The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is an ultra-high performance all-season tire designed for sports cars, muscle cars, and high-end sedans. It’s engineered to deliver exceptional dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride. This tire strikes a balance between the grip of a summer tire and the all-season capability of being able to handle light snow.
Key features of the Potenza RE980AS include an asymmetric tread pattern with a solid outboard shoulder for enhanced cornering grip. The continuous center rib promotes straight-line tracking and rapid response. Bridgestone’s proprietary Hydro-Evacuation Technology helps evacuate water from the tread area for improved wet traction. Silica-enriched compounds increase traction on wet or dry roads while resisting premature wear.
Intended for drivers of performance vehicles who want year-round traction without compromising dry road dynamics, the RE980AS is a popular choice among enthusiasts. It’s designed to meet the demands of spirited driving while providing all-season versatility for inclement weather conditions.
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Design and Construction
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS features an advanced asymmetric tread pattern designed to optimize dry and wet traction while promoting even wear. The outer shoulder blocks are solid and firmly connected, enhancing cornering grip and stability. The inner shoulder features a more open tread pattern to improve hydroplaning resistance and wet performance.
Underneath the tread, Bridgestone employs a twin steel belt package reinforced with spirally wrapped nylon to enhance durability and uniformity at higher speeds. The tire’s internal construction utilizes a polyester casing for improved ride comfort and impact resistance.
Bridgestone’s proprietary Nano Pro-Tech silica-enriched compound is used in the tread rubber, increasing molecular bonds for better wet grip and reduced rolling resistance. This advanced compound also promotes cooler running temperatures for enhanced treadlife.
The RE980AS features Bridgestone’s 3D siping technology, with thousands of interlocking sipes across the tread surface. These provide increased biting edges for improved traction on wet or slippery surfaces. The tire’s continuous center rib enhances steering response and high-speed stability.
Dry Road Performance
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS truly shines on dry pavement, delivering exceptional grip, precise handling, and confident cornering stability. This ultra-high-performance all-season tire utilizes Bridgestone’s advanced compound technology, which enhances dry traction and ensures optimal contact with the road surface.
During spirited driving or high-speed maneuvers, the RE980AS remains composed and planted, inspiring confidence in the driver. The tire’s responsive steering feel and sharp turn-in characteristics make it a delight for enthusiasts who relish a connected driving experience. Whether navigating tight corners or sweeping curves, the RE980AS maintains its composure, minimizing understeer and maximizing cornering grip.
Bridgestone’s engineers have meticulously designed the tread pattern and shoulder blocks to optimize dry road performance. The asymmetric tread design, with its continuous center rib and stable outer shoulder blocks, enhances straight-line tracking and high-speed stability, ensuring a composed ride even at elevated velocities.
Overall, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS excels in dry conditions, offering exceptional dry grip, precise handling, and unwavering cornering stability. Whether you’re an enthusiast seeking an engaging driving experience or simply value confidence-inspiring performance on dry roads, this tire delivers in spades.
Wet Road Performance
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS delivers exceptional wet traction and hydroplaning resistance. Its advanced silica-enriched tread compound provides outstanding grip on slick surfaces, while the directional tread pattern effectively evacuates water from beneath the tire’s footprint. This combination ensures confident handling and shorter braking distances in rainy conditions.
During wet testing, the RE980AS demonstrated impressive hydroplaning resistance even at higher speeds. Its wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches channel water away from the contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and maintaining a secure grip on the road. Braking performance on wet surfaces is also noteworthy, with the tire providing consistent and reliable deceleration without compromising stability.
Whether navigating through heavy downpours or encountering standing water, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS instills confidence and control. Its wet weather capabilities are a testament to Bridgestone’s commitment to delivering a high-performance tire that excels in challenging conditions, ensuring maximum safety and driver satisfaction.
Winter/Snow Performance
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is an ultra-high performance all-season tire, designed primarily for dry and wet tarmac conditions. While it offers some winter traction capabilities, it is not a dedicated winter tire and has limitations in extreme cold weather or on ice and packed snow.
In light snow, the RE980AS exhibits decent traction and braking performance. The directional tread pattern and high silica content in the compound help it bite into fresh snowfall. However, as snow accumulates or becomes compacted, the tire struggles to find grip. Bridgestone’s proprietary hydro-evacuation technology also aids in clearing slush from the tread grooves.
On ice, the RE980AS suffers from reduced braking effectiveness, just like most all-season tires. The lack of dedicated sipes and winter-specific compound leads to compromised ice traction. Drivers should exercise extreme caution when driving on icy roads with these tires installed.
In terms of cold weather pliability, the RE980AS remains relatively flexible down to around 20°F (-7°C). Below that temperature, the compound starts to stiffen, negatively impacting traction and steering response. For the coldest winter conditions, a proper set of winter tires is highly recommended for optimal safety and performance.
Ride Comfort
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS delivers an impressive ride quality for a high-performance summer tire. Its sophisticated construction and advanced compound technology work together to provide excellent impact absorption and vibration dampening capabilities.
On smooth roads, the RE980AS offers a plush, well-damped ride, effectively isolating occupants from minor road imperfections. The tire’s internal structure and optimized sidewall design help absorb impacts from larger bumps and potholes, preventing harsh jolts from transferring into the cabin.
Bridgestone’s engineers have also paid close attention to minimizing road noise. The RE980AS features a computer-optimized tread design and advanced tread compounds that work to reduce the transmission of tire roar into the vehicle’s interior. Even at higher speeds on the highway, cabin noise levels remain impressively low, contributing to a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
While the RE980AS prioritizes handling and performance, it doesn’t sacrifice ride quality in the process. The tire strikes an excellent balance, delivering responsive cornering capabilities while maintaining a compliant and well-damped ride over a variety of road surfaces.
Treadwear and Durability
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is designed to provide excellent treadwear and durability for a high-performance all-season tire. With its advanced tread compound and unique tread design, this tire delivers impressive tread life, even under spirited driving conditions.
One of the key features contributing to the RE980AS’s longevity is its dual-compound tread. The outer shoulders feature a harder rubber compound that resists rapid wear, while the inner tread utilizes a softer compound for enhanced grip. This combination ensures optimal traction and handling without sacrificing treadwear.
Additionally, the tire’s asymmetric tread pattern with rigid outside shoulder blocks helps maintain uniform wear, even with the increased stresses of high-performance driving. The tread design also incorporates wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches, which effectively evacuate water and reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
In terms of resistance to cuts and chips, the Potenza RE980AS performs admirably. Its reinforced casing and high-density bead construction provide excellent protection against potential road hazards, ensuring the tire’s structural integrity remains intact throughout its lifespan.
Bridgestone’s commitment to quality manufacturing processes also contributes to the tire’s impressive uniformity. Precise computer-controlled curing and advanced construction techniques result in a well-balanced and evenly distributed footprint, minimizing the risk of irregular wear patterns.
Overall, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS delivers exceptional treadwear and durability, making it a reliable choice for drivers seeking a high-performance all-season tire that can withstand the demands of spirited driving while offering a long-lasting tread life.
Warranty and Value
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS comes with an impressive 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is among the highest in the ultra-high-performance all-season tire category. This warranty demonstrates Bridgestone’s confidence in the tire’s durability and longevity, providing valuable peace of mind for buyers.
In terms of pricing, the Potenza RE980AS is positioned as a premium tire, with costs generally aligning with top-tier competitors like the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ and Continental ExtremeContact DWS06. While not the most affordable option, the RE980AS offers a compelling value proposition, delivering excellent performance and long-lasting treadlife for the investment.
Bridgestone’s reputation for quality and the tire’s comprehensive warranty coverage help justify the higher price point. Additionally, many drivers find that the exceptional dry and wet road capabilities, as well as the impressive treadwear, make the Potenza RE980AS a worthwhile investment in the long run, particularly for those who prioritize performance and safety over upfront costs.
Sizing and Fitment Options
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is available in an extensive range of sizes to fit most modern sports cars, sports coupes, performance sedans, and crossovers. Sizes start at 17 inches and go up to 22 inches in diameter, with section widths from 205 to 305. This wide range ensures you can find the proper fit for your vehicle’s OEM specifications.
Many popular performance vehicles come equipped with the RE980AS from the factory, including models from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Infiniti, and others. Bridgestone engineers these tires to meet the exact specifications and handling requirements for each OEM application.
When replacing your tires, it’s generally recommended to stick with the OEM-specified size for optimal performance and safety. However, some enthusiasts may opt for a slightly wider tire to improve traction and cornering grip, provided there is enough clearance in the wheel well. Just be cautious of going too wide, as it can negatively impact steering response and increase wear on the outer shoulders. Consult your owner’s manual or a tire professional to determine the optimal fitment for your driving style and needs.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Excellent dry and wet traction with reliable braking performance
- Impressive steering responsiveness and cornering grip for a touring tire
- Relatively quiet and comfortable ride quality
- Long treadwear and durable construction for a high-performance tire
- Available in a wide range of sizes for sports cars, sedans, and crossovers
Cons:
- Limited snow and ice traction, not ideal for harsh winter conditions
- Tread life may be shorter than some competing touring tires
- Firmer ride quality may be undesirable for some drivers
- Slightly higher price point compared to some mainstream touring options
Competitor Comparisons
When it comes to ultra-high performance all-season tires, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS faces stiff competition from several well-regarded options. One of its main rivals is the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+, which is known for its excellent dry and wet grip, as well as its impressive handling capabilities. The Pilot Sport A/S 3+ may have a slight edge in terms of outright dry performance, but the Potenza RE980AS counters with better snow and ice traction.
Another formidable competitor is the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06, which boasts impressive all-season capabilities and a comfortable ride. While the ExtremeContact DWS 06 may not quite match the Potenza RE980AS in terms of dry grip and handling, it offers a smoother ride and potentially longer treadwear.
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is another ultra-high performance all-season tire that deserves consideration. It excels in dry and wet conditions, with responsive handling and excellent grip. However, like many of its competitors, its winter performance may not quite match the Potenza RE980AS.
It’s also worth mentioning the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus, which offers a compelling blend of performance and all-season capability. While it may not quite reach the same heights as the Potenza RE980AS in terms of dry grip and handling, it’s a well-rounded option that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Ultimately, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS holds its own against these formidable rivals, offering a compelling combination of dry and wet grip, responsive handling, and impressive winter traction. While each tire has its strengths and weaknesses, the Potenza RE980AS remains a top choice for drivers seeking a true ultra-high performance all-season tire.
Who Should Consider this Tire?
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a high-performance all-season tire that delivers exceptional dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride. This tire is particularly well-suited for sports cars, muscle cars, and performance sedans driven in various weather conditions throughout the year.
If you have a vehicle with a powerful engine and enjoy spirited driving, the RE980AS is an ideal option. Its advanced compound and asymmetric tread pattern provide excellent grip and cornering stability, allowing you to push your car’s limits while maintaining control and confidence.
Additionally, if you live in an area with moderate winter conditions, such as light snow or occasional ice, the RE980AS can handle these situations reasonably well for an all-season tire. However, if you experience severe winter weather, a dedicated winter tire may be a better choice.
Overall, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is an excellent choice for performance-oriented drivers who demand a tire that excels in dry and wet conditions while providing a comfortable ride and year-round traction capabilities.
Final Verdict and Score
Overall, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is an excellent ultra-high performance all-season tire that delivers impressive dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride. Its advanced tread compound and design allow it to provide reliable year-round performance in most climates, although its winter traction on ice and deep snow is limited.
For drivers of sports cars, performance sedans, or sporty coupes and crossovers who prioritize grip, steering precision, and all-season capability, the Potenza RE980AS is an outstanding choice. Its blend of dry road athleticism and wet road security is hard to match in the ultra-high performance all-season category.
While it may not be the most affordable option, the RE980AS justifies its premium pricing with excellent treadwear, a long tread life warranty, and the peace of mind that comes with Bridgestone’s reputation for quality and durability.
Overall Rating: 9/10
