Bridgestone
Potenza RE050A
Class: Max Performance (Wet and Dry)
Tread Depth: 10/32"
Tread Design: Assymetric
Tread Wear: 140
Traction: A
Temperature: A
Load Index/Speed Rating: 91Y
Price: $178
Contact:www.bridgestonetire.com
Overall Ranking: 4th
WET
Slalom: 4.616sec
Skidpan: 0.780g
Lap Time: 32.361sec
Braking from 50mph: 95.8ft
DRY
Slalom: 4.199sec
Skidpan: 0.914g
Lap Time: 30.187sec
Braking from 50mph: 79.9ft
The Potenza RE050A was developed for responsive and predictable handling in all weather. With a continuous center rib design, large contact patch and hard sidewalls, the RE050A is said to adjust to driver input with ease. It also features lateral grooves to expel water and minimize hydroplaning. Offered as OE on cars such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ferrari and the new GLI, it's said to have excellent high-speed stability. Last year this tire finished in seventh place but scored better this year, with a consistent performance, especially in the wet.
Driver's Comments
DRY
Don: Compared to the Fuzion I didn't like these as much. The braking required longer distances. They were controllable like the Fuzion but didn't feel comfortable and weren't as precise, needing more adjustments.
Will: The car seemed to trigger its ABS sooner than with the Fuzion. They pushed more and gave up more easily. Acceleration wasn't as good as before either. The grip was about the same on the skidpad and they liked to be steered with the throttle.
WET
Don: These were absolutely better than the Hankooks. They had good turn-in, were more controllable under braking and were more controllable around the skidpad, where you could correct them on the throttle easily.
Will: They maintained good grip and didn't break away suddenly. The grip wasn't earth-shattering but theyrecovered easily and you could control them on the throttle in a wide grip-window. They weren't great under acceleration but were OK under braking.