Bridgestone, the world’s number one tyre and rubber company[1], collaborated closely with Mercedes-Benz for more than two years to design, engineer and fine-tune the Turanza T005 touring tyre to the new Mercedes A-class. The tyre is supplied for the full 17–19” high-rim range including the 17” and 18” tyre with Run-Flat Technology. The Turanza T005 works seamlessly with the vehicle to optimise the driving experience and meet the high standards for which Bridgestone and Mercedes-Benz are both known.
‘The A-Class has a very youthful, dynamic character,’ explains Daniele Turriziani, test-driver for Bridgestone EMEA, who was actively involved in the engineering process. ‘It’s also extremely modern and comfortable. We wanted the Turanza T005 to bring all these qualities to the forefront by tailoring the tyres to the car from the very beginning of the design phase.’
The wet grip is outstanding and the product delivers a comfortable driving experience. ‘Bridgestone engineers fine-tuned the latest tread compounds to the plans and designs for the A-Class,’ says Daniele Turriziani. ‘We tested, adjusted and re-tested the tyres here at the Bridgestone European Technical Centre and Proving Ground. We kept pushing the design until we knew we had it exactly right. The hard work is being acknowledged now, with the tyres slated for use on European roads.’
This approach has also enabled Bridgestone to develop a tyre that delivers best-in-class label performances[2], for the Run-Flat Technology tyres, thanks to whom Mercedes-Benz A-Class drivers will not have to stop on the side of the road for a flat tire.
‘The Turanza T005 is an incredible innovation and has pushed the tyre engineering in a very interesting new direction. But away from the drawing boards for design and development, the Turanza T005 is indicative of what all Bridgestone tyres represent,’ explains Christophe de Valroger, VP Original Equipment Bridgestone EMEA. ‘They keep you going, no matter what obstacles you encounter on your journey.’
Bridgestone will be supplying the full 17–19” high-rim range, with their winter range approved by Mercedes-Benz for the replacement market.
[1]Based on 2016 tyre sales. Source: Tire Business 2017 – Global Tire Company Rankings
[2] European Tyre Labelling 1222/2009 – Wet Grip class A and Fuel Efficiency class B.
