Pirelli has developed a new P Zero tire, which combines performance and control as well as comfort to provide a truly enjoyable drive, specifically for the recently-launched Hyundai Kona N.

The latest N model, which was recently presented to European media, is the first SUV produced by Hyundai’s sporting N division. Each Hyundai N model is developed on the basis of the three pillars: corner rascal, everyday sports car and race track capability.

A tailor-made P Zero for the Kona N

Pirelli’s engineers have developed new P Zero tires in 235/40R19 96 Y size for the Kona N to meet the requirements of Hyundai’s engineers, enhancing the performance on track as well as in terms of safety, with driving pleasure on the road. This was achieved through tests conducted jointly by Hyundai and Pirelli on the Nurburgring, as well as on the Namyang track in Korea over the course of a year. For the N division, Pirelli has developed a bespoke P Zero tyre range with low levels of road noise to maximize onboard comfort while making the most of each car’s performance. The P Zero tire was born as an Ultra High Performance (UHP) product, uniting Pirelli’s experience in motorsport with partnerships involving the world’s top car manufacturers. Following Pirelli’s ‘perfect fit’ strategy, the P Zero tires for the KONA N put the emphasis on performance without compromising driving comfort. There’s also an accent on safety thanks to excellent wet braking performance (certified by the tire's ‘A’ label rating) as well as durability, handling, and comfort.

Pirelli alongside the N Division

Pirelli supplies original equipment not only to the Hyundai Kona N N but also to the other sporting cars in the N range, such as the all-new Hyundai i20 N and to the new Hyundai i30 N just like for its predecessor before, which also use the P Zero (in 215/40R18 89 Y and 235/35R19 91 Y sizes respectively). This reinforces the partnership between Pirelli and Hyundai, which began in 2016 with the supply of tires for the Hyundai i30 Fastback N and the Hyundai Veloster N, which is mainly destined for the American market. The use of Pirelli tires for the KONA N once again underlines the close link between the Italian tire manufacturer and the sporting mission behind Hyundai's N range, which now includes all of the Korean manufacturer's high-performance models available in Europe.

N stands for Namyang, the South Korean district that’s the home of Hyundai’s global research and development division, as well as Nurburgring: the legendary circuit that hosts Hyundai’s technical centre. The epic German circuit, with its never-ending variety of corners and rollercoaster crests, has always been used as a test track to put the world’s most sporting cars through their paces: as was the case for the KONA N. The N logo on the car recalls this sporting heritage, as it also resembles a chicane on a race circuit.

Tagged: kona N

Pirelli develops new P Zero tire for all-new Hyundai Kona N