New Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 Set For July 2014 Release

Bridgestone Americas Inc. announced the upcoming July 2014 release of their new Blizzak WS80 winter tire that is designed for all types of passenger cars and minivans.

Looking to update and further improve their winter tire lineup, the new BlizzakWS80 is engineered with the latest technology for increased grip on ice and snow.

According to Anant Gandhi, product manager for the Blizzak line, “The Blizzak WS80 stops shorter, handles better and grips the road more than our best-selling WS70 tire, which the WS80 replaces.”

Gandhi went on to say, “The Blizzak WS80 is the first winter tire by Bridgestone to feature a multi-cell compound with a hydrophilic coating and bite particles. The hydrophilic coating attracts water, drawing it away from the road to combat ice slippage. Additionally the microscopic bit particles act as studs that deliver road grip and improve braking on ice.”

Some of the technological features of the new WS80 over the current WS70 include:

• A new tread pattern with 20% more block edges to move snow, slush and water away from the contact patch

• A multi-cell tread compound that will now include bite particles that act like small microscopic studs for increased grip, as well as shorter braking distances, on ice and snow

• Improved distribution of tire forces that will add more stability and overall control

• A unique and exclusive proprietary hydrophilic coating that draws water away from the road to aid in preventing slippage on ice

The Blizzak WS80 will roll out in 48 sizes that will fit 15-18 inch rim diameters and 35 to 70 series. The tire will also come with either a T or H speed rating.

Bridgestone claims this new winter tire should last three to four seasons depending on driving habits and mileage driven.

Click here for the complete review of the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80.