Bridgestone Launches the Blizzak Spike 3, Its New-Generation Studded Tyre for Severe Winter Conditions
• The new Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 is designed to provide safety and control in extreme winter conditions, offering best-in-class ice braking and traction1 as well as improved control and precise handling on snow2.
• Bridgestone’s latest studded winter tyre also offers superior milage2 for extended wear life.
• Developed and manufactured in Europe, the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 is launching in both the passenger and SUV markets across the region.
Bridgestone, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions, has launched the Blizzak Spike 3, a studded winter tyre for passenger cars and SUVs designed to provide safety and control in extreme winter conditions. The new Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 excels in three key areas:
- Best-in-class ice braking and traction1: According to tests carried out by one of Europe’s most respected independent automotive testing institutes, TÜV SÜD, the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 delivers the shortest ice braking distance and best grip on ice compared to other premium studded tyres.
- Improved control and precise handling on snow2 with a snow handling performance improved by 4% compared to its predecessor, the Bridgestone Noranza 001.
- Superior mileage2: improved by 16% compared to its predecessor for extended wear life.
Made possible with the latest in design and innovation
The new design of the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 includes new wolfram carbide studs with an aluminium body to enhance contact pressure on ice, which minimises road wear, as well as a new tread pattern design with 35% more studs versus its predecessor to further increase ice performance.
The tread pattern of the new Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 features a continuous V-shaped design to maximise sipe density, with a combination of 2D sipes in the centre part and 3D sipes on the shoulder to deliver superior traction and braking on both snow and ice.
The Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 features a new polymer-in-compound formula, which enables better silica dispersion and enhances performance in wet and icy conditions. It does this by working with the pattern stiffness, which also enhances wear life.
Developed and tested in Europe’s harshest winter conditions
Created in line with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 is the first studded tyre developed at Bridgestone’s European Research and Development Centre in Italy and has been tested in the harshest winter conditions at the Vidsel Proving Ground in Sweden, close to the Arctic Circle.
Manufactured in Europe, the tyre is launching in both the passenger and SUV markets across the region from June 2023. Certified with the 3PMSF marking, the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 will be available in 35 sizes, from 15’’ to 20’’. The roll-out covers 74% of the total market demand in the severe winter studded segment in Europe.
Emilio Tiberio, Chief Technical Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Bridgestone EMIA commented: “We wanted to provide a tyre for drivers who demand full control throughout the most challenging conditions that winter has to offer. The result is the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3, a studded tyre that provides safety and confidence for all kinds of journeys – within or outside the city, whatever the winter weather conditions.”
Footnotes:
*1 Tests carried out by TÜV SÜD on the request of Bridgestone in March 2022 at the facilities Bridgestone SPG (Sweden) and at ARCTIC FALLS (Sweden) for snow & ice tests, with VW Golf VII, on tyre size 205/55 R16. Blizzak Spike 3 compared to the performances of main competitors in the same segment: CONTINENTAL IceContact 3, MICHELIN X-Ice North 4, NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta 10, GOODYEAR UltraGrip Arctic 2. Report No. [713252341]. BRAKING ON ICE, rating: BRIDGESTONE Blizzak Spike 3 (100%), NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta 10 (89,7%), MICHELIN X-Ice North 4 (89,1%), GOODYEAR UltraGrip Arctic 2 (78,4%), CONTINENTAL IceContact 3 (71,7%). ACCELERATION ON ICE, rating: BRIDGESTONE Blizzak Spike 3 (100%), MICHELIN X-Ice North 4 (100%), NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta 10 (76,7%), GOODYEAR UltraGrip Arctic 2 (71,6%), CONTINENTAL IceContact 3 (67,9%).
*2 Based on internal tests carried out by Bridgestone vs. Noranza 001. Tyre size 205/55 R16.
Media information: Jessica Vandenbruggen, Communications Manager: +32 489 10 19 94
About Bridgestone in Europe, Middle East, India and Africa
Bridgestone in Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa (Bridgestone EMIA) is the regional Strategic Business Unit of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions.
Headquartered in Zaventem (Belgium), Bridgestone EMIA employs more than 20,000 people and conducts business in 40 countries across the region.
Bridgestone offers a diverse portfolio of premium tyres, tyre technologies and advanced mobility solutions. The company’s vision is to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment is a broad, global corporate commitment that clearly defines the value the company is promising to deliver to society, our customers and future generations in eight focus areas; Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment. These provide a compass to guide strategic priorities, decision making and actions throughout every area of the business.
For more information about Bridgestone in EMIA, please visit www.bridgestone-emia.com and press.bridgestone-emia.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn.