New Performance Tires Take Firestone Racing Legacy to the Streets

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 17, 2016 -- Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced the release of two new Firestone-brand tires, the Firestone Firehawk™ Indy 500® ultra high performance tire, and the Firestone Firehawk AS™ tire, built for all season high performance. The newest passenger tire offerings from Firestone are the consumer tire extension of the company's world-class Firehawk race tires used in the Verizon IndyCar® Series and make performance tire technology affordable for everyday drivers.

"Racing is an integral part of the Firestone brand's heritage and the ultimate proof point for our tire technology. We are excited to bring our legacy of trusted performance to the consumer tire segment with our new Firehawk high performance passenger tires," said Philip Dobbs, chief marketing officer, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. "Both the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 and the Firestone Firehawk AS tires are great choices for drivers who work hard and play harder, and want to push their vehicles to the limits."

The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tire is an ultra high performance summer tire with race-inspired technology that offers impressive performance on dry and wet roads. A new tread compound and wide shoulder blocks give the Firehawk Indy 500 tire enhanced cornering and handling in dry conditions. The tire is engineered with Pulse Groove Technology that improves water evacuation and increases resistance to hydroplaning. Through an improved wet rubber compound and tread design, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tire also delivers 20 percent shorter stopping distance on wet roads.*

For those seeking an all season option, Firestone is offering its best all season performance tire to date with the introduction of the Firestone Firehawk AS tire. Tuned for grip in wet, dry and even moderate snowy conditions, the Firehawk AS tire is designed with more water evacuation channels to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.**

Full-depth tread features help the Firehawk AS maintain its all season and wet performance throughout the life of the tire, which is backed by a 50,000 mile (80,000 kilometer) limited treadwear warranty.***

The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tire is available in 48 sizes from 16" to 20" wheel sizes and replaces the Firestone Firehawk™ Wide Oval™ Indy 500®. The Firestone Firehawk AS tire is available in 30 sizes from 15" to 20" wheel sizes and replaces the Firestone Firehawk™ Wide Oval AS tire.

To find out more about the Firestone Firehawk tire line or to find a retailer, visit: www.FirestoneTire.com.

*Comparison versus prior generation Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500 tire.
**Comparison versus Firehawk Wide Oval A/S tire.
***Limitations and restrictions apply. Ask a Firestone retailer for details.  For Firehawk AS tires, 50,000 mile limited treadwear warranty applies to H & V speed rated tires; 40,000 mile limited treadwear warranty applies to W speed rated tires.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.: 
Nashville, Tennessee-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.