Bridgestone’s Potenza RE970AS Pole Position Races Past the Competition In Tire Rack’s Real World Road Ride & Performance Track Tests
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 27, 2011) - When it comes to top performance tires, there’s a new leader of the pack – Bridgestone’s Potenza™ RE970AS Pole Position.
Bridgestone’s new Potenza RE970 recently earned a first overall ranking in Tire Rack’s Real World Road Ride and Performance Test Track Drive of Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires. The RE970 was tested against Continental’s ExtremeContact DWS, Michelin’s Pilot Sport A/S Plus and Pirelli’s P Zero Nero All Season. Tire Rack testers concluded that the advanced technologies of the RE970 made it a very well-rounded performer, noting its balanced handling and sporty driving feel.
Tire Rack’s ―Real World Road Ride is a 6.6 mile course designed to simulate typical driving use. Tires are tested at posted speeds on expressways, state highways and country roads in varying conditions. The route allows Tire Rack test drivers to compare noise, comfort, ride quality and everyday handling. During this phase of the test, the RE970 earned high marks by delivering crisp handling with surprising levels of ride comfort.
In the second phase of testing, Tire Rack utilized their 1/3 mile per lap test track to evaluate tire performance in more extreme conditions simulating abrupt emergency maneuvers or competitive driving environments. These tests were conducted in both wet and dry conditions. Once again, the Potenza RE970 earned high marks, especially in wet conditions where its predictability and braking performance were praised.
“We are constantly working to improve technologies that make our tires the best performers they can be and ultimately enhance the driving experience of our customers,” said Robert Saul, Product Manager, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “We are excited that our Potenza RE970 received this excellent performance ranking from Tire Rack. It helps affirm what we believe – when you’re looking for ultra high performance tires, Potenza is the name you trust.”
The newly launched RE970’s design offers all-season capability and enhanced wear while still delivering confident wet and dry handling. The tire includes a silica rich compound to aid in wet and dry traction and large shoulder blocks for solid cornering performance. The RE970AS PP tread pattern features advanced 3D sipes for improved braking performance and also incorporates 3D stealth tread elements, which increase block stiffness for improved handling while also aiding all-season grip.
The Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS PP replaces the RE960AS. It will be available in 34 W-speed rated sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inch. The tire is designed for sports cars, sporty coupes and high performance sedans. The tire comes with a 40,000 mile limited tread wear warranty and a 30 Day Buy and Try guarantee.
For additional information, including a complete listing of sizes and high res images of Bridgestone’s product offerings, please visit www.BridgestoneTire.com. Additional current releases can be found at www.BridgestoneAmericasMedia.com.
About Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) is a business unit of Bridgestone Americas, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. Reporting into the BATO business unit are the company's Latin American tire operations; the U.S. and Canadian consumer tire businesses; the U.S. and Canadian commercial tire businesses; and Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC, which operates the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world. BATO develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. The business unit is focused on retail, wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in the Americas. In addition, through its Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions unit, retreading customers have access to industry-leading research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise, providing them with a total tire solution.