Bridgestone, the number one tyre and rubber manufacturer in the world, has been appointed as one of the tyre suppliers for the new Ferrari California T. The new V8 turbocharged Ferrari now can leave Maranello production line with Bridgestone Potenza S007 RFT (Run-Flat Technology) sport tyres.
“Bridgestone is extremely proud to continue its long-standing partnership with Ferrari and be selected to develop tyres for the superb new California T” says Jake Rønsholt, Managing Director, Consumer Business Unit, Bridgestone Europe. “Potenza S007 has been specially developed to handle the extreme levels of lateral force generated by high-performance sports models such as Ferrari California T.”
Bridgestone engineers developed Potenza S007 based on construction and materials technologies developed during Bridgestone’s 14 seasons as official FIA Formula One tyre supplier. To meet Ferrari’s specifications for improved fuel efficiency, these technologies were combined with Bridgestone’s advanced knowledge of tyres at the molecular level, helping to optimize the mixture ratio and reaction between carbon, silica and rubber, which reduces rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
The asymmetric pattern design of Potenza S007 features rigid tread blocks to enhance steering response and grip on dry surfaces. The wide outside tread in combination with a specially-tuned carcass construction, including twin steel belts reinforced with two layers of spirally wrapped nylon, provides high-speed durability and maximum cornering grip, even under the most severe load conditions. The Run-Flat Technology option adds safety and peace of mind to the equation.
Bridgestone has developed tyres for Ferrari and supplied original equipment to Maranello production cars since the Ferrari 348 in 1990. Many of Ferrari’s flagship models have been fitted with Bridgestone tyres. Bridgestone also supplied Potenza F1 racing tyres to the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team between 1999 and 2010 – an era in which Scuderia Ferrari won the Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship eight times and the Drivers’ Championship on seven occasions.
