Pirelli fits the Pagani Utopia with its smart Cyber Tyre

Pirelli has achieved what until now seemed impossible: developing a tyre capable of collecting information in real time and transmitting it to the vehicle, allowing settings to be modified for maximum performance. With the Pirelli Cyber Tire technology and thanks to a strategic collaboration with Bosch, the Italian company has marked a before and after in the integration of the tyre with the car’s electronics and chassis.

The possibilities of this technology are endless, and they are guided by a pioneering system that incorporates smart sensors integrated into the tread capable of collecting data such as:

• Tyre identity.
• Inflation pressure.
• Temperature.
• Wear level.

All this information is transmitted via Bluetooth to the car’s electronics, allowing systems such as traction control (TCS), ABS and ESP to adapt in real time to the conditions of the tyre and the road, a real game changer.

A technology never seen before

The heart of this innovation is an ultralight sensor weighing just 12 grams, designed to withstand the extreme conditions of a tyre in operation. This small but powerful device includes:

• Accelerometers.
• Pressure and temperature sensors.
• Bluetooth transmitter.
• Long-life battery.

Its development has been quite a challenge, as it had to be light enough not to disturb the tyre’s balance and strong enough to withstand extreme forces and sudden temperature changes.

First appearance: Pagani Utopia

The first vehicle to integrate this technology is the exclusive Pagani Utopia. Thanks to the Cyber Tire sensors, the ESP control unit adjusts the traction and stability maps in real time to suit the specific characteristics of the mounted tyre.

For example, according to Pierangelo Misani, Pirelli’s technology director, Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres generate maximum grip with a slip of 5%, while Sottozero winter tyres require between 10% and 14%. Thanks to Cyber Tire, the ABS system can adjust its response to maximise the grip of each type of tyre in different conditions. This technology also makes it possible to assess the age and wear of the tyre, showing alerts on the dashboard to recommend its replacement at the right time.

Pirelli’s next step is to extend this technology to models of higher production, so that more drivers can benefit from its advantages. In addition, the potential of this innovation opens new avenues for improving safety systems and optimising tyre performance in real driving conditions.

In the near future, Cyber Tire will be able to communicate with other vehicles and with road infrastructure, generating real-time grip maps. This information will be crucial for improving safety and facilitating the management and maintenance of roads within the framework of smart infrastructure so that millions of drivers can benefit from its advantages.