Bridgestone Potenzas

[BartyB]

It looks as though the time has come to get some new rubber and am thinking of Bridgestone Potenza RE 050s to replace the current Pirellis. Has anyone any experience of these tyres on a Boxster S?

I've used Bridgestones on my bikes and they've been superior in several respects to Michelins or Pirellis. My experience with an M3 and a 330Ci shod with Bridgestones was very positive too but would like to know if this is likely to be the experience on the Boxster.

BB.

 

[Black80XSA]

RE050s are not Porsche approved for the 986 cars, only the current 987 series.

Thats not to say they won't perform well, but its another thing you have to weigh up when deciding on tyres.

From Recollection the N rated tyres in 18" rim size are Yokohama AVS Sport, Dunlop SP9090 (N rated version of the SP9000), Michelin Pilot (original version, otherwise called the MXM tyre in the 90s) and Pirelli P Zero Rosso. Out of those Michelin are very well regarded, Dunlop didn't feature on too many cars from the factory but are a very good wet weather tyre, and a little quieter than the Michelins. Pirelli Rossos give high grip wet or dry, but can in some cases wear alarmingly quickly.

 

[911sse]

I used Bridgestone SO2's on my 3.2 Carrera and loved the tyre.

Always used Pirelli P-Zero N4 Rosso's and think they are just as good, although the wear rate is low, the driving is rewarded. Much less road noise than other Boxsters I have been in with Michelin tyres.

 

[BartyB]

Many thanks for the very helpful input guys. I appreciate there is an obvious need to conform to manufacturers' specifications in terms of size and speed rating but must say I'm not sold on the N rating line.

I did some digging on other Posche forums and found a lot of positive commentary regarding the Potenzas. BB.