Jaguar XJ12 Tires

Jaguar XJ12

During the 1970s, Jaguar initiated a collaboration with Pirelli to engineer a tire to enhance the performance of the XJ6, XJ12, and XJ V12 models. This collaboration resulted in the development of the P5 series of tires. Specifically, the 205/70WR15 PIRELLI P5™ was identified as being optimal for the XJ6 and XJS models and was equally suitable for a Series 3 V12 Jaguar XKE.

In 1968, Jaguar introduced the XJ6 model, featuring advanced low-profile tire technology in the size ER/70VR15. This tire size has since been standardized to 205/70R15. In this nomenclature, ‘205’ denotes the width in millimetres; ‘70’ represents the height of the sidewall as 70% of 205 (144mm). The letter ‘V’ corresponds to a speed rating of 149 mph; ‘R’ indicates radial construction, and ‘15’ specifies the diameter of the rim in inches.

The first of the Jaguar XJ12 luxury cars fitted 205/70VR15 tires of which we would suggest the best suited would be the 205/70WR15 PIRELLI P5™. However, with the introduction of the XJ12 HE models, Jaguar also upped the tire size to the taller and slightly wider 215/70WR15 PIRELLI P5™ which Pirelli are making again, and again the tires are homologated with the J for Jaguar.

Jaguar XJ12 Advert

The PIRELLI P5™, among the available options for XJ12 tires, adheres to high specifications, with a ‘W’ speed rating for up to 170 mph, suitable for the XJ6 and XJ12 models. It is a high-quality product manufactured by Pirelli, a leading company in the classic tire industry.

The compatibility of the Pirelli P5 with the XJ12 is not merely about adherence to quality and specifications; it stems from a technical requirement specified by Jaguar in the 1970s. The tire was homologated by Jaguar to ensure compliance with the stringent standards required for the XJ6, XJ12, XJS, and XJ40 models. This collaboration between Jaguar and Pirelli was aimed at developing a tire that met the precise needs of Jaguar’s XJ range of vehicles, resulting in the production of the 205/70WR15 PIRELLI P5™, certified by Jaguar as suitable for their range of vehicles.