Bridgestone Americas Inc. (BSAM) says it has improved the water-absorbing ability of its new Blizzak WS80 winter tire for passenger cars and minivans to create more grip on ice and snow. Dealers can begin placing orders in March for the WS80, which will officially launch in July 2014.
The company says the tire is engineered to give drivers impressive control in winter weather conditions. “The Blizzak WS80 stops shorter, handles better and grips the road more than our best-selling WS70 tire, which the WS80 replaces,” says Anant Gandhi, product manager, Bridgestone Americas.
The WS80 tire has several technological improvements over the WS70:
* a proprietary hydrophilic (water-loving) coating that allows the tire’s multi-cell compound to attract water, drawing it away from the road to combat slippage on ice;
* bite particles in the multi-cell compound that act as microscopic studs for road grip and improved braking on ice;
* optimized contact pressure and cavity shape that helps to distribute forces evenly and effectively for better stability and control; and
* a new tread pattern with 20% more block edges and higher edge/block density to channel snow, slush and water away from the contact area for added control.
The WS80 is available in 48 sizes in 15-inch to 18-inch rim diameters, 35 to 70 series, and speed ratings T and H.
Bridgestone says the Blizzak WS80 is its most advanced winter tire offering. The company introduced the Blizzak brand to the market more than two decades ago.
The company says to check www.BridgestoneTire.com for updates later this year to learn more about the Blizzak WS80 winter tire.
