Bridgestone unveils Turanza 6

A new flagship tyre will arrive in Bridgestone’s summer touring line-up next year, and it’s a product that “gives drivers control and confidence in stressful and unforeseen conditions, including on a rainy day.” Introducing the Bridgestone Turanza 6, Bridgestone states that its successor to the Turanza T005 offers best-in-class wet performance as well as superior mileage and improved fuel/energy efficiency.

Independent testing that TÜV SÜD carried out using size 245/45R18 100Y XL tyres showed Bridgestone Turanza 6 to outperform its competition from Continental (PremiumContact 6), Michelin (Primacy 4+) and Pirelli (Cinturato P7 – P7C2) with best-in-class wet performance. This includes the top result in cornering manoeuvres and outstanding straight-line performance. Furthermore, the entire Turanza 6 line-up has an EU tyre label A grade for wet grip.

Higher mileage, lower rolling resistance

Based on internal benchmark testing using the reference size 205/55R16, Bridgestone Turanza 6 delivers 22 per cent better mileage than the prior-generation T005. Rolling resistance is four per cent lower than for the predecessor tyre, with selected sizes gaining a tyre label A grade. Fuel/energy efficiency is further supported by the introduction of an aerodynamic rim guard designed to reduce the resistance of air on the tyre while driving.

The rim guard is one of several technologies featured in the Turanza 6. Bridgestone reports that it utilised “various ground-breaking innovations in tread pattern, compound and construction.” These include TechSyn and Enliten, a set of technologies providing “best-in-class tyre performance with a step change towards sustainability compared with previous generations.” Both appear here for the first time ever on a Bridgestone replacement tyre.

Turanza 6 (Photo: Bridgestone)

Bridgestone shares that as a sustainable solutions company, it is constantly evolving R&D processes to become more efficient and sustainable. To illustrate this point the tyre maker shares that developed the Bridgestone Turanza 6 using virtual tyre development technology. By creating a digital version of an in-development tyre for test purposes, Bridgestone was able to predict how a tyre would perform in different conditions before physically building prototypes. The manufacturer calculates that this approach led to a 21 per cent saving in raw materials and CO2 emissions while cutting 60,000 kilometres or almost 40,000 miles and 7.7 tonnes of CO2 from outdoor testing.

Engineered to be EV-ready

The use of technologies such as Enliten makes Bridgestone Turanza 6 well-suited to hybrid and electric vehicles. In addition to offering low rolling resistance, Bridgestone states that the tyre’s excellent control addresses EV-specific driving characteristics, while higher wear tolerance helps combat tyre wear resulting from increased weight and higher torque. Noise is also an important consideration, and Bridgestone says Turanza 6 delivers a reduction of 2db in pass-by noise versus its predecessor.

Range of 136 sizes

“We’re delighted to introduce our latest class-leading tyre, the Bridgestone Turanza 6, which was developed using ground-breaking technologies to provide our customers with a safe, sustainable and efficient tyre that performs when they need it most,” comments Emilio Tiberio, chief operating officer and chief technology officer of Bridgestone EMIA. “We’re particularly proud of the Bridgestone Turanza 6’s wet-weather performance, giving drivers control and confidence in the most demanding conditions, even on the rainiest days.”

Developed and manufactured in Europe, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 will be available in the UK from early 2023 in a wide coverage – 136 sizes from 16- to 22-inches in the aftermarket for both passenger cars and on-road SUVs. Coverage is increased with 34 new sizes, with a focus on the high-rim diameter segment. In the coming months, Bridgestone will also reveal several partnerships with leading car manufacturers that have chosen custom-engineered Bridgestone Turanza 6 tyres as original fitments for their new car models.