Firestone launches Firehawk Sport, an ‘affordable high performance summer tyre’

Bridgestone’s mid-range Firestone brand has launched a new “affordable high performance summer tyre”, the Firehawk Sport. The manufacturer says the tyre builds on the US-origin brand’s “strong legacy,” emphasising improved steering response, wet grip and dry braking characteristics versus the predecessor Firehawk SZ90mu. Bridgestone is marketing the tyre as a product to help drivers “feel empowered and in control at all times;” it targets its Firestone brand primarily at younger UK and European drivers, who are brand-conscious but also demanding greater affordability. It wants to leverage the long-term brand value of Firestone, which has a century-long heritage in motorsport and innovation, to achieve this.

Firestone Firehawk Sport ultra-high performance tyre (Photo: Firestone)

Developed and manufactured in Europe, the Firestone Firehawk Sport offers improved handling and reliable all-surface grip to enthusiast drivers. The brand suggests the tyre will appeal to “sporty” drivers of all stripes with its mix of performance, safety and affordability.

The new design offers sharp steering response for greater control and high cornering speeds via a sporty tyre profile, asymmetric wall angles, and virtual optimisation of the contact patch all adding confidence when driving. Firestone engineers have also optimised rib and void distribution with a variable rib profile. They employed innovative mixing technology in the compound design.

The Firehawk Sport backs its safety credentials with the top EU Label Grade A in wet grip. Compared to its predecessor, the Firehawk SZ90mu, the Firestone Firehawk Sport reduces dry braking distances by 9 per cent, based on internal testing.

The new Firestone Firehawk Sport will be available in 36 sizes between 18” and 20” to cover a wide range of everyday vehicles and sports cars. Firestone adds that the tyre is suitable for both ICE and electric vehicles.

“The Firestone Firehawk Sport is a tyre that sums up the Firestone brand,” said Steven De Bock, vice president consumer replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA. “It embodies the dependability and assurance of quality the Firestone brand has been known for, for over 100 years – all while remaining at an affordable price point. But it is also a tyre that will reignite our customers’ driving passion or take it to the next level.

“This is a tyre that works hard so you can play hard; helping you feel the power between the wheel and the road, while assuring you that you stay in control at all times.”