BRUSSELS — FCA Group S.p.A. has selected an 18-inch version of the run-flat all-season Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport tire as an OE fitment for its Stelvio mid-size SUV to be sold in North America and Asia/Pacific markets.
The Stelvio is a five-passenger, four-door liftback SUV powered by a 2-liter, twin-turbo engine rated at 280 horsepower, capable of pushing the all-wheel-drive SUV to a 5.4-second 0-60 mph acceleration and a top speed of 144 mph.
Christophe de Valroger, vice president original equipment, Bridgestone Europe, said the Dueler H/P Sport "is engineered to enhance cornering and handling, while also delivering year-round performance including traction in light snow." The tire was developed by Bridgestone's Technical Centre Europe in Rome.
The Alfa Stelvio basic model will roll on size 235/60R18 103V tires for the Asian/Pacific and North American markets.
The Dueler H/P Sport features a symmetric tread pattern and stiff shoulder blocks for steering responsiveness, central rib high angle lugs and lateral shoulder grooves to enhance wet traction and full-depth sipes to promote all-season performance.
Bridgestone has been supplying Alfa Romeo with tires for 25 years, starting with the Italian car maker's 147, 155, 156 and 159 models. Bridgestone also is OE on the recently launched Giulia sports coupe with two run-fit fitments — the Potenza S001 ultra-high-performance and Turanza EL450 all-season tires.