FYI: Pirelli marks four decades of the Ferrari 288 GTO by launching bespoke tires for this iconic supercar.
Pirelli Unveils New Tires for Ferrari 288 GTO’s Milestone Celebration
Pirelli, the renowned tire manufacturer, is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the legendary Ferrari 288 GTO by offering a new set of tires specially designed for this iconic supercar of the 1980s. The unveiling of the latest Cinturato P7 tires occurred during the 2024 GTO Legacy Tour—an event that allowed 288 GTO owners to marvel at the scenic landscape of Italy’s Dolomites, eventually converging at Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello for the celebration.
Combining Vintage Appeal with Modern Technology
The newly developed Cinturato P7 is a proud member of the Pirelli Collezione series, which targets enthusiasts of vintage cars who desire a blend of retro aesthetics with cutting-edge tire technology. These bespoke tires maintain the original sizes utilized by Ferrari 288 GTO (225/50 R16 front, 265/50 R16 rear), ensuring authenticity while providing contemporary performance enhancements.
A Nod to History: Cinturato P7’s Storied Past
Interestingly, the original Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires debuted for the 1974 World Rally Championship, later becoming a mainstay in road car applications by 1976. Celebrated as Pirelli’s first venture into low-profile tire designs, the Cinturato P7 shook up the automotive world with its daringly low sidewall for its era—a feature that has since become ubiquitous.
The Ferrari 288 GTO: A Legendary Lineage
The Ferrari 288 GTO isn’t just any car; it harks back to its roots in rallying, envisioned initially to partake in the grueling Group B competitions. Despite not making it to the rally stage due to the category’s premature termination, Ferrari still produced this high-performance beast, delivering a total of 272 units, including the Evoluzione version built for road racing.
A Continued Partnership with Ferrari
Pirelli’s collaboration with Ferrari extends beyond the 288 GTO. This illustrious partnership includes crafting a custom tire for the celebrated Enzo and outfitting the Ferrari F40 and F50 with seleсt models from the Pirelli Collezione series. Such endeavors reflect both companies’ dedication to preserving the driving dynamics of Ferrari’s timeless creations.
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