Bridgestone Potenza S007 Review: The Ultimate Performance Tire for Driving Enthusiasts

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When the rubber meets the road, few tires deliver the exhilarating performance and precise handling of the Bridgestone Potenza S007. Engineered for those who demand nothing but the best from their vehicles, this max-performance summer tire represents the pinnacle of Bridgestone’s tire technology and racing heritage.

Born from Formula 1 racing experience and named after the world’s most famous fictional spy, the Potenza S007 combines cutting-edge materials with meticulous design to create a tire that truly lives up to its high-performance pedigree. Whether you’re pushing your sports car through winding mountain roads or seeking that extra edge on track day, the S007 delivers the grip, responsiveness, and confidence that driving enthusiasts crave.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore what makes the Bridgestone Potenza S007 stand out in the crowded ultra-high-performance tire market. From its innovative construction and exceptional dry performance to its surprising wet-weather capabilities and everyday usability, we’ll examine why this tire has earned its reputation as one of the premier choices for performance-oriented drivers. Let’s dive into what makes the Potenza S007 worthy of the “license to thrill” its name suggests.

What is the Bridgestone Potenza S007?

The Bridgestone Potenza S007 is a high-performance summer tire designed for sports cars, muscle cars, and high-powered vehicles that demand exceptional grip and handling on dry and wet roads. This max-performance summer tire is engineered to deliver superior dry traction, responsive steering, and impressive cornering stability, allowing drivers to push their vehicles to the limit with confidence.

The Potenza S007 features an asymmetric tread pattern with large outboard shoulder blocks for enhanced cornering grip and continuous center rib for high-speed stability. The advanced silica-enhanced compound provides excellent road adhesion and helps maintain traction in wet conditions. Additionally, the tire’s internal structure includes twin steel belts reinforced with spirally wrapped nylon for improved strength and durability.

With its focus on maximum dry performance and precise handling characteristics, the Bridgestone Potenza S007 is an ideal choice for driving enthusiasts who prioritize dynamic driving experiences on the street or occasional track days. This ultra-high-performance summer tire delivers the grip, responsiveness, and control that performance-oriented drivers crave.

Design and Construction

The Bridgestone Potenza S007 is a masterfully engineered summer tire designed to deliver uncompromising performance on the road. Its advanced construction utilizes cutting-edge materials and technologies to ensure optimal grip, handling, and durability.

At the heart of the S007’s design lies a specialized silica-enriched tread compound. This compound is meticulously formulated to provide exceptional dry and wet traction while maintaining impressive wear resistance. The tread pattern features a directional design with wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches, effectively evacuating water from the contact patch and enhancing hydroplaning resistance.

Bridgestone’s engineers have incorporated their proprietary Nano Pro-Tech technology into the S007’s construction. This innovative technology uses a unique polymer control system that enhances the interaction between the silica and polymers in the tread compound. As a result, the tire achieves improved grip, particularly in dry conditions, without sacrificing treadwear.

The tire’s internal structure is reinforced with a twin-layer casing ply, which provides increased stability and responsiveness during high-speed maneuvers. Additionally, the S007 features optimized sidewall construction, striking a perfect balance between rigidity and flexibility, contributing to precise steering response and improved cornering performance.

Bridgestone has also implemented their Spiral Winding Technique in the S007’s construction. This technique involves wrapping the belts at a specific angle, which enhances the tire’s overall uniformity and reduces the risk of high-speed vibrations, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even at elevated speeds.

Performance on Dry Roads

The Bridgestone Potenza S007 truly shines when it comes to dry road performance. This max performance summer tire is engineered to deliver exceptional grip, precise handling, and confident braking on dry pavement.

During spirited driving on winding roads, the Potenza S007 demonstrates tenacious cornering grip. The advanced silica-enhanced tread compound bites into the asphalt, allowing the tire to carve through corners with minimal understeer. Even when pushing the limits, the S007 maintains its composure, inspiring confidence behind the wheel.

Straight-line acceleration and braking are also areas where the Potenza S007 excels. The optimized tread pattern and stiff tread blocks provide excellent traction, translating the engine’s power to the road with minimal wheelspin. When it’s time to shed speed, the S007’s impressive dry braking capabilities allow for shorter stopping distances, giving drivers an added sense of control.

Whether navigating tight hairpin turns or charging down the straightaway, the Bridgestone Potenza S007 delivers the kind of dry road performance enthusiasts crave. Its predictable and responsive handling characteristics make it a favorite among drivers who demand the utmost in grip and precision from their summer tires.

Performance in Wet Conditions

The Bridgestone Potenza S007 delivers impressive wet grip and hydroplaning resistance for a max performance summer tire. Its directional tread pattern features wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that effectively evacuate water from the contact patch. This helps maintain traction on slick surfaces and reduces the risk of hydroplaning.

During testing on wet roads, the S007 demonstrated tenacious grip when cornering and braking. The tire remains composed and responsive even when pushed hard in rainy conditions. The tread compound, optimized for warm temperatures, maintains its pliability in wet weather to maximize contact with the road.

While not intended for winter use, the Potenza S007 can handle light rain showers without sacrificing control or stability. However, like all summer tires, its wet traction capabilities diminish in heavy downpours or standing water compared to dedicated rain tires. Overall, the S007 provides reassuring wet road performance suited for its max performance summer tire category.

Comfort and Noise Levels

The Bridgestone Potenza S007 delivers an impressively smooth and quiet ride for a max performance summer tire. Its advanced tread design and construction help minimize road noise and vibration, even at higher speeds on the highway. The tire’s internal structure is optimized for comfort, with reinforced sidewalls and a polyester casing that absorbs shocks and bumps effectively.

While some ultra-high-performance tires can feel harsh and transmit a lot of road noise into the cabin, the Potenza S007 strikes a nice balance between grip and refinement. It provides a comfortable driving experience suitable for daily use, without sacrificing the responsive handling and cornering prowess you’d expect from a summer performance tire.

During testing on various road surfaces, the Potenza S007 exhibited minimal tread noise and vibration, even over rougher patches of pavement. The tire’s tread pattern is designed to reduce air pumping and resonance, resulting in a pleasantly quiet ride quality. Passengers can enjoy conversations or audio without excessive noise intrusion from the tires.

It’s worth noting that the Potenza S007’s comfort levels may vary slightly depending on the specific vehicle, suspension setup, and tire pressure. However, in general, this tire delivers a smooth and well-mannered ride that belies its impressive grip and cornering capabilities. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or tackling winding backroads, the Potenza S007 provides a refined and comfortable driving experience.

Treadwear and Durability

The Bridgestone Potenza S007 is designed to deliver exceptional dry and wet traction performance while also providing respectable treadwear and durability. Bridgestone utilizes an advanced tread compound and design to balance these competing factors.

In terms of treadwear, the Potenza S007 carries a UTQG treadwear rating of 300, which is about average for the ultra-high performance summer tire category. This means you can expect around 20,000 to 30,000 miles of tread life under normal driving conditions, depending on your driving style, vehicle, and maintenance habits.

While not class-leading, this level of treadwear is reasonable given the tire’s extreme grip capabilities. More aggressive summer tires often sacrifice some treadlife for maximum dry traction. The Potenza finds a nice middle ground for enthusiasts who want strong performance without replacing tires every season.

Bridgestone backs the S007 with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee as well as a 6-year standard warranty against defects in workmanship and materials. There is no explicit treadwear warranty, which is common for ultra-high performance summer tires that experience higher rates of tread wear.

The tire’s internal construction incorporates twin steel belts reinforced with spirally wrapped nylon to enhance durability and uniformity at higher speeds. The polyester casing plies are designed to be heat-resistant and provide high-speed capability. Overall, the S007 has a sturdy internal structure to withstand the demands of performance driving.

Proper tire maintenance like rotation, inflation, and alignment will help maximize the Potenza S007’s treadwear and overall durability. While not the longest-lasting tire, the S007 strikes a nice balance of grip and reasonable treadlife for driving enthusiasts.

Suitable Vehicles and Applications

The Bridgestone Potenza S007 is designed as a max performance summer tire, making it an excellent choice for sports cars, high-performance sedans, and coupes. These tires are engineered to deliver exceptional dry and wet traction, precise handling, and impressive cornering stability, catering to the needs of driving enthusiasts who prioritize exhilarating performance.

Vehicles that are well-suited for the Potenza S007 include sports cars like the Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, and Nissan 370Z. High-performance sedans such as the BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63, and Audi S4 are also ideal candidates for these tires, as they can fully utilize the tire’s capabilities on the road or track.

While the Potenza S007 excels in performance driving scenarios, it can also be a great choice for daily drivers who live in regions with warm climates and want a tire that provides excellent dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and a sporty driving experience. However, it’s important to note that these tires are not designed for winter conditions or temperatures below 45°F (7°C), as the compound becomes harder and less pliable, compromising traction and handling.

For those who frequently participate in track days or competitive driving events, the Potenza S007 can be an excellent choice, as its advanced construction and compound are engineered to withstand the high heat and stress generated during these activities. The tire’s stiff sidewalls and responsive handling characteristics allow for precise control and feedback, enabling drivers to push their vehicles to the limit with confidence.

Overall, the Bridgestone Potenza S007 is a specialized summer tire tailored for performance-oriented vehicles and driving enthusiasts who demand the highest levels of grip, handling, and cornering stability in warm weather conditions.

Comparison to Other High-Performance Summer Tires

The Bridgestone Potenza S007 is a top contender in the ultra-high-performance summer tire category, but it faces stiff competition from other premium offerings. Here’s how it stacks up against some of its closest rivals:

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: Considered by many to be the benchmark in this class, the Pilot Sport 4S delivers exceptional dry and wet grip, precise handling, and impressive treadwear. It’s a bit more expensive than the S007 but often ranks slightly higher in independent tests.

Continental ExtremeContact Sport: A well-rounded option that excels in both dry and wet conditions, the ExtremeContact Sport is a close match for the S007 in terms of performance. It may have a slight edge in treadlife but falls a bit behind in outright grip and steering response.

Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3: Goodyear’s flagship summer tire is a formidable performer, especially when it comes to dry traction and high-speed stability. However, it tends to trail the S007 and other class leaders in wet grip and overall refinement.

Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R: For those seeking maximum on-track performance, the P Zero Trofeo R is a serious contender. It delivers incredible dry grip and precision but sacrifices some comfort and treadwear compared to the more street-focused S007.

In terms of pricing, the Bridgestone Potenza S007 falls roughly in the middle of the pack, making it a compelling value proposition given its well-rounded performance. While it may not quite match the outright grip of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or the treadlife of the Continental ExtremeContact Sport, the S007 strikes an excellent balance between these attributes at a relatively affordable price point.

Pricing and Value

The Bridgestone Potenza S007 is a premium high-performance summer tire, and its pricing reflects its position as a top-tier product in the market. While the exact cost can vary depending on the tire size and your location, you can generally expect to pay between $150 to $300 per tire.

Despite the higher upfront investment, the Potenza S007 offers excellent value for drivers seeking maximum performance and handling on dry and wet roads. Its advanced compound and tread design deliver uncompromising grip, precise steering response, and impressive braking capabilities, making it a worthy investment for driving enthusiasts and those who prioritize safety and control.

Bridgestone frequently offers promotions and discounts on the Potenza S007, especially during peak tire-buying seasons or when purchasing a full set. These deals can help offset the cost and make the tires more accessible to a wider range of buyers. It’s always worth checking with your local Bridgestone retailer or their website for any current promotions or rebates.

Additionally, many tire retailers and online stores offer competitive pricing, package deals, or financing options that can further enhance the value proposition of the Potenza S007. By shopping around and taking advantage of these offers, you can potentially save money while still enjoying the exceptional performance and quality of these high-end summer tires.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for getting the most out of your Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires. Here are some tips to ensure optimal performance and longevity:

Installation:

• Have the tires installed by a professional technician who can ensure proper balancing and alignment.
• If you’re replacing only two tires, install the new ones on the rear axle for better traction and stability.
• Check that the tire pressure is set to the manufacturer’s recommended levels for your vehicle.

Rotation:

• Rotate your tires every 5,000-8,000 miles to promote even treadwear.
• Follow the recommended rotation pattern (front-to-rear cross, rear-to-front cross, or a forward cross pattern).

Inflation:

• Check the tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
• Inflate the tires to the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) level for your vehicle’s load and driving conditions.
• Underinflation can cause excessive wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased risk of tire failure.
• Overinflation can lead to a harsh ride, increased wear in the center of the tread, and reduced traction.

Maintenance:

• Inspect the tires regularly for cuts, bulges, or other signs of damage.
• Check the tread depth using a tread depth gauge or the penny test (if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires).
• Have the tires balanced and aligned if you experience vibrations or uneven wear.
• Avoid excessive speeds, hard cornering, and aggressive braking, which can accelerate tire wear.

By following these installation and maintenance tips, you can maximize the performance, safety, and lifespan of your Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires.

Pros and Cons Summary

The Bridgestone Potenza S007 is a high-performance summer tire that offers exceptional dry and wet traction, precise handling, and a comfortable ride. Here’s a summary of its main pros and cons:

Pros:

• Excellent dry grip and cornering stability, making it ideal for spirited driving and track use
• Impressive wet weather performance, providing reliable traction on slick surfaces
• Responsive steering and precise handling, allowing for confident maneuvering
• Relatively quiet operation for a summer performance tire
• Stylish tread design with a sporty appearance
• Available in a wide range of sizes to fit various sports cars, sedans, and coupes

Cons:

• Treadwear and durability are average for this class of tire, requiring more frequent replacements
• Not suitable for winter or cold weather conditions due to the summer-only compound
• Can produce noticeable road noise, especially on rougher surfaces
• Prices are on the higher end for a summer performance tire
• Limited availability and selection for certain vehicle fitments

Overall, the Bridgestone Potenza S007 excels in providing maximum dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride for performance-oriented drivers. However, its shorter treadlife and higher price point should be considered against its exceptional capabilities.

FAQs

Bottom Line and Recommendations

The Bridgestone Potenza S007 is an excellent choice for drivers seeking maximum performance from their summer tires. With its advanced compound and asymmetric tread design, it delivers exceptional dry grip, precise handling, and impressive wet traction. While it may come at a premium price point, the S007 justifies its cost through its well-rounded capabilities and longevity on the road.

For enthusiasts with high-performance sports cars, luxury sedans, or powerful coupes, the Potenza S007 is an ideal match. Its responsive nature and tenacious grip allow you to push your vehicle to its limits with confidence. Whether you’re carving through twisty backroads or attacking the track, these tires will not disappoint.

Even if you don’t have a dedicated sports car, the S007 can still be an excellent option for drivers who prioritize handling and performance over outright comfort. Its stiff sidewalls and firm ride may not suit everyone’s preferences, but for those who value precise steering feel and minimal body roll, these tires deliver.

It’s worth noting that the Potenza S007 is a summer tire and should be swapped out for a dedicated winter or all-season set when temperatures drop below 45°F (7°C). Attempting to use these tires in cold or snowy conditions will severely compromise their performance and safety.

In summary, if you’re in the market for a top-tier summer performance tire and are willing to invest in a premium product, the Bridgestone Potenza S007 should be at the top of your list. Its exceptional dry and wet grip, precise handling, and impressive durability make it a standout choice for driving enthusiasts and performance-oriented vehicles.