The Italian tire maker said March 24 that it installed the new machine at its Milan research and development center that is capable of testing tires at speeds up to 310 mph (500 kph) in controlled conditions. "The new 500 kph machine is intended mainly for competition use ," Pirelli said in a news release. "Pirelli's presence as a supplier of more than 350 motorsport events required the introduction of machinery capable of reaching even more extreme limits for products that are used in truly challenging contexts such as racing, or record attempts with road cars."