News - 2017

Bridgestone Tires with Run-Flat Technology Featured As Original Equipment on 2017 Lexus LS Sedan

2017/01/12

Tokyo (Dec 9, 2016) - Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) today announced that its TURANZA T005 run-flat technology (RFT) tires will be the standard tire mounted on the new 2017 Lexus LS sedan. The vehicle currently is on display at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, in Detroit, Michigan.

Bridgestone TURANZA T005 RFT tires employ a newly developed sidewall reinforced rubber, which contributes to thinner tire sidewalls. This enhancement offers the added safety benefit of run-flat technology while also contributing to the superior driving comfort expected of Lexus vehicles. The TURANZA T005 RFT tire fitment from Bridgestone contributes to the ultimate refinement and exhilarating handling provided by the new Lexus LS vehicle.

Bridgestone RFT tires are engineered to go up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) at up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour to safety after a puncture or a loss of pressure. Additionally, RFT tires can help reduce the total weight of a vehicle because they eliminate the need for a spare tire. Run-flat tires also can contribute to a reduction in the use of resources by eliminating spare tires which are often disposed of without being used.

Through the widespread use of RFT tires, Bridgestone aims to contribute to the realization of a safe and stable mobile society while reducing overall environmental impact.

Tire pattern: TURANZA T005 RFT Tire size: 245/45RF20 99Y, 275/40RF20 102Y	2017 Lexus LS Sedan

The Bridgestone Group has acquired permission from Lexus to use the image of the Lexus LS vehicle in this press release. Reproduction and / or redistribution of this image is strictly prohibited.

[Newly Developed Sidewall Reinforced Rubber]
Standard tires support the weight of vehicles through air pressure contained within the tire. Bridgestone's sidewall reinforced RFT tires, utilize reinforced rubber in their sidewalls to maintain their shape and support vehicles at zero air pressure, effectively allowing for driving on flat tires. The newly developed sidewall reinforced rubber featured in the TURANZA T005 RFT features a molecular structure that makes cross-link of polymer chains more resilient to high temperatures. This structure enables RFT tires to be made with thinner sidewall, which offers a quieter ride and more comfortable driving experience.


Tire cross section (image)	Molecular Structure of new sidewall reinforced rubber

About Bridgestone Corporation:
Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.