Among the world’s largest tire manufacturers, Bridgestone rolls out tires in most categories right from all-season, winter, to UHP for passenger cars to SUVs, light trucks, and commercial vehicles. Its Potenza tire series is renowned for having some of the finest ultra-high-performance tires. Introduced in 2011, the Potenza S001 RFT is Bridgestone's first run-flat tire for the replacement market. Hailing from the Potenza family, the tire line offers superior performance and incredible grip and traction on paved roads in warmer conditions.

With an array of technologies used, the Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT is designed for high-end sports sedans and coupes and features Cooling Fin technology for better tire heat regulation, Nano-Pro-Tech for new reinforced sidewall rubber that reduces friction during air pressure loss, block and slick combination for enhanced braking and traction, and strong shoulder blocks for excellent dry and wet handling. Moreover, it also comes with GUTT II Simulation for quick water dispersal to avoid the risk of hydroplaning. Whether it’s straight-line driving or taking on sharp corners, the Bridgestone UHP tire offers superior performance.

So, does it offer enough to be termed as the perfect UHP tire for your premium car? Let's find the answer in this Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT review. Keep reading.

Features and Benefits

UHP tires are engineered to offer superior grip, traction, and smooth ride quality at high speeds on paved roads. The soft rubber compound of these performance tires helps the tread blocks to interlock with the surface for controlled high-speed driving. The Potenza S001 RFT is undoubtedly one of the best UHP tires available on the market today.

• Superior grip and traction: The asymmetrical tread pattern features a block and slick combination that improves braking and traction. The solid center rib allows precise steering response and, hence, superior handling. The tread design comes with a multi-performance block that features an enlarged and reinforced outside block for excellent wet and dry traction and handling. Reducing the risk of hydroplaning is the GUTT II simulation of straight grooves that expel water quickly and regain control.
• Quiet and comfortable ride: The computer-tuned tread pattern ensures the sound waves are trapped within the tread and do not travel inside the cabin. With road noise reduced, you get a comfortable and quiet ride quality. The optimized contact patch reduces uneven wear and also provides a noise-free ride.
• RFT technology: The unique selling point of the Potenza S001 RFT is the run-flat technology, which ensures you’re never stranded when the tire air pressure is lost. With the RFT tech, you can drive safely up to 50 miles at up to 50 miles per hour speed. Thanks to the sidewall-reinforced rubber, the tire shape is intact even at 0kPa inflation pressure.

Pros and Cons

With several positives to its name, the Potenza S001 RFT looks intimidating. Let’s have a look at its pros and cons before having our final say to help you make the right buying decision.

PROS:

• With RFT Technology, you can go up to 50 miles at up to 50 mph speed
• Cool Fin technology for keeping the tire cool
• GUTT II Simulation to resist hydroplaning
• Advanced tread compound for superior performance at high speeds
• Strong center rib for excellent handling and stability
• Reinforced sidewall rubber for reduced friction in case of complete air loss

CONS:

• The tire is priced steeply
• There’s no warranty offered
• Should not be used when temperatures are consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit
• Not the most comfortable

SimpleTire’s view on Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT tires

To sum it up, the Potenza S001 RFT (starts around $226) is an ideal tire for a performance vehicle owner looking for exceptional performance, grip, traction, handling, and stability at high speeds.

It locks horns with the likes of Pirelli P Zero (starts around $188) and Continental ContiSportContact 5 (starts around $129). Although costlier than its peers, the Bridgestone tire has the Run Flat advantage up its sleeve.

Vehicles the Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT is a good replacement tire for

The Potenza S001 RFT is an excellent replacement tire option for cars like Ferrari 458 Italia, Aston Martin Rapide, Lexus LFA, and many more.