Electric power and advanced technology came together on the roads of the Ghiacciodromo of Livigno, in the Winter Tour where Pirelli tyres equipped the Maserati Folgore for an extreme test of performance and control. The GranTurismo and GranCabrio were equipped with Pirelli P Zero Winter tyres, while the Grecale SUV sported Pirelli Scorpion Winter tyres.
The purpose of the test was to verify the behaviour of electric vehicles on ice and snow, in particular, whether the speed with which the electric motor delivers torque could compromise performance on the most typically low-grip surfaces. The cars were tested in two different scenarios: on the one hand, the road from Bormio to Livigno, the 37 kilometres of State Road 301 that connect the two locations, passing the Foscagno Pass at an altitude of 2,300 metres above sea level; on the other hand, the Ghiacciodromo of Livigno, a facility that organises safe, sports and competitive driving courses on snow and ice from December to March.
Despite the high power values involved, due to the high-performance engines of the cars, the electronic control of the cars guaranteed a continuous variation of the torque between the front and rear axles, always ensuring optimal grip also thanks to the all-wheel drive which includes two electric motors, one on each axle. On the sports cars, moreover, the control unit made sure that the two rear motors with which they are equipped perform a torque vectoring function, directing a greater amount of torque to the wheel with more grip.
On public roads, the Maserati Folgore models delivered an impeccable driving experience, maintaining perfect control even in less-than-ideal conditions. At the ice track, the Grecale, with its more composed demeanour, maintained its composure, while the sports cars required slightly more driver input to maintain control, but stability was never compromised.
P Zero Winter
The Pirelli P Zero Winter tyres deliver exceptional performance even in winter, offering the same level of driving enjoyment as the P Zero tyres in summer. The asymmetrical tread pattern, a hallmark of Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres, is engineered to deliver exceptional control and handling for premium and luxury vehicles. The high-density siping on the inner shoulder, combined with the transverse and intersecting grooves, ensures optimal grip and traction, even on snowy surfaces. Meanwhile, the two stiffer centre blocks and three longitudinal grooves provide enhanced steering precision and responsiveness in wet conditions.
Scorpion Winter
The Scorpion Winter tyre is engineered for today's SUVs and CUVs, with a focus on the premium segment, enhancing driving safety by providing maximum stability and control in snow, wet, and dry conditions. Its directional and symmetrical tread pattern, featuring a modular block geometry and sipe arrangement, improves handling on snow-covered roads and shortens braking distances in a variety of winter driving scenarios.
