Bridgestone has announced the development of a custom version of its Potenza Race semi-slick tyre for the new Volkswagen Golf GTI EDITION 50, the commemorative 50th anniversary model of the GTI line. The exclusive tyre has been engineered to match the heightened performance levels of what is now the most powerful production GTI ever released. The EDITION 50 recently achieved the fastest Nurburgring lap time for any Volkswagen production vehicle, completing the 20.82-kilometre Nordschleife in 7 minutes 46.13 seconds earlier this year.
The collaboration reflects a longstanding association between performance vehicles and the Potenza name, with Bridgestone drawing upon its motorsport heritage to develop a compound and structure tuned for both dry performance and wet grip. Its tread design and cavity profile were optimised specifically to meet the rigorous demands of the Nurburgring circuit.
Volkswagen chose to reveal the GTI EDITION 50 during the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, underlining the model’s racing ambitions and celebrating the GTI’s legacy in front of motorsport enthusiasts. The car that broke the lap record was exclusively fitted with Bridgestone’s new Potenza Race configuration in a 235/35 R19 91Y size, featuring a unique Volkswagen sidewall marking to signify its tailored design.
Radoslaw Bolkowski, Vice President of OE Sales, Bridgestone EMEA, stated that the tyre’s development was aimed at maximising every aspect of the GTI’s performance. He described the Nürburgring success as a proud moment and a strong example of what targeted collaboration between manufacturer and supplier can accomplish.
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