If you want a max-performance summer tire that meets the challenges of spirited driving and daily commuting, the new Bridgestone Potenza Sport EVO is going to be worth looking at. Released today as a successor to the Potenza Sport, Bridgestone says this new model is longer-lasting without sacrificing steering response. Modern cars—especially EVs and heavy performance sedans—want contradictory things: sharp steering, wet grip, reasonable tread life, and lower rolling resistance. Sport EVO looks like Bridgestone is trying to hit all four rather than chasing pure dry grip. That should make it a good option for a lot of driving enthusiasts who live somewhere warm or switch wheels twice a year.
Remember, it’s essential not to let true summer tires get cold. Don’t even leave them outside in winter—if they spend any real time in below-freezing temps, they can fail! That’s any summer rubber, not just Bridgestones.
View Price on AmazonThe Sport EVO is mainly intended for use under performance-focused sports cars, luxury vehicles, coupes, and sedans with 124 sizes (41 more than the previous Potenza Sport) available in the near future. Only six are popping up on Bridgestone’s site as of this writing, but there are far more on TireRack. Cars like BMW’s M-lite lineup, Audi S models, VW Golf R/GTI, and even sporty EVs like the Tesla Model 3 Performance and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N are prime candidates.
This tire is more performance-oriented than the Potenza Sport AS, but less intense (and should last longer) than the RE-71RZ. Prices vary considerably between fitments, but the smaller Sport EVO options are around $225, with larger ones going up to $470 per tire. Bridgestone is also doing a $80 rebate (or a $180 rebate if you use a CFNA credit card) if you buy a set of tires before May 31—check that deal out on TireRack.
The optimized compound has been molded into an asymmetric tread pattern with large, uninterrupted circumferential ribs for enhanced longitudinal grip and broad, outboard shoulder blocks to provide strong cornering traction and lateral stability. The tread compound has been optimized with additives focused on advancing wet traction and stability for capable wet performance.
Here’s the official spiel from Bridgestone: “The optimized compound has been molded into an asymmetric tread pattern with large, uninterrupted circumferential ribs for enhanced longitudinal grip and broad, outboard shoulder blocks to provide strong cornering traction and lateral stability. The tread compound has been optimized with additives focused on advancing wet traction and stability for capable wet performance. The specially engineered pattern geometry ensures even contact patch pressure while promoting water evacuation for even wear and hydroplaning resistance. Tuned tread block sequencing and lateral notches help minimize tread harmonics for a comfortable ride and low road noise.”
Source: thedrive.com
