Bridgestone Launches Latest Blizzak Line-Up

For this coming winter Bridgestone has prepared two further new-generation Blizzak cold weather tyres, both suited to the seasonal conditions in central Europe. Both tyres, the manufacturer claims, provide higher driving safety as well as environmental and economic advantages.

The new Blizzak LM-30 is tuned for safety on snow and ice, with particular attention paid to wet braking, while the Blizzak LM-35 focuses on secure winter performance; Bridgestone says it delivers excellent high-speed motorway handling on both wet and dry surfaces. Both replacement market tyres have been tested by leading car manufacturers, Bridgestone adds.

The void ratio, edge density and block stiffness of each tyre’s asymmetric tread pattern is tuned to reach the tyres’ different respective performance profiles. Grip on wet and wintry surfaces is enhanced by the application of multiple advanced siping technologies across the pattern blocks, producing a larger overall contact area and edge component. This is helped by the use of a new polymer in the compound, which improves silica dispersion.

Bridgestone reports it has also made the new Blizzak tyres more environment-friendly and economical in comparison to the Blizzak LM-25 they replace. By reducing rolling resistance by up to 16 per cent through weight loss resulting from the optimisation of the carcass shape and belt package, fuel consumption has been cut by up to 2.5 per cent and CO2 emissions reduced by up to 4.5 g/km. The LM-30 and LM-35 also reduce pass-by noise by more than 1dB and in-car noise by 2dB.

The Blizzak LM-30 targets a wide range of compact, mid-sized and family cars up to T and H speed ratings. It offers, says Bridgestone, safe all-round winter driving with maximum control on snow and ice, and the reassurance of short braking distances on slush and wet. Features of note include new “3D Washboard and slit” siping on the centre rib for extra grip and block stiffness, high edge density in the centre area for maximum bite on hard-packed snow and ice, and continuous Z-shape lugs which enhance edge effect and snow shear force in all driving directions.

According to Bridgestone, test results versus its LM-25 predecessor (size 205/55 R16 on VW Golf 5 TDI) show significant gains in snow traction and braking, superior wet performance and up to 16 per cent less rolling resistance.

The Blizzak LM-35 targets high-powered cars up to V speed rating. The pattern design features four wide grooves designed to accommodate fast drainage from the contact patch and effective braking and acceleration, 3D-shaped block edges to increase resistance to hydroplaning, and a longitudinal cast groove on the shoulder blocks for maximizing cornering stability.

Testing versus the LM-25 predecessor (225/45 R17 on Golf 5 TDI) confirms, says Bridgestone, the Blizzak LM-35’s active, secure driving performance with increased grip and stability at higher speeds in wet and dry. Results show rolling resistance is reduced by up to 14 per cent, with consequent benefits in fuel efficiency and emission reductions.

The two tyres will be launched in Europe from June 2009. The Blizzak LM-30 is initially available in 31 sizes from 14 to 17-inch rim sizes, with the Blizzak LM-35 available in four 16 and 17-inch sizes.