Talk about the accessories you like in ONE.MOTORING Forum's Accessories & Parts.
Forum

ADRENALIN PUMPING

Mention "Bridgestone", and every car enthusiasts will attest to how good the tyre brand is at developing high performance tyres. The brand's latest addition to its high-performance Potenza range, the Potenza RE001 Adrenalin, is cited to replace both the outgoing Potenza GIII and Potenza S-03 Pole Position. Bridgestone's move to replace both outgoing high-performance models with just one new model can be considered a bold move, looking at how popular both the GIII and S-03 were.

The Adrenalin features the latest in tyre technology from Bridgestone - it has a semi-slick shoulder design, a wide straight groove, twin ribs and a new 3D centre block. Not only that, the Adrenalin has a wider contact patch on the road - resulting in a flat contact, which allows the driver to get a direct feel of the road from the tyre, to the steering wheel. Reinforced sidewall and high stiff base compound promises sharp, smooth response and stability.

PERFORMANCE

The test car for this real world test is a 1.6 litre sedan - which also happens to be one of the Adrenalin's main targeted market. Previously, yours truly was running on another high-performance rubber from a competitor. Although that one has high levels of grip, its comfort level is definitely best described as non-existent, especially after hitting the 25,000km mark.

Generally a rule of thumb, some mileage needs to be clocked to ensure the tyres are properly scrubbed-in. With the case of the Adrenalin, it took less than 400km to be readily acquainted with the tarmac.

Once scrubbed-in, one characteristic that stood out first is how comfortable it is - almost on par with the brand's own comfort-based tyre, the GR-80. It's surprisingly pliant and comfortable at the same time, even though it has a thread design that suggests it's a sports-oriented tyre. The Adrenalin is a superb performer in the dry - it is able to follow steering inputs in a precise manner, making it easily predictable for the driver to gauge the climatic point. Crisp turn-in response will definitely appease 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's assuring to know that the Adrenalin can still follow the driver's steering input even in situations like those. Also, if there's such a term "skid-resistant", the Adrenalin stands a shiny chance at being one such tyre.

It continues to shine even in the wet, giving a rare sense of confidence to hit three-figure speeds, although this isn't physically encouraged. When thrown at water puddles, the Adrenalin will still pull away safely - aquaplaning resistance is definitely one of the Adrenalin's strong suit.

A quick check with one of Bridgestone's technical consultant revealed that the Adrenalin is not a directional tyre - hence, when it's time for the tyres to be rotated (to ensure the tyres wear out evenly), the Adrenalin can be rotated either from front to back, or criss-cross. And that is rare for a high performance tyre!

IN A NUTSHELL

Looking for a set of high-performance tyre, but not willing to compromise on comfort? The Potenza RE001 Adrenalin is definitely worth considering. It has superb balance between performance and comfort, offers a tenacious amount of grip in the dry, and gives an assuring level of grip in the wet. All these traits available in just one tyre used to be rare, but the arrival of the Adrenalin just proves that Bridgestone has the capability to come up with such a tyre. The rest of the competition better start worrying...

Oneshift.com is the new, hip authoritative website for the passionate car enthusiast who wants to have anything and everything to do with cars. Backed by a community of strong enthusiasts, including a professional panel of road test journalists, Oneshift has under its wing a supportive, growing car community that houses members of every age from different walks of life.