The 2026 Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RZ delivers faster lap times, while the RE005 gains enhanced wet traction and stability through new tech.
RE005 for Everyday Use, RE-71RZ More Track-Focused
Bridgestone has detailed the technology behind the new tyres set to launch in February 2026, the Potenza RE-71 RZ and Potenza Adrenalin RE005. The Potenza RE-71RZ will be available in 61 sizes, while the Potenza Adrenalin RE005 will be offered in 40 sizes for the Japanese domestic market.
The RE005 has been engineered as an everyday performance tyre that balances grip, stability, and fuel efficiency. Its new Adrenalin Grip Compound uses NanoPro-Tech to optimise the interaction between silica and polymer, improving wet traction while reducing rolling resistance.
The technology is supported by pulse-shaped grooves that enhance water drainage and A-shaped grooves that strengthen steering stability. The tread also incorporates multi-round blocks to spread pressure more evenly across the tyre surface, helping reduce irregular wear and maintain stability on winding roads.
Meanwhile, the more track-focused Potenza RE-71RZ, which succeeds the RE-71RS, carries insights from motorsports into its construction, compound, and tread design. It features a new high-grip compound blending high-strength polymer, carbon black, silica, and grip enhancers.
According to Bridgestone, the new compound technology delivers “excellent dry grip, responsive handling, improved wet performance, and enhanced wear resistance during circuit driving”. During testing at Tsukuba Circuit 2000, the Potenza RE-71RZ achieved a 1.2 per cent reduction in lap times compared to its predecessor.
“As its strong point, Potenza RE-71RZ achieves a high level of performance in both grip and controllability. It delivers improved dry and wet performance for street use, while also achieving faster lap times and better wear resistance on the circuit. This tyre delivers high performance in various situations, making it enjoyable and easy to handle for both everyday driving and circuit use,” said one of the test drivers, Masahiro Sasaki.
The other test driver, Yuji Tachikawa, added, “This tyre is designed for easy handling, allowing anyone to experience precise control along with excellent grip. The tyre is focused on quick warm-up for immediate, high-grip performance as well as reliable wet grip, resulting in a well-balanced tyre suitable for various driving conditions.”
The tread pattern of the RE-71RZ includes wide straight grooves on the inner side for water drainage, low-angle grooves to maintain block rigidity during hard cornering, and a slick outer shoulder that maximises contact area under lateral load.
Bridgestone‘s ULTIMATEYE analysis was used to refine the structure and make contact pressure more uniform in the latest RE-71 series. Visualisations included in the technical materials show that, while the previous RE-71RS produced uneven pressure at the outer edge, the RE-71RZ generates “more even contact for enhanced grip performance”.
Both Potenza tyres represent updated “Dan-Totsu products”, a Bridgestone concept aimed at achieving clear leadership in their respective categories. The company also said that these developments support its long-term commitment to “inspiring excitement and spreading joy to the world of mobility”.
