Pirelli Introduces the Scorpion Race Downhill / Enduro Tire Line

Scorpion Race DH and EN are born from the collaboration between Pirelli and the multiple Downhill world champion Fabien Barel. They feature four new tread patterns, two new different casing types and a new compound specifically engineered for racing use.

SmartEVO DH was developed thanks to the experience of Pirelli's Motorsport compound department, considering the specific applications of gravity racing. It is the result of the combination of two layers of compounds: a single super-soft high-performance compound for the entire outer tread and a support compound under the tread, which is tasked with providing mechanical support to the blocks and absorbing the most significant shocks. The two compounds work together seamlessly.

When designing the structures of the new tires, Pirelli considered many other variables highlighted by Barel's tests, in addition to the terrain: this gave rise to DualWall+ and DualWall casings. DualWall+ is the specific casing for DH and Enduro Racing. Ideal for those athletes with an aggressive riding style, it is designed to offer superior protection against cuts and punctures, maximum stability at high speeds, and absorb vibrations and large impacts. Specifically designed for Enduro races and/or lighter riders in general, the DualWall casing is a race-ready casing devoted more to softness and rideability.

As is typical of all Pirelli Scorpion MTB tires, the new Race tires consider the type of terrain. M (Mixed Terrain), T (Traction), S (Soft Terrain) and MUD (specific to the Scorpion Race DH) are the four specific tread patterns, developed to cope with any type of condition that can be found in racing, be it Downhill or Enduro.

Scorpion Race M - All-Round Racing Performance

Scorpion Race DH M and Scorpion Race Enduro M are the most versatile models: the central section is designed for precise and predictable traction when braking and accelerating. The lateral knobs are designed for maximum support and easier perception of the limit. The super- soft SmartEVO DH compound is combined with large knobs to optimize the grip on all types of terrain without compromising the overall stability of the tyre thanks to a stiffer base compound. The DualWall+ is the downhill-specific casing and is made up of a double-ply 60tpi casing, reinforced with a cut-resistant sidewall reinforcement and a rubber bead insert. Such structure is engineered to provide superior protection against cuts and punctures and is designed to absorb small vibration and big impacts. The DualWall enduro-specific casing is instead made up of a double-ply 120 tpi casing, reinforced with a rubber bead insert. Such structure provides both protection and support while featuring a limited weight and the superior suppleness and speed of an Enduro Race tyre.

Scorpion Race T - Maximum Traction in Any Condition

Scorpion Race DH T and Scorpion Race Enduro T are named after traction, whether in acceleration, braking or cornering. The central section of the tyre features special knobs that increase traction in every phase of the rotation. The central knob is also pre-shaped in order to be cut for a better mud evacuation in intermediate conditions, especially for the front wheel use. The super-soft SmartEVO DH compound is combined with large knobs to offer superb grip on slippery and damped conditions, without compromising the overall stability of the tyre thanks to a stiffer base compound. The DualWall+ is the downhill-specific casing and is made up of a double-ply 60tpi casing, reinforced with a cut-resistant sidewall reinforcement and a rubber bead insert. Such structure is engineered to provide superior protection against cuts and punctures and is designed to absorb small vibrations and big impacts. The DualWall enduro-specific casing is instead made up of a double-ply 120 tpi casing, reinforced with a rubber bead insert. Such structure provides both protection and support while featuring a limited weight and the superior suppleness and speed of an Enduro Race tyre.

Scorpion Race S - The Intermediate Racing Tire

Scorpion Race DH S and Scorpion Race Enduro S are the models for soft terrain conditions. The tread pattern is specifically designed for loose terrains, featuring large and taller knobs to offer superior mechanical grip, which supports aggressive riding in a wide range of conditions, down to light mud. The super-soft SmartEVO DH compound is combined with large knobs to offer superb grip on slippery surfaces, without compromising the overall stability of the tyre thanks to a stiffer base compound. The DualWall+ is the downhill-specific casing and is made up of a double-ply 60tpi casing, reinforced with a cut-resistant sidewall reinforcement and a rubber bead insert. Such structure is engineered to provide superior protection against cuts and punctures and is designed to absorb small vibrations and big impacts. The DualWall enduro-specific casing is instead made up of a double-ply 120 tpi casing, reinforced with a rubber bead insert. Such structure provides both protection and support while featuring a limited weight and the superior suppleness and speed of an Enduro Race tyre.

Scorpion Race Mud - For Extreme Muddy Conditions

Scorpion Race DH MUD is the model for extreme mud conditions. The tread pattern is a narrower 2.4 and features high and widely spaced knobs for the maximum mechanical grip and maximum tread cleaning. The special knobs are pre-shaped to be cut by the mechanics if the rider is looking for more stability and precision on hardpacked wet roots sections of the track. The SmartEVO DH compound is tuned towards the maximum grip on wet and deep mud. The DualWall+ is the downhill-specific casing and is made up of a double-ply 60tpi casing, reinforced with a cut-resistant sidewall reinforcement and a rubber bead insert. Such structure is engineered to provide superior protection against cuts and punctures and is designed to absorb small vibrations and big impacts.

The new tires will be available from early 2023 at the following dimensions:

For information on the new Scorpion tires, please visit www.pirelli.com