Why do summer-only tires have to get all the fun?
Bridgestone just announced the latest addition to its Potenza lineup, the Potenza Sport AS.
Billed as offering ultra-high performance with all-season capabilities, the Potenza Sport AS “delivers year-round thrills, including confident handling and responsive grip, paired with excellent wet performance and improved winter capabilities to provide a sporty driving experience in rain, snow and shine.”
Bridgestone further explains that the Potenza Sport AS is its first ultra-high performance all-season tire to make use of ENLITEN technology, a “revolutionary core technology includes an innovative tread compound designed to provide improved performance and wear life,” and PeakLife polymer, a “next-generation polymer technology that enhances tread resistance to wear, aiding in extended tire life.”
Bridgestone plans to offer a total of 76 different sizes–ranging from 16- to 22-inch diameters–though is initially only offering 48 sizes, with the additional 28 sizes planned to launch sometime in 2024.
This size range, as Bridgetone points out, is “designed to support popular sports cars, sedans and performance crossovers with key fitments including Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi SQ5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, Maserati Ghibli, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mustang GT and Subaru BRZ.”
Jeebus, I thought they just released a UHP AS not too long ago with the RE980AS+.
Hopefully someone will do a comparison between this new one (Potenza Sport AS) and the current top-tier offerings in the category from Continental (DWS06+) and Michelin (PSAS4). And maybe toss in the Falken Azenis 460 A/S as a more budget-friendly entry.
In reply to ConiglioRampante :
I'll run your suggestion up the flagpole.
We did review the Falken Azenis 460 A/S not too long ago and were pleasantly surprised with its performance. It would be interesting to see how the performance-minded all-seasons you mentioned compare.
Thanks for looking into the possibility.
I know "light snow" testing at The Firm would be *somewhat* difficult to schedule but an actual comparison of dry and wet performance could be doable and appreciated.
No biggie if it doesn't happen, though.
And for a little behind the scenes, I was supposed to sample this tire IRL last week, but then the hurricane canceled my flight out of Daytona.
David S. Wallens said:And for a little behind the scenes, I was supposed to sample this time IRL last week, but then the hurricane canceled my flight out of Daytona.
Bridgestone missed out on an opportunity to prove that the Potenza Sport AS could provide "a sporty driving experience in rain, snow, shine and hurricanes.”
I'm listening. We need to put new tires on the better half's '18 Mazda 3 in the next few months. 215/45/18.
My immediate thought was the Conti DWS, but I'm open to any options that might be better.
Displaying 1-7 of 7 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.