The news regarding the Pirelli range continues: we are still in the off-road world, but this time we are talking about the long-awaited innovations in the gravity line. The new Scorpion range is a complete mtb tire family designed for use from trail riding to downhill racing. A complete revision of Pirelli’s off-road offering that also includes new names for the models. A change designed to make the choice easier and allow every rider to find the most suitable configuration for their needs and setup preference. Pirelli significantly expands the number of combinations compared to the past, allowing each user to identify the ideal solution for their driving style and practiced discipline, thanks to the different carcass and compound options available for each model.
A centered and intuitive choice
The selection process is simple and intuitive and develops in three steps:
- Tread, identified through the names of three species of scorpions that interpret its character and ideal terrain.
- Carcass, based on the level of support and protection required.
- Compound (Medium, Soft, and Supersoft), to achieve the best balance between grip, smoothness, and durability.
The architecture of the new range introduces a new tread nomenclature (Black Sting, Emperor, and Red Claw) named after three species of scorpions. Each name recalls the characteristics and natural habitat of the arthropod it is inspired by, creating an association with the conditions and driving style for which the tire is designed. Each scorpion has its habitat and each Pirelli SCORPION tire its inspired use application.
Three Scorpions for three different souls
Black Sting is the typical desert and arid area scorpion: fast and quick, this tread is developed for those looking for smoothness, precision, and responsiveness. Its completely new design combines low rolling resistance and controlled braking, making it particularly suitable on hardpack and compact terrains, where stability at high loads and high speeds are crucial. Its driving character is solid, direct, and responsive. 
Emperor represents the most versatile design. It takes up the appreciated pattern of the previous RACE M, completely re-engineering it. Just like the emperor scorpion can live in different habitats adapting to any condition, it is the true all-rounder of the range. Developed to face variable situations and mixed tracks, it offers the optimal balance between traction, control, and smoothness. It stands out for a balanced, predictable, and versatile driving character, designed for those who want a solution suitable for a wide range of situations. 
Red Claw evokes the tropical scorpion, typical of wet and humid areas, and that’s why it is dedicated to those who want maximum traction and control. It is based on the design of the previous RACE T and optimizes it for loose-over-hard conditions, dusty terrains, and off-camber sections. It offers a stable and secure driving sensation even when the ground becomes yielding. Its driving character is supportive, controlled, and traction-oriented, whether in curves or braking. 
The four carcasses
The new platform proposes an evolution of the four different Pirelli carcasses, all now in “eMtb Ready” version, compatible with both non-assisted and electric bicycles, whether Light or Full Power. 
ProWALL is the solution with sidewall protection and the lightest in the range, with weights in the 700>900 gr range. It is designed for the rider looking for responsiveness and efficiency uphill and has a clean and precise driving, while still maintaining reliability and control downhill. HardWALL offers complete support across the entire structure and a reinforcement that prevents pinch flats on the rim in case of large impacts. It is in the 900>1100 gr weight range. This carcass, compared to ProWALL, is designed to increase stability and impact resistance, while remaining pedalable and responsive in the most challenging conditions. DualWALL is intended for more aggressive riding such as enduro racing, bike park, or simply freeride and is in the 1100>1300 gr weight range. The dual-ply construction is developed to ensure stability, protection, and durability in the most demanding Gravity applications. • DH+ WALL represents the maximum level of reinforcement in the range and is the choice for top-level downhill racing, with weights above 1300>1500+ gr. The structure is also dual-ply with even tougher base fabrics than DualWALL and additional reinforcements on the sidewalls and above the heel, to withstand impacts and extreme stresses.
Compounds inspired by the world of motorsport
To complete the choice, Pirelli offers three compounds with a universally recognizable nomenclature closely linked to its tradition in Motorsport: Medium, Soft, and Supersoft, with their respective yellow, red, and purple color codes. Medium offers a balance between grip, comfort, and durability and is suitable for those looking for predictable and long-lasting performance. Soft has been developed to provide intuitive feedback, offering constant grip both on dry and wet surfaces, without sacrificing durability. Designed for aggressive driving, it offers downhill-ready performance without compromising control and durability, even under intensive use. Supersoft is the compound designed for the most extreme conditions, with maximum grip and maximum vibration damping and absorption capabilities, providing a predictive and very intuitive feedback, at the limit in the hands of the most experienced riders. It is the compound with the best performance in terms of pure grip, on dry and wet surfaces, and damping. Ideal for the front, it is also perfect for the rear in Racing situations and on particularly technical and extreme terrains.
The gravity range is now complete
The range was developed by Pirelli technicians based on years of collaboration with three-time Downhill World Champion Fabien Barel and with world-class athletes from all disciplines supported by the Milanese company, to have the most complete possible spectrum of use and feedback. 
“Working closely with Pirelli, I have been able to see firsthand how deep their technical expertise is: from Formula 1 to the MotoGP, from motocross to high-performance car tires. Today, that same racing DNA drives innovation in mountain biking, through compound technology, carcass construction, and tread design. It is interesting to see how the company transfers a heritage of knowledge gained in years of success at the highest levels of motorsport into cycling. What strikes most when using the new tires is the consistency of grip across the entire tread surface, regardless of the terrain, and the stability of the carcass even when conditions become more challenging: a safety that is perceived from the first corners,” explained Fabien Barel. The Pirelli SCORPION range with the new BLACK STING, EMPEROR, and RED CLAW is already available online and at the best specialized retailers.
