Bridgestone OE for New Hybrid Lexus in US

Bridgestone Turanza EL42 tyres have been selected by Lexus as OE for North American models of the company’s all-new LS 600h L luxury hybrid sedan. The specific tyre fitted as one of the options to the world’s first full V8, all-wheel-drive hybrid vehicle is the all-season Turanza EL42 in size P245/45R19 98V, a tyre Bridgestone Firestone North America Tire believes will deliver the sleek styling, low noise and outstanding performance in dry and wet conditions prerequisite on a vehicle that has a US market starting price in excess of $100,000.

The 2008 Lexus LS 600h L powertrain combines a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine with two powerful electric motors that reduce emissions by 70 per cent compared with a vehicle fitted with a conventional engine – earning it a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating. “Bridgestone Firestone is proud to support vehicles that minimise fuel use and environmental impact,” said Michael Martini, BFNAT president, Consumer OE Tire Sales.

“We salute Lexus for advancing hybrid technology to an exciting new level that proves you can have high performance with low emissions,” he added. “Vehicles like the LS 600h L are critical to ultimately reducing America’s dependence on oil.”