Adrenalin boosts Potenza

Bridgestone has launched a new tyre to its Potenza series. The RE001 Adrenalin is now the mainstay performance tyre from the brand, replacing the GIII and SO3 models.

According to the Japanese tyre giant, benefits of the new tyre's design include a bigger contact footprint (than the GIII or SO3) and improved steering response at all speeds. Bridgestone says that where the S03 excelled while driving at the limit, the Adrenalin offers all-round performance to suit a wider range of cars and drivers.

The Adrenalin's standout tread design features 'multi-curved slant grooves' mid-way from the outside for improved performance in wet conditions, says Bridgestone. The mid-section includes a new '3D' centre block for sharp steering response and stability, alongside offset twin rib channels. The outside incorporates a semi-slick shoulder design.

The launch of the new Adrenalin range included evaluation tests at the Holden Performance Driving Centre in Norwell, Queensland, pitching the RE001s against competitors' offerings fitted to a Mitsubishi EVO IX and Holden VE Commodore.

The Carsales Network can attest the new Potenzas were particularly good in the 'Lane Change' test, requiring less haul on the steering wheel and maintaining rear stability at 50km/h.

The Bridgestones were also composed during short slalom runs at 60km/h with excellent front-to-rear balance, again with minimal steering effort.

Burkhard Kabelitz, National Technical Field Service and Product Planning Manager for Bridgestone Australia, told the Carsales Network that the Adrenalin boasted high performance in the three most important areas affecting drivers: linearity, stability and feedback through the wheel.

"Stability is one of the cornerstones of development but equally important is its linearity and feedback," said Kabelitz.

"This is a tyre that performs well at any speed: it behaves itself not only at the limit, but at lower speeds also, turning in easily and precisely."

Bridgestone says it has looked beyond its traditional market, instead aiming to accommodate 18-25 year-old tuners and performance enthusiasts.

"This is a young and demanding demographic who demand credibility and instant results from the products they buy," said Stanley Toh, National Marketing Manager for Bridgestone Australia.

"The Adrenalin product will enable us to target this high-value sector of the marketplace on a scale we have previously been unable to do. We now have a superior product and a strong brand that will allow us to explore new marketing avenues."

Bridgestone Australia's Adrenalin marketing campaign includes involvement in the Australian Drift Championship and Auto Salon national car shows this year, and rather sinister-looking 'Control Freak' animation (pictured) for television advertisements come May 31.

According to Bridgestone the Adrenalin will suit a wide range of cars including smaller models such as Corolla, Lancer and WRX through to Falcons, Commodores and other large sedans. Some sizes in the Adrenalin range will be manufactured at Bridgestone's Salisbury facility in South Australia with the balance of the product being produced in Japan.

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