By
Keith Lee (aka Keith)
Last Updated
Special thanks go to;
The new Bridgestone Potenza S-03 replaces the tried tested and true S-02
Pole Position model. I always wanted Bridgestone's flagship S02 tire for quite awhile but it was never available in the 5th Gen Prelude stock tire size. So when I heard that the S-03 high performance tire would be available in various sizes, including 205 50R16, I was very interested. At the time, there wasn't much feedback on the new tire since it was just released. I worked out a deal to try them with TalonTire.com in order for them to provide feedback to their clients. The Potenza S-03 Pole Position is a max performance "summer" tire that was developed to meet the needs of the drivers of high performance sports cars, coupes and sedans by bringing Bridgestone's F1 tire technology and design to the streets while blending dry and wet traction without abandoning comfort and wear. The Potenza S-03 Pole Position features Bridgestone's UNI-T AQ II Technology that uses
advanced compound and construction features to enhance and preserve wet traction through the tire's life.
On the outside, the Potenza S-03 Pole Position molds a Super Long Link Carbon Black, Dual Layer Tread II compound into a directional tread design that features notched shoulders, large "High Nose" intermediate tread blocks (that are shaped like the side view of a "high nose" F1 car) and a continuous center rib to provide quick dry road response and handling. Super Slant 3D grooves help direct and evacuate water through the tire to resist hydroplaning. The continuous center rib also helps reduce noise while providing constant road contact to enhance straight-line stability. Internally, the Potenza S-03 Pole Position features Bridgestone's COCS (Computer Optimized Component System) which blends twin steel belts with spiral-wrapped Jointless Cap & Layer Construction which stabilize the tread
area to enhance handling, high-speed capability and ride quality while minimizing weight.
Impressions -
Without a doubt, these tires are very sticky. The sidewall is quite hard
producing a solid ride but at the same time could be considered a rough
ride. Noise level was at a minimum and no different from the previous set
of tires I had, the Toyo Proxes T1S. They perform excellent in the rain,
begging to be pushed harder and harder. After one season of use, the
tread wear is still pretty high considering Bridgestone gave it a rating of
220 for tread life.
Conclusion -
The Bridgestone Potenza S-03 is one the best high performance tire you can
buy on the market. But the question is, do you really need all that
performance. For the money that kind of money, I would have opted for Toyo
Proxes T1S or Bridgestone Potenza RE730. The only way I could see a Prelude
owner justifying the purchase of S-03 tires is if they do track events on a
regular basis and need a street able tire as well. But then again, if you
have the money spent, go for it!
