Bridgestone replaces Potenza RE-71RS with new Potenza RE-71RZ

Bridgestone has officially taken off the wraps on its replacement for its Potenza RE-71RS, one today’s top Super 200 tires: Meet the new Potenza RE-71RZ. GRM test to come very soon.

Here’s the release:

• Faster Track Times: Outpacing the previous generation Potenza RE-71RS tire, the Potenza RE-71RZ tire achieves a .74 second faster dry track lap time and .75 second faster wet track lap time in head-to-head testing on the world-famous Tsukuba Circuit2.

• Responsive Steering: Excellent handling and precision are achieved through the Potenza RE-71RZ tire’s design, featuring a stiffer tread pattern and a larger outside shoulder (compared to the RE-71RS tire) to maximize grip and stability from the street to the track.

• Enhanced On-Track Wear Life: By leveraging a redesigned tread pattern with the main groove on the inside edge, the Potenza RE-71RZ tire helps suppress uneven wear compared to the Potenza RE-71RS tire.

Key engineering features of the tire include:

• New Performance Compounds: Features a new rubber compound utilizing insights and technology cultivated from motorsports and NanoPro-Tech3 technology to enhance performance at the molecular level. The compound uses engineered particles of silica and polymer to deliver superior grip on both dry and wet surfaces, compared to the previous model.

• New Tread Pattern: The newly developed pattern maximizes road contact and groove efficiency. Slick shoulders increase block rigidity, while wide straight inner grooves enhance water evacuation, to achieve high levels of grip and improved wear resistance on the track.

• Unique Structure: Using ULTIMAT EYE4, a unique digital modeling tool to refine the tire’s structure and profile, the contact area of the tire is more uniform, providing higher grip during cornering.

Developed with Professional Driver Insights

Features of the tire were made in collaboration with professional drivers Masahiro Sasaki5, the 2016 Toyota GAZOO GR Cup champion, and Yuji Tachikawa6, a three-time GT500 series champion. Bridgestone applied the drivers’ expertise from the track to tire development. At the Tsukuba Circuit 2000 (Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan), the drivers achieved approximately 0.7 seconds2 faster lap times compared to the previous model, the Potenza RE-71RS tire, during on-track testing.

“As its strong point, the Potenza RE-71RZ achieves a high level of performance in both grip and controllability,” said Sasaki. “It delivers improved dry and wet performance for street use, while also achieving faster lap times and better wear resistance on the track. This tire delivers high performance in various situations, making it enjoyable and easy to handle for both everyday driving and track use.”

“This tire is designed for easy handling, allowing anyone t experience precise control along with excellent grip,” said Tachikawa. “The tire is focused on quick warm-up for immediate, high-grip performance as well as reliable wet grip, resulting in a well- balanced tire suitable for various driving conditions.”

Ready for competition, the Potenza RE-71RZ tire meets all requirements for the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and will be eligible for competition use in 2026 for Solo and Time Trials. The new tire will be available in 45 sizes and will go on sale in the North American market on December 31, 2025

 

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