Bridgestone exclusive tyre supplier for BMW i8

Bridgestone has been chosed by BMW as exclusive tyre supplier for the new BMW i8, BMW’s revolutionary new electric hybrid car. Following hard on the heels of Bridgestone’s selection as exclusive development partner for the electric BMW i3, this latest agreement is further confirmation of the strong, long-term partnership between both automotive pioneering companies, Bridgestone and BMW.

To achieve its true performance potential, Bridgestone developed a tyre for BMW’s revolutionary BMW i8 electric hybrid vehicle that could match both its efficiency and dynamic handling characteristics.  Building on Bridgestone’s strong tradition of safety, performance and efficient design, Bridgestone’s existing Potenza S001 high-performance sports tyre and a specially developed one, were recently approved by BMW for fitment on the i8. Several combinations of summer sizes and patterns have been approved, each linked to a specific tyre specification that is developed to deliver optimum performance out on the road.
The BMW i8 owner will be able to choose between the following sizes:
·         Front: 195/50 R20 Potenza S001-I 93W XL
·         Rear: 215/45 R20 Potenza S001-I 95W XL
·         Front: 215/45 R20 Potenza S001 95W XL
·         Rear: 245/40 R20 Potenza S001 99W XL
A winter tyre option – Blizzak LM-32 in 215/45 R20 95V XL – is also foreseen .
Jackie Wherity, Consumer Sales Manager, Bridgestone Ireland comments, “The Potenza S001 has already left its mark on the sports tyre category with its balanced performance resulting in several high-level factory fitments. So it is little wonder that it was chosen to equip the i8, a car which is set to revolutionise its own individual category. Delivering true sports performance while still meeting the strict fuel and energy consumption demands of this landmark vehicle has been a tough but rewarding challenge. And we are proud to have achieved such high recognition in being selected as an exclusive tyre supplier by BMW.”
Bridgestone’s exclusive supplier agreement is just a small part of a long-standing collaboration with BMW both on and off the racing track. Over the past 17 years, that partnership has grown to include a long list of factory fitments, exclusive collaboration with the BMW Driving Experience programme and joint technological developments such as Run-Flat Technology tyres. More recently the exclusive fitment on the i3 electric car and the i8 hybrid respectively combine safety and performance with wet grip and low rolling resistance, demonstrating an extraordinary effort and exclusive collaboration between both companies better contribute to a more sustainable society.
For more information about the Bridgestone Potenza S001 high-performance sports tyre, please visit: http://www.bridgestone.ie/auto/ranges/potenza/s001/