Tyres

660 LMS: P Zero Trofeo R tyres for a masterpiece signed by Picasso Automotive

It is not easy, for a car manufacturer called Picasso Automotive, to produce any vehicle without people expecting it to be a masterpiece. This is the destiny of the Picasso 660 LMS, a Swiss supercar officially unveiled last June by Prince Albert of Monaco at the Top Marques exhibition in the Principality.

Home Road Cars Tyres 660 LMS: P Zero Trofeo R tyres for a masterpiece signed by Picasso Automotive

The car's name is a clear reference to the technical values specifically linked to motorsport: The “660” designation refers to the maximum horsepower of the V6 twin turbo engine which equips the vehicle; “LM” links directly to the prototypes of the Le Mans category and the additional “S” specifies that the new Picasso is destined for use on the racetrack, but also satisfies all the characteristics which make it perfectly suitable for use on the roads.

Extremely light-weight with its 980 kg, this beast is constructed around a monocoque frame in carbon fibre and composite materials, to provide rigidity criteria comparable to those of a true competition race car. Carbon fibre abounds everywhere: from the interior finishes which enhance their racing pedigree yet with maximum comfort, to the multifunctional steering wheel and to the gear change paddles positioned behind the steering wheel rim. The transmission is of the sequential type and has six gears, with rear-wheel drive. The engine, entirely in aluminium, is positioned at the rear and can launch the car up to a maximum speed of over 315 km/h. And at that speed the extremely efficient aerodynamics of the 660 LMS activate an impressive aerodynamic downforce: 960 kg, a remarkably high competitive indicator.

Transmitting all that power to the ground and managing it with maximum safety is no mean feat. As for the tyres, these are P Zero Trofeo R models, with dimensions of 245/35 R19 at the front and 315/30 R20 at the rear. The Trofeo R, a racetrack tyre but also officially approved for road use and already fitted for example on the new Audi RS3 which recently achieved the record for its category on the legendary long racetrack of the Nürburgring, is the ideal solution which Pirelli defines as the “perfect fit” for its wheels. In actual fact, there is not a single car whose characteristics and requirements are identical to another's, especially when you are talking about this level of performance. The Trofeo R derives directly from the racetrack experience which Pirelli faces and deals with every day at all levels on all the circuits of the world. Their creation and manufacture, entrusted to the Turkish firm Izmit which until a few years ago also produced the tyres for Formula 1 racing cars, are based on technologies which are extremely advanced, both in respect of their structure and the compounds used, thus ensuring combinations capable of satisfying any type of driving requirement either in the sporting arena or for outstanding road driving in any environmental conditions.

One last detail about this new Picasso 660 LMS, its price: 820,000 Euros plus tax. The car will be manufactured in 21 examples in all, of which just 20 will be offered for sale. Be quick: the first deliveries are expected for the second half of 2023, but you can already place your order today...