Bridgestone Potenza S001 OE on Four-Door Aston

In April Aston Martin launched its first four-door production car, the Rapide. Bridgestone states that it proposed its latest generation Potenza S001 to Aston Martin on the grounds of its response and precision, combined with its high stability levels in the wet. The result of this offer has been the fitment of Bridgestone’s tyre as standard equipment since the Rapide’s debut.

 “Bridgestone is proud to partner one of the world’s greatest names in luxury sports cars” said Didier Schneider, vice president Original Equipment, Bridgestone Europe. “The Rapide is a true thoroughbred and one of the first sports cars to choose our new flagship Potenza S001.”

The OE fitment partnership between Bridgestone and Aston Martin started in the early 1990’s with the DB7. Since then Potenza RE050 tyres have been standard factory fitment on the DB9 and V8 Vantage models. The 20-inch tyres standard on the Rapide (245/40ZR20 95Y at the front, 295/35ZR20 105Y XL on the rear axles) were, the tyre maker explains, specifically developed with a higher sidewall to help dial out vibration and contribute to a quieter cabin.

Describing the Potenza S001 in further detail, Bridgestone says the tyre’s asymmetric tread design features stiff ‘high grip’ shoulder blocks enhanced by a lightweight active insert in the bead area; this, the manufacturer adds, delivers “quick-fire response and precise handling.” The inner tread area is tuned for safety with Bridgestone’s ‘wet pattern’ technology. The tyre also has a lighter belt construction and lower rolling resistance than previous generations of Potenza, helping to increase fuel efficiency.