Bridgestone New Product Introduction and Demonstration
Evaluating Product at Phoenix International Raceway
by Jim Bennett
Tire Evaluations: New and Used Bridgestone Potenza RE950 compared to Michelin XGTH 4
Vehicle: BMW 325 Sedan
Track conditions: A dry, longer, higher speed course with high speed slalom, fast turns coupled with a left and right medium and slow turns.
Impressions: Both tires performed well but the Bridgestone's more rigid sidewalls clearly gave it the edge in both the high-speed slalom and tight curves. Its acceleration and high-speed performance also seemed slightly better. Bridgestone's used tire performance felt slightly better. Note: Tires are shaved to 50% of their original tread depth and subjected to multiple heat/cool cycles to accelerate the aging process to approximate 2 to 3 years of use.
Tire Evaluations: New and Used Bridgestone Potenza RE950 compared to Michelin XGTH 4
Vehicle: BMW 325 Sedan
Track conditions: A short "mushroom oval" with tight left and right turns with wet and dry sections.
Impressions: Bridgestone's new and used performance tires were noticeably better with more precise control as I transitioned between the different road conditions. Much better than average wet braking and acceleration was experienced with Bridgestone.
Tire Evaluations: New and Used Bridgestone Potenza RE950 compared to Michelin XGTH 4
Vehicle: BMW 325 Sedan
Track conditions: This was an all wet course that experienced high winds coupled with blowing sand and dirt limiting visibility at times. Set up as a medium speed course, the unstable weather added to a realistic harsh driving for the southwest area. One of the other drivers said, "I didn't know we would be evaluating wind tunnels."
Impressions: The Bridgestone tires exhibited excellent performance at all levels including impressive hydroplaning resistance. Of all the evaluations, this driving experience validated Bridgestone's technology approach for me.
Tire Evaluation: Bridgestone Potenza S.03 Pole Position
Vehicle: Porsche Boxster
Track conditions: Dry road surface with newer and coarse pavement. The drag strip surface had an ample "rubberized" starting line surface for quick starts. A medium length road simulation section had some medium speed sweeper curves and quick flick turns.
Impressions: New Bridgestone tires were tested on a 0-60-0 mph on the drag strip that resulted in quick acceleration and controlled straight-line emergency braking with ABS fully engaged. A briefly sustained 75 mph drive over rough pavement demonstrated lower tire noise levels at the end of the drag strip. Medium speed braking and cornering was above average over the road simulation section.
Dated: February 12, 2001
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