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TYRES: Pirelli trumpets noise-cancelling technology
High-end Audis to be rolled out on run-silent PirellisPirelli has arrived at a solution to upcoming legislation demanding reduced road noise from motor vehicles in Europe.
The famous tyre brand's fix is named the 'Pirelli Noise Cancelling system', which is making its market debut fitted as original equipment to Audi's RS 6 and RS 7 models. Tyres fitted with the noise-dampening polyurethane sponge can be identified by the legend 'PNCS' on the sidewalls.
Pirelli claims that the sponge will block noise generated by the tread compressing air when it makes contact with the road surface. This noise is usually transmitted through the wheel and hub to the suspension and steering, eventually finding its way into the cabin of the car. The manufacturer claims that road noise is reduced by between two and three decibels – effectively halving the audible noise reaching the ears of the car's occupants.
There are no untoward by-products of the noise-cancelling sponge, according to Pirelli. Both the RS 6 and RS 7 fitted with the new tyres (in sizes 285/30 ZR 21 or 275/ 30 ZR 21 respectively), steer, handle and grip as they would on conventional tyres. Pirelli has come to Audi's aid in anticipation of new European regulations aimed at reducing noise pollution.
But the Pirellis may be limited to markets where those regulations apply. Continental is claiming that it's still the original equipment supplier for the RS 6 – and a host of other models in Audi's range. Its tyre, the ContiSportContact 5 P has been approved for the A6, A6 Allroad and A7. The smaller A3 and flagship A8 will be fitted with the company's ContiSport Contact 5 also.
"We are really pleased with the news that Continental tyres have again been selected as original equipment by a leading performance car manufacturer," said Mitchell Golledge, Marketing Manager for Continental Tyres Australia.
"This approval from Audi, coupled with recent approvals from Mercedes AMG and Maserati also, really does confirm Continental's leading market position in European original equipment with passenger tyres."
Clearly there's a lot of mileage in having a prestige car wear a tyre's brand on the sidewalls, with Continental, Michelin and now Pirelli fighting over the same turf.
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If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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