Bridgestone nabs FCA, Aston OE fitments

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 15, 2016) — Bridgestone Americas has garnered OE fitments on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, and Bridgestone Europe has been designated the official project partner by Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. for that car maker's DB11 sports coupe to be launched later this year.

Bridgestone will supply Fiat Chrysler Automobile L.L.C.'s Jeep brand with its Dueler H/P Sport in size 265/60R18 for “select” Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited models and the Dueler Ecopia H/L 422 Plus in size 265/50R20 on all Overland edition models and as an optional fitment on the Limited model.

“Bridgestone is committed to delivering innovative and industry-leading products that allow consumers to continue their journey, wherever it takes them,” said Mike Martini, president, original equipment, U.S. and Canada Consumer Tire Sales Divisions, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations.

“The iconic Jeep brand has its roots in off-road adventure, and it is the ideal vehicle to showcase the performance and durable dependability of the…Dueler H/P Sport and Dueler Ecopia H/L 422 Plus tires.”

Bridgestone said the Dueler H/P Sport is specially designed for high-performing SUVs, pickup trucks and crossover vehicles, combining traction and toughness with superior driving performance, comfort and reliability. The Ecopia H/L 422 Plus combines year-round traction, handling and comfort with reduced low-rolling resistance for greater fuel efficiency.

For the eight-passenger Pacifica — FCA's revamped take on the minivan — Bridgestone is supplying its Turanza EL440 in size 235/60R18 as the standard fitment on the Limited model and optional on the Touring-L Plus model.

The all-season Turanza is engineered to absorb road noise and provide a smooth, quiet and reliable ride in wet and dry conditions, Bridgestone said, along with “great handling” and long tread life.

The Pacifica — which reprises a Chrysler mid-size crossover nameplate from the mid-2000s with more traditional minivan styling and load-carrying capacity — is due in dealer showrooms this spring, with a hybrid model due out in late 2016.

“The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, re-engineered from the ground up, is a  revolutionary leader in its class and the perfect vehicle to showcase the Bridgestone Turanza EL440 tire's dependability, adaptability and year-round performance,” Mr. Martini said.

In Europe, Bridgestone will work with Aston Martin to develop a dedicated version of its Potensa S007 flagship UHP sports tire for the DB11, which will be the luxury-performance car maker's top-of-the line model.

The DB11 will be powered by a 600-plus hp, 5.2-liter, 48-valve V12 that's projected to propel the two-door, four-seat coupe from 0 to 62mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 200-plus mph.

 “Bridgestone is rightfully proud to continue its long-standing partnership with Aston Martin and be nominated as a sole supplier for this premium development project for the exciting new DB11,” said Christophe De Valroger, vice president original equipment, Bridgestone Europe.

“Working with one of the world's top luxury sports car icons is not only a privilege for our engineers — it is a great opportunity to raise the bar in terms of tire design, efficiencies and performance.”

According to Aston Martin, the car will be fitted with 255/40ZR20 tires on the front and 295/35ZR20 on the rear on 10-spoke Silver Diamond Turned wheels.

Bridgestone will bring its full complement of technical support to the project, including use of its “class-leading” European Proving Ground in Aprilia, Italy.

Bridgestone said it has outfitted a number of Aston Martins, such as the DB9, V8 Vantage S and Rapide, in the past.