Bespoke P Zero for new Audi RS 5 and RS 3 competition limited

Pirelli has developed bespoke versions of the P Zero R for the new Audi RS 5 and the RS 3 competition limited. The goal, says Pirelli, is to ensure driving pleasure in everyday use without compromising track performance, with a particular focus on elevated grip and reduced braking distances.

Audi RS was among the first brands to bring the P Zero R to the road. The new fitments are the result of over 25 years of experience gained through collaboration with Audi Sport, which has flowed into the development of tailor-made tyres for the sportiest cars and high-performance SUVs.

Audi’s primary objective was braking performance: the P Zero R was designed to approach the levels of the Trofeo R – Pirelli’s semi-slick tyre already fitted on other RS models – ensuring extremely short stopping distances, with very rapid and repeatable deceleration even under stress conditions.

To achieve this result, Pirelli’s German R&D centre in Breuberg focused on the compound, in close collaboration with Milan headquarters, leveraging experience gained in motorsport. The new compound has been optimised to deliver superior performance even when cold and a very high level of grip, responding to Audi’s specific request to focus on safety and control during deceleration.

Even with performance levels close to track-oriented products, the P Zero R is designed for everyday use on sports cars and has higher efficiency—certified by the European label—compared to the main ultra-high-performance products.

“The tyre is the only connection between the vehicle and the road surface. Therefore, it plays a significant role in chassis development, especially in our RS models, where excellent handling has paramount importance,” said Steffen Bamberger, head of technical development at Audi Sport GmbH. “Plus a close, collaborative partnership is essential to achieving this level of performance”.

The RS 3 competition limited, created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the five-cylinder engine, features a coilover suspension, increased top speed and ceramic brakes, thus providing impressive driving dynamics. Two tyre types are available: the standard P Zero R demonstrates a strong grip level on both dry and wet surfaces, and combines everyday comfort with sporty characteristics.

Beyond that the P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick is specifically designed for track use but homologated for road driving. In addition to an asymmetrical tread pattern, the tyre features a specific rubber compound, derived from motorsport. This combination ensures a remarkably high level of grip and increased performance in dry conditions. Stability and lateral support are further enhanced, and braking distances are particularly short.

The first high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) from Audi Sport, the RS 5 marks a historic step and a technological challenge that required the development of the first High Load (HL) tyre size for this model. The structure of the P Zero R has been reinforced to support the greater weight of the hybrid components, while ensuring the driving precision required for an Audi RS vehicle.

This dedicated tyre allows the high torque of the hybrid system to be effectively transferred to the road, offering greater grip and stability. Pirelli supplies the performance‑oriented 21‑inch tyre fitment (285/30 R21), specifically developed to enhance the vehicle’s performance.