Bridgestone Potenza Sport
 

Bridgestone has recently released this new tyre in a gazzilon different sizes. Auto Bild crowned it the best tyre in 20 inches rating it above Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.

These will be my new tires for this summer. They are newcomer to my wished UUHP "PSS" class, and unlike rest of new tires (MPS4S, CS6, GY F1 SS) that in Europe are available at best starting at 18" sizing (probably due new GRMN Yaris), these Potenza Sport are in 17" size aswell, and are priced surprisingly cheap.

Yeah, I don't understand the marketing decision here. I've read/watched great things about the MPS4S but there are people who have wheels of less than 18" dia.

Well, i had previously non-S MPS4 (much wider list of sizing options). And it was great .. except too street biased, quick to overheat on track. And yes, MPS4S available in 17" only in US. So it was more about older UUHP tires if that class is wished. AD08R, "old" PSS, GTR Champiro SX2 and such .. until these potenzas, for rest no 17".
I'm guessing that tire sizing choice for specific domestic markets may depend a bit on what new cars are sold/released there and what their sizing and OE tires are and where specific sizes are manufactured. For example new Vette is sold mostly in US, not in EU. Or until GRMN Yaris release, MPS4S were sold in EU only in 19-20+ sizes (probably for some exotics/super cars), not even 18". So if tire size for specific car is mostly made in US by tire vendor, it may make less sense to ship part of them overseas to other DMs, that may have other cars with other sizing sold normally, and have unsold inventory.

Mps4s has been available in 17s for two or three years now.

Edit: didn't realize you were in kangaroo land sorry.

I have spoken to Michelin AU asking if they would get me tyres that are available overseas. They weren't interested. Gave me some spiel how tyres are designed for local markets and they might not be suitable for here. I replied that the tyre model I wanted was available here just not in the size I wanted. No no no, not interested.

I get the impression tyre manufactures are very protective of their local turf.

There could be other reasons but they were likely being honest/truthful in this statement.

You should see the security at a tire manufacturing plant. It's up there with military security.

This tire was tested letely over here by guys from Motolab (smallish channel but they do some interesting track stuff time to time) and they really liked it - they even won their class during latest Miata Challange on this tire (semi wet track).
From what the’ve said it feels like it’s supposed to be MPS4S competitor maybe with even more track use potential. Should have stiffer than regular MPS4 sidewall and should not get greasy so quick after a few hot laps.
Pricing is really good too with many smaller than 18’ sizes.
Now I can’t decide if I should get this new Bridgestones or AD08rs :bonk:

If these are closer to MPS4S .. i'd get these. Imho AD08r are less universal, at least wet-grip wise, even if dry grip is still competitive

I wanna try these tires as I'm currently on NS2r and I need something less extreme...anyone here has tried these Bridgestone with medium to stiff rates like 6/7kg on these cars?