For over 11 years, the RE003 was the go-to "bang-for-your-buck" street performance tyre. Now, the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005 has finally arrived to take the throne. The RE003 was often to the go to tyre for those wanting a tyre capable of daily use that could handle some fun on the weekends. It made it a hugely popular tyre for the budget conscious with over 2 million tyres sold.
Bridgestone launched their national tour at Norwell Motorplex to introduce the dealers and media to the long awaited RE005.
Why are we testing a road tyre on a race track?
Firstly, Norwell Motorplex is a unique circuit with almost road like surfacing, a technical track mixed with tight, medium and high speed corners. With a crown in the road and surfaces ranging from Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) to Fulton Hogan Motofelt, the track mimics the unpredictable off-camber entries and grip levels found on real-world backroads.
Secondly, Bridgestone are confident that the tyre will handle track work. It may not be a record setting tyre but they are confident it will inspire confidence for high-performance driving and will handle track use which we will cover later.
The Specifications
Key Specifications at a Glance
• Tyre Category: Ultra-High Performance (UHP) Street
• Key Technology: ENLITEN™ Technology
• Size Range: 15" to 20" (50+ sizes available)
• Target Competitors: Michelin Pilot Sport 5, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
• Best For: Hot hatches, sports coupes, and performance sedans (e.g., Toyota GR86, VW Golf GTI, Subaru WRX, Ford Mustang)
What’s Changed and what does Bridgestone Claim?
The RE003 survived 11 years and Australia never saw the RE004 other than some grey imports. In that time there have been big steps forward in tyre technology and Bridgestone have incorporated much of that technology in the new RE005.
1. ENLITEN™ Technology
The RE005 utilizes Bridgestone’s ENLITEN™ technology, which focuses on sustainability without sacrificing "fun." By reducing the tyre's weight and rolling resistance, the RE005 is not only better for fuel economy but is also a viable option for sportier Electric Vehicles (EVs) that require low-rolling resistance to maintain range. Essentially a new silica/rubber compound to improve road noise, rolling resistance and grip.
2. Advanced "Rain-Pulse" Grooves
One of the main criticisms of older performance tyres was their tendency to hydroplane. The RE005 introduces an Advanced Rain-Pulse groove and an A-shaped tread design. These work together to evacuate water more efficiently, earning the tyre an "A" grade for wet grip across almost the entire size range.
3. High-Rigidity Connecting Blocks
To maintain that "Adrenalin" feel, the outer shoulder features reinforced connecting blocks. This minimizes tread deformation during hard cornering, ensuring the steering feels sharp and the car stays planted when you’re pushing through a series of bends.
Dry Braking - 7% Improvement (1m shorter stopping distance)
Wet Braking - 12% Improvement (3m shorter stopping distance)
Wear life - 4% longer
Weight - 7% lighter
Does it actually live up to that hype?
As an instructor, I had the unique vantage point of sitting beside drivers of all levels—from the hesitant novices to the "fast but ragged" veterans. The feedback was unanimous: this tyre inspires confidence. It had strong turn in and once the tyre was loaded up either under brakes, steering or both, there was good feedback to make corrections.
For me, that is the sign of a good road tyre that can cross over in to the high performance driving category. These types of tyres are not designed for lap records, they are designed to make driving fun, inspire confidence in the user and connect them to the road.
How that translates for me and how Paul Morris (Owner of Norwell Motorplex) managed to sum up much more succinctly than I could is, “The sign of a good performance tyre is when we are hard on the brakes and transitioning in to turning how much steering lock can we actually put into the car.”
The answer with the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005 is? A lot. While probably not at the level of more dedicated track tyres it far exceeds the outgoing RE003 and leaves other street tyre competitors in the dust.
The large connected outer block is very much designed like a semi-slick. Providing a large block for the tyre to load up on. Not only does that offer more grip, it helps improve tread life and minimise drop offs in performance as the tyres heat up.
Whilst the exact internal structural changes remain under wraps, the results are felt immediately through the steering rack. The sidewall support is vastly superior to the RE003, resisting mid-corner deformation far more effectively
On road the tyre should be much nicer as well. Ride comfort and NVH are greatly improved. For what is an Ultra High Performance tyre, it’s on road manners are surprisingly good. As good as its much more expensive and less performance capable competitors? Maybe not, that would be hard to tell without back to back testing them on the road but none of the competitors offer a road tyre anywhere near as fun as this on the road.
Wet weather performance.
This is the area that Bridgestone is most excited about and the work done to optimise the grooves to disperse water has really paid off along with the new ENLITEN compound. On the Norwell skidpan, the BMW 240i provided large amounts of grip and confidence running through the course the car was nimble, changing direction quickly and even through large amounts of standing water never showed tendencies to hydroplane.
Like in the dry the tyre provided a good balance between grip while the car is loaded up in a corner and adding in throttle or braking.
Is the RE005 worth buying?
Without a doubt yes, particularly with many of the deals Bridgestone put on. It has firmly cemented itself again as the budget friendly Ultra High Performance tyre for those that really value driving fun. Inspiring confidence, strong braking, cornering and change of direction performance in the dry or wet mixed with good daily road going characteristics.
If this isn’t another cult hero for the next 11 years I can only imagine it’s because Bridgestone bring out the RE006 before that time.
Pros:
• Exceptional wet-weather braking and handling.
• Lighter weight improves steering feel and efficiency.
• Broad size range fits everything from an MX-5 to Mustangs and more.
Cons:
• Slightly higher price point than the outgoing RE003.
• Road noise is greatly improved but still present compared to premium touring tyres.