Bridgestone has been chosen as the exclusive supplier for the new Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy. The hot hatch will be equipped with Potenza S001 and Potenza S007 tires, which have been refined especially for the application, on 19in wheels.
“We have put larger blocks on the outside of the tread pattern to improve dry handling and braking, and smaller blocks on the inside to optimize performance in the wet,” explained Mark Tejedor, VP of original equipment for Bridgestone EMEA. “This improved the contact line for a better connection with the road’s surface and enhanced stability at high speed. It also increased the lateral forces, making it possible to corner quickly – a must for a hot hatch.”
The innovations extend beyond tread pattern and groove geometrics. The tires are made from an advanced material compound and feature a reinforced sidewall, increasing the stiffness of the carcass and improving responsiveness and cornering power.
“We reduced the rolling resistance – keeping the Potenza S001 in line with regulations for today and tomorrow – and secured the EU Grade A label for wet grip,” explained Tejedor. “Designing and producing tires in Europe for a vehicle being engineered in Europe allowed us to work closely together at every step.”
Thierry Landreau technical director at Renault Sport Cars added, “We were genuinely fine-tuning every little update with each other. Having the Bridgestone team on board early on meant they knew exactly what was needed. The result is that you can feel an incredible accuracy in the vehicle’s performance.”
