For three of the most representative models in the BMW M performance range, the M2, M3 and M4, Pirelli has developed a dedicated version of the P Zero Trofeo RS. Designed for the track and also approved for road use, the semi-slick tyre was developed in collaboration with the German car manufacturer to suit the technical characteristics of the three models and deliver high levels of performance and safety, particularly in terms of dry grip, cornering stability and braking, as well as consistent performance during intensive track use.
Records at the Green Hell
Fitted with dedicated Pirelli tyres, the BMW M2 with M Performance Track Kit and the BMW M3 CS Touring set new records at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.
The BMW M2 with M Performance Track Kit combines street-legal driving pleasure with a set-up optimised for greater precision during track days. It completed the lap in 7:25.068 minutes, improving the Nürburgring compact car category record previously held by the M2 CS by 0.5 seconds.
The M3 CS Touring completed the lap in 7:29.490 minutes, making it the fastest Touring car around the famous German circuit and improving the previous record by almost six seconds.
The Nürburgring-Nordschleife was also the main development ground for this P Zero Trofeo RS. At 20.832 kilometres long and with more than 70 corners, it is considered one of the world's most demanding circuits, posing an extreme challenge for both drivers and cars. Over the years, it has become an international benchmark for assessing the dynamic capabilities of different models.
Teamwork, from virtual development to the track
Behind these results is a close collaboration between the Pirelli and BMW M R&D teams. Using advanced virtual development techniques, the two teams were able to tailor the tyre's characteristics to different requirements from the earliest stages of the project. This reflects Pirelli's Perfect Fit approach, which aims to create tyres tailored to each specific vehicle model or application.
The virtual development phase was followed by track testing, with sessions at Nardò as well as the Nürburgring, where the solutions identified through simulation were validated in real-world conditions.
A partnership that continues to grow
All fitments developed by Pirelli for the Munich-based car manufacturer feature the BMW star marking, certifying their homologation and ensuring that the tyres meet the manufacturer's stringent performance and safety requirements.
The long-standing partnership with BMW M is further strengthened by these new fitments and now includes more than 30 bespoke tyre projects within the P Zero family: from the latest-generation P Zero, designed to deliver performance and safety, to P Zero R, developed for high-performance cars while also suited to everyday driving, as well as P Zero Trofeo RS and P Zero Winter 2 for the winter season.
P Zero Trofeo RS: from the track to the road
Launched in 2023, initially as original equipment for supercars and hypercars, the semi-slick P Zero Trofeo RS is the most performance-oriented tyre in the Pirelli P Zero family. It was developed to transfer almost 120 years of Pirelli's motorsport experience “from the track to the road”, bringing together innovative technologies, advanced materials and customisable multi-compound solutions.
The P Zero Trofeo RS maintains high level of performance over time, allowing drivers to make full use of their car's potential safely, including during track days. Although primarily designed for track use, Pirelli engineers have also worked to broaden the tyre's operating range, ensuring high safety standards on wet asphalt.
1. Which BMW M models have a dedicated P Zero Trofeo RS?
Pirelli has developed a dedicated version of the P Zero Trofeo RS for the BMW M2, M3 and M4. The tyres were developed in collaboration with BMW M to suit the technical and dynamic characteristics of the three models. The semi-slick tyre is also available for special versions, including the BMW M2 with M Performance Track Kit and the M3 CS Touring, which have set new records at the Nürburgring.
2. What are the benefits of the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS for BMW M?
The tyre is designed to deliver high levels of dry grip, cornering stability, braking performance and consistency during track use. The aim is to enable drivers to make the most of the cars' potential while maintaining high safety standards.
3. What records did the BMW M2 and BMW M3 CS Touring set at the Nürburgring?
The BMW M2 with M Performance Track Kit completed a lap of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7:25.068 minutes, improving the previous compact car category record by half a second. The BMW M3 CS Touring recorded a time of 7:29.490 minutes, becoming the fastest Touring model around the German circuit and improving the previous record by almost six seconds.
4. Why was the Nürburgring important in the development of the P Zero Trofeo RS?
The Nürburgring-Nordschleife is one of the world's most demanding circuits. At 20.832 kilometres long and with more than 70 corners, it provides a particularly challenging testing ground for assessing the performance and dynamic characteristics of both cars and tyres.
5. How was the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS for BMW M developed?
The project was developed through collaboration between the Pirelli and BMW M research and development teams. Engineers used virtual development techniques to tailor the tyre's characteristics to the different models, followed by testing at the Nardò and Nürburgring circuits.
6. What does the star marking on Pirelli tyres for BMW mean?
The star marking identifies tyres specifically homologated for BMW. It certifies that the product has been developed to meet the manufacturer's requirements in terms of performance and safety.
7. Can the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS also be used on the road and in wet conditions?
Yes. Although the P Zero Trofeo RS is a semi-slick tyre designed primarily for track use, it is also approved for road use. Pirelli has also worked to broaden its operating range, ensuring high safety standards even on wet surfaces.
Photo credits: © BMW AG
