NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgestone/Firestone North
American Tire, LLC (BFNT) introduces the latest addition to its performance
tire family: the Bridgestone(R) Potenza(TM) RE050. The tire is on display
this week in the Bridgestone booth (#41917) at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment
Market Association) Show.
With a tread design that combines racing-inspired technology with a rain
tire, the new W- and Y-speed rated Potenza RE050 delivers excellent dry and
wet handling, sporty responsiveness and a comfortable, quiet ride.
In developing the Potenza RE050, Bridgestone turned to its motorsports
heritage: six consecutive World Championships in Formula One racing have been
claimed by Bridgestone equipped teams. By combining technology derived from
the grooved tread design of the Potenza Formula One dry tire and the renowned
Potenza F1 rain tire, the Potenza RE050 delivers both excellent grip on dry
roads and surefooted traction in the wet.
The tire will be available in February 2004, and has been selected as
original equipment for such premium vehicles including the BMW 5- and 6-
Series, the BMW Z4; the Porsche 997; the Mercedes Benz C-, E- and S-Class; the
Audi C6 and the super-high performance Enzo Ferrari.
"The Bridgestone Potenza RE050 features our exclusive UNI-T(R) technology
for outstanding performance and handling, and follows in the sure-footed steps
of the Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position," said Phil Pacsi, executive
director, North American Consumer Tire Brand Marketing, BFNT.
The new tire line carries a UTQG rating of 140 for treadwear, 'A' for
traction, and 'A' for temperature. It will be available in 25 popular 17-,
18- and 19-inch sizes. The company also is offering a companion Potenza RE050
run flat tire in 8 popular 16- through 18-inch sizes for vehicles specifically
designed to use run flat tires.
Bridgestone also is introducing a companion Potenza RE050A, with an
asymmetrical tread pattern, which combines large, outside elements for
improved handling with smaller, inside elements for water evacuation. The
asymmetric tread also allows for easy tire rotation, to help prevent irregular
wear.
UNI-T(R) is an acronym for "Ultimate Network of Intelligent Tire
Technology" found only in Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and select associate
brand tires. One of its core technologies is a Computer Optimized Component
System, CO7CS(R), which uses a super computer to help determine an ideal
combination of tread design, casing shape, materials and construction for a
particular application.
Tires with UNI-T(R) have an O-Bead(R) that eliminates overlapped joints in
the bead assembly, improving the way a tire interacts with the rim, and
providing a rounder assembly for improved stability.
The use of L.L. Carbon(R), or Long Link Carbon, an advanced form of carbon
black, produces a stronger tire, better able to resist cracking, chipping,
tearing and excessive wear.
Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC is a
subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company,
Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BFNT
develops, manufactures, and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and
associate and private brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and
original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial
vehicle, off-road, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North
America.
For a listing of available sizes, as well as features and benefits of this
tire and other Bridgestone and Firestone tires, please visit
http://www.bridgestonetire.com or http://www.firestonetire.com. Visit http://www.tiresafety.com
for news and information about the importance of proper tire inflation and
maintenance.
SOURCE Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC
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Related links:
http://www.bridgestonetire.com
http://www.firestonetire.com http://www.tiresafety.com
CONTACT:
Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire,
LLC, Media Center: +1-877-201-2373
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