Drivers Can Confidently Power Through Winter With New Bridgestone Blizzak Winter TireBlizzak WS80 delivers impressive stopping, handling and traction in winter driving conditions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 10, 2014) ― Today, Bridgestone Americas announced the July 2014 launch of the Blizzak WS80, the company’s newest winter tire for cars and minivans. The Blizzak WS80 features a next-generation Multi-Cell™ Compound, which helps combat slippage on ice, snow and slush, and is engineered to give drivers impressive control in winter weather conditions.
“When winter driving conditions are at their worst, Bridgestone’s Blizzak winter tires are at their best,” said Anant Gandhi, Product Manager, Bridgestone Americas. “And now, the Blizzak WS80 takes that to another level, giving drivers even greater peace-of-mind. The Blizzak WS80 stops shorter, handles better and grips the road more than our best-selling WS70 tire, which the WS80 replaces.”
Bridgestone pioneered the studless winter tire, introducing the Blizzak brand to the market more than two decades ago, and it has remained a top-choice for drivers faced with winter’s changing driving conditions. Research and innovation fuels Bridgestone’s winter tire offering, and the company works continually to ensure it offers drivers maximum winter tire performance. The Blizzak WS80 is Bridgestone’s most advanced winter tire offering, something drivers will appreciate when driving in ice, snow, slush and cold.
Key advantages of the new Blizzak WS80 include:
- Remarkable stopping power – When tires come into contact with ice, the pressure can create water, and water can lead to increased slippage in icy conditions. The Blizzak WS80 is unique because it features a next-generation Multi-Cell Compound, which has a hydrophilic or water-loving, coating. This enhancement allows the Multi-Cell Compound to attract water, drawing it away from the road to combat slippage on ice. Additionally, bite particles are added to the WS80 Multi-Cell Compound, acting as microscopic studs that deliver road grip and improve braking on ice.
- Impressive handling – For better stability and control in dry, icy and snowy conditions, the WS80 offers an optimized tire footprint or contact patch with the road, helping to distribute forces evenly and effectively. In addition, the WS80 features an advanced tread pattern with deep tread and grooves. This helps to channel snow, slush and water away from the contact area for added control when drivers need it most.
- Great traction – The WS80’s advanced rubber compound works at a molecular level to remain flexible in the cold, delivering better grip and maximum traction for drivers facing wintry conditions.
About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.