Introducing the new Cinturato All Season SF3, a tyre Pirelli has “designed specifically for city drivers of medium and compact cars who need a safe solution all year round.” Since April, Pirelli has been rolling out the SF3 range in sizes for 16- to 20-inch rim diameters, building on the success of the Cinturato All Season SF2 that it launched just three years ago.
Developed through virtual design, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 promises top-notch braking control in various weather conditions. It boasts the highest EU tyre label rating of A for wet grip across all sizes. Plus, the 3PMSF marking ensures “snow control is guaranteed.” On dry roads, the SF3 offers stability, reduced noise, and rolling resistance similar to a summer tyre rather than a winter one. TÜV SÜD, a certification body, confirms this impressive performance by awarding the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 its ‘Performance Mark’.
SF3 technologies
The SF3 builds on the SF2’s adaptive tread technology, featuring 3D sipes for enhanced snow grip throughout the tyre’s life. These sipes change from straight lines to zigzag patterns as the tyre wears, increasing the grip surface area even as tread depth decreases. The sipes also adapt to the energy transmitted through the tyre, shifting from a winter to a stiffer summer pattern as needed, boosting braking performance, road holding, and driving precision.
Compared to its predecessor, the SF3 sports wider grooves and sharper angles in its directional tread pattern, improving snow performance and efficient water dispersion to reduce aquaplaning risks. This optimisation not only enhances safety but also comfort, with noise levels kept low across the entire range, achieving A or B label ratings.
Advancements in material technology have refined the SF3’s tread pattern grooves. While wider grooves typically compromise summer performance, Pirelli’s SF3 compound maintains stiffness, stability, and responsiveness even in high temperatures. Dekra testing confirms the SF3’s leading position in dry braking.
The all-season tyre remains effective in winter as well, with its compound staying flexible in the cold for better grip. Pirelli credits this to innovative ingredients, including a new blend of polymers with unique microstructures that stay mobile in the cold while ensuring stiffness in warmer conditions. Additionally, new resins of natural origin enhance grip in low temperatures, and liquid polymers optimise snow performance without sacrificing wet road grip.
Virtual design process
Virtual modelling played a crucial role in the design of the SF3, allowing the parallel development of compounds and tread patterns to synergise their characteristics. This precise engineering ensures uniform energy dispersion across the tyre footprint, leading to advantages in wear, noise, and rolling resistance. The result is increased mileage, enhanced driving comfort, and improved fuel consumption and emissions.
Options & availability
Pirelli offers the Cinturato All Season SF3 in 16- to 20-inch sizes, including selections marked ‘Elect’ for enhanced BEV and PHEV characteristics. However, the SF3 is not available for SUVs. For high centre of gravity vehicles, Pirelli offers the Scorpion range in various seasonal options, including all-season.
