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Bridgestone introduces street legal track-spec Potenza RE-71RS tyre range

Street legal semi slicks improve grip and handling over predecessor, with better wear life into the deal.


Bridgestone’s new Potenza RE-71RS tyre has gone on sale in Australia, positioned as an entry-level motorsport offering within Bridgestone’s high performance range.

Stepping in for the previous RE-71R, the new RE71-RS fills the range between the high performance road-focussed RE003 and S007A, and the track-only RE-11S.

According to Bridgestone, the RE-71RS delivers a five per cent increase in wear life over the tyre it replaces, while also boasting lower noise during road use.

Among key features of the new range is a tread pattern design with an 11 per cent larger contact patch, thanks to the use of a high-grip polymer compound for enhanced grip in dry conditions.

A slick outer shoulder provides maximum contact, while wet weather performance is enhanced via two deep grooves for water drainage.

Bridgestone says in its own internal benchmarking, the RE-71RS returned an average lap time improvement of up to 1.1 per cent, with a peak lap time improvement up to two per cent – as fitted to a modified Subaru BRZ with a Bridgestone Motorsport test driver at the helm.

To validate its wear improvement claims, Bridgestone conducted 8000km of durability testing with tyre rotations at every 2000km.

"Semi-slick tyres are often a misunderstood segment of the market, with many enthusiasts mistaking them as only for track use," Bridgestone sales director Heath Barclay said in a statement.

"In the development of the Potenza RE-71RS, Bridgestone was careful to ensure it delivered the performance track days demand, while also being suitable for day-to-day driving," Mr Barclay said.

"The RE-71RS removes the need to have separate tyres for track use as well as a more comfortable set for the rest of the week. Track day enthusiasts will be drawn to the performance of the RE-71RS, while the improvements to grip levels, wear life and everyday noise levels will make it a prime choice for this segment of the market due to its versatility."

In Australia, the Potenza RE-71RS will be available in 27 sizes. Fitments range from 15 to 21-inches, with 15- and 16-inch sizes carrying a V speed rating, and 17-inch and above wearing a W speed rating.

The range opens with a 185/55 R15 – the widest size available is a 295/30 R18 – while sizes up to 285/35 R19 and 285/35 R20 sit at the top of the range. From launch Bridgestone says it has all sizes warehoused locally.


Kez Casey

Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.

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