News Release: BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE INTRODUCES
ULTRA-HIGH PERFORMANCE BRIDGESTONER POTENZAT RE050
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Center
(877) 201-2373
BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE INTRODUCES ULTRA-HIGH
PERFORMANCE BRIDGESTONE(r) POTENZA(tm) RE050
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 4, 2003) - 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* 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, CO*CS*, 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* have an O-Bead* 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*, 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
www.bridgestonetire.com or www.firestonetire.com. Visit
www.tiresafety.com for news and information about the importance of
proper tire inflation and maintenance.
