Forty years is worth celebrating, and at Pirelli, they certainly don’t do things halfway. To mark forty years of P Zero tires, the Italian brand decided to pull a piece of history out of the garage: the very first P Zero tire, launched in 1985 specifically for the Lancia Delta S4 Stradale. As you can understand, this is too good an opportunity to pass up. Between rally heritage, limited edition flair, and modern technology under a vintage look, this throwback deserves a closer look. And as a bonus, Pirelli also unveiled the fifth generation of its iconic high-performance rubber.
Lancia and its Custom-Made Pirelli
In 1985, Pirelli launched the very first P Zero, a high-performance tire designed specifically for the Lancia Delta S4 Stradale, the road-going version of the Lancia Delta S4 Group B, one of the most powerful rally beasts ever built. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this legendary pairing, Pirelli brought the tire back in an ultra-limited edition: just 40 sets, no more. Like any good retro comeback, it keeps the period look, but hides a bit of modern tech beneath the tread. The purists will be happy to know it’s only available in 205/55 R16, just like the original. This model is part of the Pirelli Collezione range, dedicated to classic cars, but built to modern standards.
P Zero: Three Tires in One
What most people don’t know is that the original P Zero was already a technological marvel. Its tread pattern was split into three zones, each inspired by a different kind of racing tire. On the inside, grooves gave extra grip in wet conditions. On the outside, a slick-style shoulder maximized dry traction. And in the centre, a balanced tread design bridged the gap between the two extremes.
Forty Years Later...
This year, Pirelli didn’t just dive into its archives. Alongside its revived classic tire, the brand launched the fifth generation of the P Zero line. And we’re in a whole different league now: artificial intelligence, virtual development, enhanced handling, and shorter braking distances. With sizes ranging from 18 to 23 inches and more than 50 models in the lineup, this new generation is clearly aimed at premium vehicles… though at least it won’t require you to mortgage your house like a Lancia Delta S4!
