his categories.
"The P Zero AS Plus 3 is a testament to Pirelli's focus on the North American Region and its commitment to develop products that answer to the specific needs of this market," said Pirelli North American President and CEO Claudio Zanardo. "We're confident that this tire will exceed our customers' expectations, providing a great driving experience and delivering exceptional performance in all conditions."
The P Zero AS Plus 3 comes in 31 sizes from 17 to 20 inches and is available now.
Sources: Pirelli, Tyre Reviews
