Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT Review: The Ultimate Performance Tire With Run-Flat Peace of Mind

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When performance meets practicality, the result is the Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT. This ultra-high performance summer tire represents the pinnacle of Bridgestone’s engineering prowess, delivering exhilarating grip, precise handling, and the security of run-flat technology in one sophisticated package.

Designed specifically for drivers who refuse to compromise, the Potenza S007A RFT caters to high-performance vehicles ranging from luxury sports sedans to exotic supercars. Its advanced silica-enhanced compound and asymmetric tread pattern work in harmony to deliver exceptional traction in both dry and wet conditions, while the reinforced sidewalls provide that crucial safety net when you encounter an unexpected puncture.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll examine what makes the Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT a standout choice for performance enthusiasts who demand the best in grip, handling precision, and all-weather capability, without sacrificing the security that comes with run-flat technology. Whether you’re carving through canyon roads or navigating rain-soaked highways, this tire promises to elevate your driving experience to new heights.

What is the Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT?

The Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT is an ultra-high performance summer tire designed for sports cars, high-end luxury vehicles, and exotic supercars. It features Bridgestone’s latest run-flat technology (RFT), allowing you to continue driving for a limited distance even after a complete loss of air pressure.

This extreme performance summer tire delivers exceptional dry grip, precise handling, and confident braking, making it ideal for spirited driving on the street or track. The advanced silica-enhanced compound maximizes traction while the asymmetric tread pattern with massive outboard shoulders enhances cornering grip.

With its run-flat capabilities, the Potenza S007A RFT provides added peace of mind and eliminates the need to change a flat tire immediately. However, this technology does come with some trade-offs in ride comfort and treadwear compared to conventional tires. Nonetheless, for driving enthusiasts who prioritize maximum performance without compromising safety, the Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT is an outstanding choice for summer conditions.

Key Features

The Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT is a high-performance summer tire designed for sports cars, coupes, and sedans. It boasts several key features that contribute to its exceptional performance and capabilities:

Tread Compound: The tire features a advanced silica-enhanced tread compound that provides outstanding grip and traction on dry and wet surfaces. This compound is optimized for high-speed cornering and braking, ensuring precise handling and control.

Tread Design: The asymmetric tread pattern features a directional design with wide, rigid outer shoulder blocks for enhanced dry handling and cornering stability. The inner tread area is designed with a higher number of grooves and sipes for improved wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.

Run-Flat Technology (RFT): One of the standout features of the Potenza S007A is its run-flat capability. This tire is equipped with reinforced sidewalls and a specialized inner liner that allows it to continue running for a limited distance (up to 50 miles at 50 mph) after a complete loss of air pressure. This feature provides added peace of mind and safety in the event of a puncture.

High-Speed Capability: The Potenza S007A RFT is designed to handle the demands of high-performance driving. It carries a speed rating of W, which means it can sustain speeds up to 168 mph (270 km/h). This makes it suitable for sports cars and high-performance vehicles that require tires with exceptional stability at elevated speeds.

With its advanced tread compound, optimized tread design, run-flat technology, and high-speed capabilities, the Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT delivers a well-rounded performance package for drivers seeking a premium summer tire for their high-performance vehicles.

Dry Performance

The Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT is an extreme performance summer tire designed to excel in dry conditions. Its advanced tread compound and asymmetric tread pattern deliver exceptional grip and precise handling on warm, dry roads.

During dry braking, the tire’s stiff outer shoulder blocks and high silica content in the tread compound provide reliable stopping power. The tread’s solid center rib enhances stability and responsiveness, allowing for confident cornering at high speeds. The variable-angle grooves and lateral grooves effectively evacuate water for enhanced grip on damp roads.

The asymmetric tread design features larger outer blocks on the outboard side for increased cornering stiffness and dry road traction. The inboard side has more flexible tread blocks and a higher sipe density for improved wet performance. This dual-arched construction optimizes the tire’s contact patch for balanced dry and wet capabilities.

Overall, the Potenza S007A RFT shines on dry pavement, offering sports car and high-performance vehicle owners an exhilarating driving experience. Its tenacious grip, crisp steering response, and confidence-inspiring cornering abilities make it a standout in the max performance summer tire category.

Wet Performance

The Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT delivers impressive wet weather capabilities, ensuring confident driving even in rainy conditions. Its advanced tread compound and design provide exceptional wet traction, allowing the tire to maintain a firm grip on slick surfaces.

One of the standout features of this tire is its hydroplaning resistance. The unique tread pattern effectively evacuates water from the contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and aquaplaning. This characteristic is particularly valuable during heavy downpours or when driving through deep puddles, providing drivers with enhanced control and stability.

Braking performance in wet conditions is another area where the Potenza S007A RFT excels. The tire’s tread compound and pattern work in tandem to maximize contact with the road surface, enabling shorter braking distances and improved responsiveness when sudden stops are required. This characteristic can be a lifesaver in emergency situations, potentially preventing accidents and enhancing overall safety.

Furthermore, the tire’s construction contributes to its wet weather prowess. The reinforced internal structure and optimized casing design help maintain the tire’s shape and rigidity, even under the demanding forces encountered during high-speed driving on wet roads. This translates to consistent and predictable handling, allowing drivers to navigate through curves and corners with confidence, even in adverse weather conditions.

Overall, the Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT’s wet performance is a testament to the company’s commitment to safety and performance. Whether you’re facing a sudden downpour or navigating through a storm, this tire provides the necessary traction, hydroplaning resistance, and braking capabilities to keep you in control and ensure a secure driving experience.

Comfort and Noise

The Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT delivers a remarkably smooth and quiet ride, especially considering its extreme performance capabilities. This tire excels at absorbing road imperfections, providing a plush ride quality that belies its ultra-high-performance nature.

On smooth highways, the cabin remains blissfully quiet, with minimal noise intrusion from the tires. Even at higher speeds, wind and road noise are well-controlled, allowing for easy conversation or enjoyment of your music. The Potenza S007A RFT’s advanced tread design and construction contribute to its impressive noise suppression.

However, when driving over rougher surfaces like concrete highways or city streets, some road noise does become noticeable. While not excessive, the tire’s stiff sidewalls and aggressive tread pattern can transmit more vibrations into the cabin compared to a grand touring or touring tire. This is a trade-off for the incredible grip and responsiveness that the Potenza S007A RFT offers.

Overall, the comfort and noise levels of this Bridgestone tire are highly impressive for a max-performance summer tire. It strikes an excellent balance between a comfortable, well-insulated ride and the precise handling and feedback expected from a tire in this category. Whether cruising on the highway or pushing hard on twisty roads, the Potenza S007A RFT delivers a refined, composed driving experience.

Run-Flat Capabilities

The Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT is equipped with run-flat technology (RFT), which allows you to continue driving for a limited distance and speed after a complete loss of air pressure. This feature provides added peace of mind and safety, preventing you from being stranded on the side of the road in the event of a puncture.

Run-flat tires have reinforced sidewalls that can support the weight of the vehicle when the tire is deflated. With the Potenza S007A RFT, you can drive up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph after a complete air loss. This gives you enough range to reach a safe location or a tire repair facility.

However, it’s important to note that run-flat tires are not a permanent solution, and you should replace the damaged tire as soon as possible. Driving on a deflated run-flat tire for an extended period or at high speeds can cause irreparable damage to the tire and wheel, compromising your safety.

Bridgestone’s run-flat technology is designed to provide a smoother and more controlled ride compared to some other run-flat tires on the market. The reinforced sidewalls help minimize the harsh ride quality often associated with run-flats, ensuring a more comfortable experience even when the tire is deflated.

Overall, the run-flat capabilities of the Potenza S007A RFT offer added convenience and security, allowing you to continue your journey safely and without the immediate need for a spare tire or roadside assistance in the event of a puncture.

Treadwear and Durability

The Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT boasts an impressive treadwear warranty of 30,000 miles. This warranty is a testament to the tire’s durable construction and longevity on the road. However, real-world reports from owners suggest that the actual treadlife may vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

Many drivers have reported achieving well over 30,000 miles on a set of Potenza S007A RFTs, with some even reaching the 40,000-mile mark. This impressive tread life is attributed to the tire’s advanced tread compound and design, which promotes even wear and resistance to irregular wear patterns.

On the other hand, some owners have experienced shorter tread life, especially when driving aggressively or in demanding conditions. The Potenza S007A RFT’s extreme performance capabilities and soft tread compound can lead to accelerated wear if the tires are pushed to their limits regularly.

It’s important to note that proper tire maintenance, including regular rotations and alignment checks, can significantly extend the treadlife of the Potenza S007A RFT. Additionally, driving habits and conditions play a crucial role in determining the overall durability and longevity of these high-performance tires.

While the treadwear warranty provides a baseline expectation, real-world experiences suggest that the Potenza S007A RFT can deliver impressive tread life when driven responsibly and maintained properly, making it a worthwhile investment for performance-oriented drivers seeking both exceptional grip and reasonable tread life.

Winter Performance

The Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT is designed as a high-performance summer tire, so it’s not intended for use in harsh winter conditions. However, many drivers may encounter light snow or icy conditions during the colder months, so it’s important to understand how this tire performs in these situations.

While the Potenza S007A RFT isn’t a dedicated winter tire, it does offer some capability in light snow and ice thanks to its advanced tread compound and design. The tire’s silica-enhanced tread compound helps it maintain flexibility and grip in colder temperatures, which can improve traction on slippery surfaces.

In light snow, the tire’s directional tread pattern and wide circumferential grooves work to evacuate water and slush effectively, helping to prevent hydroplaning and maintain contact with the road surface. The tire’s responsive handling and grip can also help drivers maintain control in these conditions.

However, it’s important to note that the Potenza S007A RFT’s performance will degrade significantly in deeper snow or on packed ice. The tire’s summer compound and tread design simply aren’t optimized for these conditions, and drivers may experience reduced traction, longer stopping distances, and increased risk of losing control.

If you live in an area with frequent heavy snow or icy conditions, it’s recommended to switch to a dedicated winter tire during the colder months. While the Potenza S007A RFT can handle light wintry conditions, it’s not a substitute for a proper winter tire when it comes to maximizing safety and performance on snow and ice.

Vehicle Fitments

The Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT is designed primarily for high-performance sports cars, luxury sedans, and premium coupes. Bridgestone recommends this tire for vehicles that demand excellent dry and wet traction, precise handling, and a comfortable ride.

Some of the popular vehicle fitments for the Potenza S007A RFT include:

• BMW M3, M4, M5, and M6 models
• Cadillac CTS-V and ATS-V
• Chevrolet Camaro SS and ZL1
• Dodge Challenger SRT and Charger SRT
• Ford Mustang GT and Shelby GT350/GT500
• Infiniti Q50 and Q60
• Lexus IS F, RC F, and GS F
• Mercedes-Benz AMG models (C63, E63, S63, etc.)
• Nissan 370Z and GT-R
• Porsche 911 and Cayman

While primarily intended for high-performance applications, the Potenza S007A RFT can also be fitted on luxury sedans and coupes that prioritize a balance of sportiness and comfort, such as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus GS.

It’s important to note that the Potenza S007A RFT is a summer tire and should not be used in winter conditions or on vehicles that require all-season or winter tires.

Competitors and Alternatives

The Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT faces stiff competition from other top-tier max performance summer tires designed for sports cars, high-performance sedans, and supercars. While it excels in many areas, it’s essential to understand how it stacks up against alternatives in the market.

One of the primary competitors is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. This tire is renowned for its exceptional dry and wet grip, precise steering response, and impressive treadwear. Like the Potenza S007A RFT, it’s a max performance summer tire that prioritizes high-speed handling and cornering prowess. However, the Michelin offering may have a slight edge in wet weather performance and treadlife.

Another formidable rival is the Continental ExtremeContact Sport. This tire delivers outstanding dry grip, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride for a max performance summer tire. It’s an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded performance tire that can handle track days and spirited driving on the street. While it may not quite match the Potenza S007A RFT’s dry grip at the limit, it offers a slightly better ride quality and longer treadwear.

The Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3 is another worthy contender in this segment. This tire is designed specifically for high-performance vehicles, offering excellent dry and wet traction, precise steering response, and impressive high-speed capabilities. It’s a popular choice among supercar owners and track enthusiasts, although it may not quite match the Potenza S007A RFT’s run-flat capabilities or comfort levels on the street.

It’s worth noting that while these alternatives are formidable, the Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT stands out with its unique run-flat technology, which can be a game-changer for those prioritizing peace of mind and safety in the event of a puncture. Additionally, Bridgestone’s reputation for quality and performance cannot be overlooked, making the Potenza S007A RFT a compelling choice for discerning enthusiasts.

Warranty

The Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT comes with a comprehensive warranty package that offers peace of mind to buyers. This extreme performance summer tire is backed by Bridgestone’s unlimited treadwear warranty, which covers the original purchaser against premature treadwear down to the legal tread depth of 2/32 inches.

Additionally, the Potenza S007A RFT is covered by a one-year or first 1% of treadwear warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If a tire becomes unserviceable due to such defects during this period, Bridgestone will replace it free of charge with an equivalent new tire.

It’s important to note that the treadwear warranty is prorated based on the remaining tread depth, and the materials and workmanship warranty is limited to the first year or 1% of treadwear, whichever comes first. Moreover, the warranties do not cover tires that have been subjected to misuse, improper maintenance, or damage from road hazards.

Overall, Bridgestone’s warranty coverage for the Potenza S007A RFT is competitive within the ultra-high-performance summer tire segment, providing buyers with added confidence in their purchase and protection against premature wear or manufacturing defects.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent dry and wet traction for high-performance driving
• Responsive handling and steering precision
• Run-flat technology allows temporary mobility after a puncture
• Stylish and sporty tread design
• Available in many sizes for sports cars, sedans, and coupes

Cons

• Tread life may be shorter than some touring or grand touring tires
• Run-flat design can lead to a firmer, harsher ride quality
• Limited snow and ice traction (not intended for winter use)
• Road noise can be elevated, especially as tread wears down
• Typically more expensive than non-run-flat, high-performance tires

FAQs

Final Verdict

The Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a high-performance summer tire with impressive dry and wet grip, responsive handling, and the added safety of run-flat technology. This tire excels in warm weather conditions, delivering precise steering, strong cornering abilities, and excellent braking on dry and wet roads.

While the Potenza S007A RFT may not be the most affordable option, its performance capabilities and run-flat convenience make it a worthwhile investment for drivers who prioritize performance, safety, and peace of mind. It is particularly well-suited for sports cars, high-performance sedans, and coupes that demand maximum traction and handling prowess.

However, it’s important to note that the Potenza S007A RFT is a summer tire and should not be used in winter conditions or on icy or snowy roads. Its tread compound and design are optimized for warm weather performance, and it will not provide adequate traction or safety in colder temperatures.

Overall, if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line summer performance tire with run-flat technology, the Bridgestone Potenza S007A RFT is an excellent choice that delivers exceptional dry and wet grip, precise handling, and the added convenience of temporary extended mobility in the event of a puncture or air loss.