The revolution of Pirelli’s connected tires
You may have already heard about the Tesla Cybertruck and MG Cyberster, but the “Cyber” concept extends beyond electric cars. Indeed, Pirelli presents its Cyber Tyre, a connected tire capable of making real-time adjustments to improve handling. The objective? To revolutionize our driving experience with unique technological advances.
Presentation at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
At the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom, Andrea Casaluci, CEO of Pirelli, reminded us of the importance of tires as the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road. Pirelli not only showcased its Elect range dedicated to electric and hybrid cars; the Italian brand also unveiled the third generation of its Cyber Tyres – connected tires.
An avant-garde third generation
Initially appearing in 2021 with the McLaren Artura, Pirelli’s connected tires are now in their third evolution. These Cyber Tyres are equipped with sensors capable of detecting pressure and temperature, sending this data either to a cloud or directly to a specific car computer via Bluetooth. These sensors, integrated into the tire rubber and equipped with their own battery, have a lifespan equal to that of the tire.
The main advantage of this technology lies in the car’s ability to adjust its driving parameters in real-time. Unlike current systems that rely on averages, Cyber Tyres allow precise and instantaneous calibration of safety systems such as ABS or ESP. Thus, the first car equipped with these new tires is the Pagani Utopia, an exclusive model with a 864 hp V12 engine.
Towards wider adoption
For now, the use of Cyber Tyres is limited. According to Andrea Casaluci, the limited edition Pagani Utopia facilitated this development, a choice motivated by the lower project cost for a vehicle worth 2.2 million euros. However, Pirelli plans partnerships with other premium brands in the coming months, including a non-European car manufacturer that is already working on its own computer.
Future features
Piero Misani of Pirelli announces that a future version of Cyber Tyres will be capable of detecting aquaplaning by calculating the tire’s contact surface with the road. This feature, based on AI and machine learning, should further improve real-time safety.
Competition and prospects
Although Pirelli seems ahead with its connected tire technology, competitors like Michelin and Continental are also exploring this field. Michelin is focusing on benefits for motorsport, while Continental envisions applications for maintenance and fleet management. These technological innovations promise to transform the tire industry, but their widespread adoption will still require time and further developments.
