Bridgestone Potenza RE-11

[STL_ITR_01]

My ITR has been in need of new rubber since I bought it last summer. I could not be more disappointed in the Dunlop SP Sport 9000s that my car currently wears. These Dunlops are completely inadequate for the ITR's handling capabilities. I did some shopping around last year and heared about the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11. They are supposed to be even better than Bridgestone's current leading performance tire: Potenza RE-01R. The RE-11 was introduced in Japan in March '08 and unfortunately not available in the states. I waited patiently last year on word as to when they were coming to the US (or even coming at all). I called Bridgestone in the Fall last year to inquire about them and it took forever to speak with someone who actually knew what I was talking about. I finally talked with the project planner for them, and at the time all he told me was that it's being reviewed and to "Stay tuned". To my delight, I found some information last month about the US release of them. Last I heard, they will be available in March.

The RE-11 looks outstanding on paper. Does anyone have any first-hand experience with these tires or any other information?

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[Mystic363]

What is the milage expectantcy out of these? I was considering putting the original RE-010's back on it, but these look nice.
Mystic363 (Neil)

[STL_ITR_01]

They have the same treadwear rating as the RE-01R (180). What tires are you running with now?

Here are the rest of the specs on the RE-11:

[STL_ITR_01]

The RE-11 is now on TireRack.com! Just ordered a set this morning. (205/50R-15)

[Mystic363]

I'm running the BF Goodrich KDW2's now. I have them on my '93 MR2 Turbo and they are great, but on the ITR, they give me too much vibration from the tread block pattern that I care for. If the RE011's are as smooth as the RE010's and give superior grip...I'll give them a try.

Mystic363 (Neil)

[STL_ITR_01]

If the RE011's are as smooth as the RE010's and give superior grip...I'll give them a try.

Yeh, try 'em out... let me know what you think.

[DCR26]

im very tempted to order a set of these to help out my autox times since my SPTs are running low and kinda dont hold much chance to falkens i think. Im just worried that even with normal driving the RE-11s wont last very long or will they. I usually stick to the higher tread wear ratings so i dont have to buy tires every 6-8 months.

[get RIGHT]

Here is my firsthand track experince with these tires from Expo 9.

They are definately far superior to Azenis. They lasted longer under stress and heat and are on a whole nother level in terms of grip. Unlike Azenis I felt they got a little better when they where warmed up after a few laps and I was able to go a full 25min session without having them fall off like Azenis always do. I was certainly impressed with them. Granted they where no R comps but of course they are not that kind of tire. After this track event I cant wait for the AutoX this weekend on them. One big suprise was how they sounded when driven to the limit. I would compare the sound to maybe something like a dying Cow.