The time: 7am. The destination: Norwell Motorplex. The reason: the launch of the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005. Among a sea of banners we found shiny Toyota GR 86’s shod in fresh rubber.
The environment was electric, surrounded by fellow media, we were about to embark on day filled with rubber. For 11 years, the Potenza Adrenalin range offered just the popular RE003 – a great tyre for sure, but one that is starting to date in terms of technology.
Up against advancing rivals, its replacement (RE004) was deemed unsuitable for Australian conditions. Back to the drawing board they went, focusing on what true Australian driving enthusiasts need: a tyre that can be fun in the sun, serious in the wet, and long-lasting.
And in our opinion, that’s worked. Against the RE003 it replaces, the RE005 offers a seven per cent increase in dry braking performance with a 1m shorter stop, and a 12 per cent increase in wet braking with about a 3m shorter stop.
To be offered in a total of 50 sizes ranging from 195/55R15 though to 275/30R20, it covers the majority of the performance market and is suited to a wide range of fitments, including Japanese icons like Toyota GR 86, Mazda MX-5 and Subaru WRX.
It also suits the likes of the Mitsubishi Evo, popular European models like the VW Golf and Polo GTi and BMW 3 Series, as well as homegrown heroes, such as the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon, along with modern classics such as the Ford Mustang and Kia Stinger.
Now greener than ever before, the ENLITEN technology includes material circularity, with an emphasis on relying less on virgin raw materials. Recovered carbon black can also be found in the tyre’s mix, which is one of its clearest sustainability-linked points.
“Potenza Adrenalin RE005 enters the Australian market with enormous anticipation as the next tyre in what has become an iconic range,” Bridgestone ANZ managing director Heath Barclay said.
Normally a heavy raw material, its reuse reduces dependence on new material extraction. Interestingly, it can also be found in the track surface at Norwell, utilised as part of the circuit’s sustainability model.
Out on the tarmac, things kicked off with a slalom run, with one one vehicle shod in RE005 rubber. The other wore boots from a certain French competitor. Being able to experience the Bridgestone tyre against what is easily its main rival made for an interesting comparison.
We took the opposition product through the cones first, and quickly got the hang of the track layout and completed the course with ease. We then moved the the RE005. It gripped and attacked the corners like a champ, with little to no oversteer through faster sections.
Moving from there to a wet pan, we jumped into an M240i and took on the donut-shaped circuit, trying to make the rear end kick out. Keep in mind this was tested with all the stability controls still on to simulate a real-world environment, so as expected, it stayed stable.
In saying that, the Bridgestone rubber proved a solid performer, so if you were to turn the driver assistance package off, it was more than capable of having a good time. Our last test took in the full circuit, and the cars didn’t budge from the driving line.
It boogied through the whole track, gripping around corners, planting itself on the straights, and making the whole experience come together. There’s no denying the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005 will be a force to be reckoned with, and has a tick in our books.
Not only is it a great, reliable tyre for enthusiasts, but it’s an affordable long lasting option as well. Pricing is expected to sit between $250 and $570, depending on size, width and profile, which isn’t ugly when you compare it to some of its more pricey competitors.
The Potenza Adrenalin RE005 is on sale now through the the brand’s Select Tyre & Auto network, Bridgestone Service Centres, and reputable partners such as Bob Jane T-Marts, JAX Tyres & Auto, Tyrepower and Costco.
