Bridgestone has become the tire supplier for the Audi e-tron GT
Bridgestone, which currently equips almost every fifth Audi car, has also become a supplier of tires for the updated electric sedan e-tron GT, the Japanese tire manufacturer's press service reported.
Recently presented Bridgestone Potenza Sport A tires were certified for the e-tron GT, which were refined taking into account the characteristics and high power of the electric car and passed certification in accordance with the strict standards of the German car manufacturer, which also approved them for equipping the sports version of the sedan called RS e-tron GT performance.
Potenza Sport A became the first mass-produced Bridgestone tire, 55% of which is made from recycled and renewable materials and has an environmental certificate ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) Plus. "We are proud that with the help of such tires as Bridgestone Potenza Sport A, we are making mobility more environmentally friendly, even in the segment of very high-performance cars," said Steven De Bock, Vice President for Original Equipment at Bridgestone's EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) division. — Our innovative tires are helping to develop the next generation of electric cars, and the supply of tires for the e-Tron GT is another important stage in our strategic cooperation with Audi».
Bridgestone adds that the Potenza Sport A has "best-in-class" energy efficiency and received an "A" rating for rolling resistance according to the European classification, which helps to ensure the e-tron GT's range without recharging, which is around 500 km. The assessment "A" was also received for grip on wet pavement, and the manufacturer emphasizes that the tires provide maximum control and excellent handling sensitivity, including when driving in a sporty style.
The tires for the e-tron GT have a tread pattern and carcass design modified to improve handling, traction, and ride comfort. According to Robin Stettner, Audi's tire development engineer, "with its power of up to 925 horsepower, the Audi RS e-tron GT performance is an incredibly fast car designed for exceptional dynamics, and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport A tire is perfectly suited for it, as it meets our high standards in terms of safety and environmental friendliness».
Bridgestone Potenza Sport A is produced using the Enliten technology, and initially this meant that lightweight materials are used in production, which reduces rolling resistance and increases the range. Now Enliten is a whole package of technologies, which, according to the company, reduces the environmental impact by reducing carbon dioxide emissions, increases resource efficiency through the use of recycled and renewable raw materials, and also improves vehicle control and reduces noise levels.
The tires were developed in Europe and will be supplied for the e-Tron GT in sizes 265/35 R21 and 305/30 R21 for the front and rear axles, respectively. Production will be carried out at a plant near Rome, which received the ISCC Plus certificate in 2022 and was also certified to the ISO 50001 standard for efficient energy management. The production uses only electricity, and the energy is generated from renewable sources, which meets Bridgestone's sustainable development goals, which also imply that by 2050 the company will completely switch to using environmentally friendly raw materials.