Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires will be original equipment on 100% of Mazda Motor Corp.'s Mazdaspeed6, the new 2006 all-wheel drive, high performance sedan.
Bridgestone Corp. supplies the 215/45R18XL 93Y tires to Mazda's Hofu, Japan, manufacturing facility. The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A carries a UTQG rating of 140 for tread wear, "A" for traction and "A" for temperature.
"This marks the first Bridgestone brand performance tire fitment on a Mazdaspeed vehicle," says Michael Martini, president, original equipment consumer tire division, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC (BFNT). "The Mazdaspeed6 special edition will be sold in North America starting in August."
The fitment is the result of a continuing relationship between Bridgestone Corp. and Mazda in Japan.
The Potenza RE050A features the company's exclusive UNI-T technology for wet and dry traction. Its tread pattern is designed to promote rapid water evacuation, along with variable dimensions in the tread block and a smoother shape to reduce road noise.
An asymmetrical tread pattern inreases surface contact to enhance acceleration and cornering, says Bridgestone.
The Mazdaspeed6 is Mazda's new 274-horsepower all-wheel drive performance vehicle. It features a direct-injection, turbocharged, 2.3-liter engine and a new active torque all-wheel drive system.
