For 2003, the P Zero Corsa has replaced the P Zero C as Pirelli's dual-purpose road and track tire. It's available in 13 different 17- and 18-inch sizes and benefits from many of the construction and compounding technologies developed for the P Zero Rosso, which was introduced in 2000. Unlike that tire, however, the P Zero Corsa eliminates the compromises in comfort and noise levels other street tires must make in favor of maximum grip.
Pirelli states that the P Zero Rosso's construction technologies lead to all-around improvement in "on-limit" characteristics in both wet and dry conditions vs. the P Zero C. The P Zero Corsa's tread is both asymmetric and directional. The long, directional grooves in the center of the tire maintain safety and performance under wet conditions, but end before the outside shoulder for maximum cornering performance and durability. The P Zero Corsa's compound is designed to maintain its durability and grip characteristics at higher operating temperatures than either the P Zero System or P Zero Rosso.
Relative to the P Zero Rosso, Pirelli states that the Corsa excels by 10 percent in braking, 20 percent in grip, 5 percent in wet handling and roughly 15 percent at the limit on dry pavement. The P Zero Corsa can be safely driven to and from the track, given sufficient remaining tread depth, but is not recommended for daily street use because of its roughly 15 percent less hydroplaning resistance and dramatically reduced tread life, compared with the P Zero Rosso.
Pirelli also states the P Zero Corsa is designed to offer its full performance characteristics at the starting tread depth, so most users should have no reason to shave it.
High running pressures aren't recommended. Instead, the company suggests running the P Zero Corsa at about 29 psi. Pirelli also suggests setting initial pressures about 6 psi below the intended running pressure, running three to four laps to get the tires to operating pressure, then pitting and immediately adjusting pressures to the desired level. Of course, testing will be required to determine the ideal operating pressure for any given vehicle and/or driver.
We were provided several brief opportunities to test the P Zero Corsa. The first was two laps at a time on a shortened version of Road Atlanta in a variety of stock vehicles. This experience was, at best, only sufficiently able to illustrate the tire's good, predictable grip.
Then we did a few hot laps around the entire circuit as a passenger in a Porsche 911 with a professional driver at the wheel. Grip was superb and the car never seemed to do anything the driver didn't plan for. Then a tight autocross course was provided with stock Subaru WRXs in a head-to-head comparison with Michelin's Pilot Sport Cup. The course was tricky. Extra barriers significantly reduced its "flow" and sense of rhythm. No times were recorded, but in the two laps allowed with each tire, the Pirelli seemed to be slightly faster and had more linear response, making the softly sprung, MacPherson strut-suspended WRX easier to drive.
The P Zero Corsa is definitely a worthwhile new entry in the R-compound marketplace, one that should be on the comparison-shopping list of anyone who is serious about his track day fun. We'll report in greater depth when the P Zero Corsa makes it onto a project car.
Things we like about the P Zero Corsa:* Grip; tons of it* Driveability at and beyond maximum grip* Not the loudest R-compound tire out there
Things we don't like about the P Zero Corsa: * PriceThings we're still waiting to find out about the P Zero Corsa: * Durability and wear* Consistency of performance through the life of the tire