Bridgestone Potenza RE001 Adrenalin

Tyre stats: 205/50 R-16
Rating: 87 W
Scrub in: 400km

Bridgestone’s move to replace both outgoing high-performance models with just one flagship can be considered a bold move, considering the popularity of the GIII and S-03 Pole Position.

With the brand’s bold and aggressive marketing blitz, it is very apparent that they're extremely confident with their product.

The Adrenalin features the latest in tyre technology from Bridgestone - it has a semi-slick shoulder in design, a straight wide groove, twin ribs and a new 3D centre block.

The wider contact patch translates to a very direct feel of the road from tyre, to steering wheel. Bridgestone also claims that the reinforced sidewall and high, stiff base compound promises sharp, smooth response and stability.

My first encounter with the Adrenalin took place at the Sepang circuit, and although the limits were extensively discovered, tested and exploited in a controlled environment, it was quite hard to make a conclusive impression.

In the real world. we used a 1.6 litre sedan which also happens to make the bulk of the Singapore car population. It also happens to be one of the Adrenalin’s main targeted market.

My previous high-performance rubbers were almost worn out and extremely noisy, despite the high level of grip, and comfort levels were best described as non-existent, especially after hitting the 25,000km mark.

The rule of thumb whilst testing any kind of tyre, is to allow a tad of mileage to be clocked in order to ensure the tyres are scrubbed-in and even. At the 400km mark, it was readily acquainted with the tarmac.

An immediate characteristic that stood out was the comfort level. It is almost on par with the brand’s own comfort-based tyre, the GR-80, and is surprisingly supple.

The Adrenalin is a superb performer in the dry - steering inputs are translated wonderfully in a very sharp and precise manner, giving the driver a good feel for the limits through corners.

The crisp turn-in response will definitely appease the savage beast of the sports-oriented driver. Despite the Adrenalin’s rather soft sidewall, it doesn’t seem unfazed when corners are taken fast and aggressively – it will progressively make its way to its limit, before warning the driver to ease off the accelerator.

There were instances where hard braking and emergency manoeuvres had to be made, and it is very assuring to know that the Adrenalin follows with an even keel. If a term such as “skid-resistant” ever existed, then the Adrenalin clinches the moniker fair and square.

It continues to shine even in the wet, giving a rare sense of confidence that makes one foolishly feel comfortable at three-figured speeds. Even when thrown into huge puddles, the tyres enable the car to pull away safely. Resistance to aquaplaning is definitely one of the Adrenalin’s plus points.

Bridgestone’s says that the Adrenalin isn't directional – hence, when it’s time for the tyres to be rotated (thus, ensuring even wear), this set of tyres can be rotated either from front to back, or criss-cross. Now thats rare for high performance tyres!

Looking for a set of high-performance tyres, but not willing to compromise much on comfort? The Potenza RE001 Adrenalin is definitely worth considering. It has superb balance between performance and comfort, offers tenacious amounts of grip in the dry grip assuringly in the wet.

Prices start from just $140 for 15 inchers, and do not cost much more when it comes to the 16 inch variants.

Tyres available with this all-in-one trait were nearly non-existent, but the advent of the Adrenalin just proves that Bridgestone has the capability to change the rules of the game almost completely. The rest of you tyre companies had better start worrying…

Credits: Text and Photos by Azfar Hashim