Pirelli Tyre S.p.A. has developed tires for Audi Group that are designed to reduce noise for occupants of the car using a layer of polyurethane sponge adhered to the inner liner of the tire.

Pirelli claims the innovation—being pitched as “Pirelli Noise Cancelling System”—can reduce noise heard by those inside the car by 2 to 3 decibels, or roughly half.

With this development, Pirelli is addressing noise caused by the vibration produced when air inside the tire is compressed as the tire is squashed against the road. This noise is transmitted from the tire to the wheel hub and eventually reaches the inside of the car’s cabin via the steering and suspension components.

The polyurethane foam sponge is designed to absorb these vibrations, the tire maker said, and thus reduce the amount of noise passed through to the cabin.

Audi is offering tires built with the noise-cancelling system as optional original equipment fitments on its RS6 and RS7, running on 285/30ZR21- and 275/30ZR21-sized tires, respectively. Pirelli did not identify which tire models are being supplied but said they are identified with letters “PNCS” on the sidewalls.

Pirelli did not say how much weight the sponge adds to the tires but did say adding the noise-reducing sponge does not affect other performance characteristics of the tire. Pirelli did not say whether the development affects noise as observed by those outside a vehicle, nor did it comment on any added cost.

The company said introducing this technology answers growing demand in the automotive world for reduced noise levels both on the inside and outside of the car as well as address the latest European regulations to reduce noise pollution.

No sooner is the RS6 on the road and ABT have claimed the first place for a tuning package with what is not a shabby 666bhp!!!

The package is now officially available for owners that want an extra power boost for Audi’s flagship estate. Power is up from 560hp and torque rises from 700Nm to 830Nm.

The power has been realised through the use of an ABT ECU modification, the installation of a bracket set, cable harness and mounting kit.

ABT also offer a set of carbon fibre side mirrors and ABT valve caps (LOL!!).

Worried about warranty?  Well, ABT also offers one of the best warranty solutions on the market. Customers get a 2 year warranty covered up to 100,000 km from the date of the first registration. The price is €6,909 inclusive of VAT.