Pirelli P Zero Review — The Original OEM Supercar Tyre in NZ
Overall Rating: 9.1 / 10
Category: Ultra High Performance Summer
Price in NZ: From $441 per tyre
Best for: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche — OEM supercar replacement
Available sizes: 17″ – 22″ rims
Quick Verdict
The Pirelli P Zero is one of the most recognised tyre names in the world — and in New Zealand, it is the tyre of choice for supercar owners replacing OEM fitments. The P Zero (not to be confused with the newer P Zero PZ5 — a completely different, more advanced product) is the tyre that Pirelli has supplied as OEM to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Aston Martin for decades. It remains an excellent UHP tyre, though the PZ5 has superseded it as Pirelli’s top performer in independent 2025 test programmes.
For NZ owners of older Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Maseratis whose vehicles originally wore P Zeros — this is the correct OEM replacement.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Ultra High Performance Summer |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | A (highest) |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | B |
| Speed Ratings | Y (300 km/h), ZR |
| Available Rim Sizes | 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″, 21″, 22″ |
| NZ Price Range | $441 – $900+ (size dependent) |
| OEM | Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Aston Martin, BMW M |
Performance Profile
The P Zero uses Pirelli’s established compound technology from its F1 and supercar engineering programmes:
- Dry performance: Extremely strong lateral grip and dry braking — the P Zero’s core design priority
- Wet performance: EU Label A wet grip — excellent for supercar applications
- Noise: Quieter than track-oriented alternatives (Corsa, Trofeo R) — usable on public roads
- Tread life: Shorter than comfort-oriented tyres — supercar OEM compounds optimise grip over longevity
P Zero vs P Zero PZ5 — Important Distinction
Many NZ drivers confuse these two tyres:
| Feature | P Zero (original) | P Zero PZ5 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Established product | New 2025 launch |
| Test results | Strong historical record | Auto Express AND TyreReviews 2025 winner |
| Wet handling | Very Good | Best in class (AE 2025) |
| Best for | OEM replacement on older supercars | New performance cars, current purchases |
| NZ Price | $441+ | $447+ |
For new purchases: The P Zero PZ5 is the better tyre — 2025 test winner with improved wet handling and braking.
For OEM replacement on pre-2025 vehicles: The P Zero matches the original factory specification. Your car was set up around this tyre’s handling characteristics.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland and North Island
Verdict: Excellent for OEM replacement
Ferrari and Lamborghini owners in Auckland replacing worn P Zeros with the same model maintain the exact handling balance the car’s engineers calibrated. EU Label A wet grip handles Auckland’s rain confidently. The P Zero’s compound remains a strong performer despite being superseded by the PZ5 in recent tests.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Correct OEM replacement for older Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Aston Martin, BMW M
- EU Label A wet grip — top safety rating
- Established Pirelli F1-heritage compound
- Lower price ($441) than the newer PZ5 ($447)
Cons
- Superseded by P Zero PZ5 in 2025 — new cars and new purchases should specify PZ5
- Shorter tread life than touring alternatives
- Summer-only compound
Sources
- Pirelli P Zero — pirelli.com — accessed 2026-06-01
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/pirelli/ — accessed 2026-06-01
Related Pages
- Pirelli P Zero PZ5 — the 2025 successor and test winner
- Pirelli Tyres NZ — brand overview
- Best Performance Tyres NZ — full comparison