Just ordered 2 of these and I see they're being closed out...what is Bridgestone replacing them with in 205/50-15?

Thanks--
Gary

 

I've noticed this as well. Not much else to compare to in 205/50/15.
Perhaps the Kumho ECSTA MX?
Since I have 205/50/16's, will probably go to Dunlop SP Sport Maxx next.
I miss the Bridgestone RE-71's (long since discontinued), which were the
best tires on my old car (195/55/14).

 

You should try to talk to Alex@tirerack.com for more info.

Looks like the Bridgestone Potenza S-03 is in closeout for most of the tire sizes it comes in and some are no longer available like my 215/45-17.

This is a Max Performance Summer tire and Bridgestone has in the same tire class-
Potenza RE050 (not available in 15" sizes, only 17" and larger)
Potenza RE050A (not available in 15" sizes)
Potenza RE050A Pole Position (not available in 15" sizes)

In extreme performance summer class the Potenza RE-01R doesn't come in 15" sizes.

In ultra HP summer tires there are-
Potenza RE040 $143! each in 205/50-15 140 treadwear A traction
Potenza RE750 $104! each in 205/50-15 340 treadwear AA traction and also available in 205/55-15 better for the street $100 each all in stock.

If you want to stay in Max performance tire class and use
205/50-15 or 205/55-15 you are limited to Potenza S-03 for now.

If you consider Ultra HP summer tire class then you have many more options in both 205/50-15 and 205/55-15.
Check out-
Avon Tech M500 from $73 each in stock
BF Goodrich g-Force Sport from $74 each in stock
BF Goodrich g-Force KDW 2 from $98 each in stock
Kumho Ecsta SPT from $58 each in stock
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 from $118 each in stock

If you are trying for good street tires the 205/55-15
BF Goodrich g-Force Sport $69 each low stock 340 treadwear AA traction
20 pounds V rated or
BF Goodrich g-Force KDW 2 $84 each special in stock, 300 treadwear AA traction 22 pounds W speed rated
Both very highly rated
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp&type=UHP&width=205/&ratio=55&diameter=15&tireSearch=true

 

I guess of those I'd pick the BF Goodrich g-Force KDW 2 for a summer tire.
205/50/15 is the size on my wife's car (currently has Bridgestone S-03 PP's),
and she'll eventually need new summer tires.

 

Does your wife have a MINI? If not which car?

Most cars don't need Potenza S-03s and a good ultra HP summer tire will likely work just fine.

205/50-15 is much smaller for outer tire diameter for a MINI.

 

She has a 2001 VW Cabrio.
I've also put Autotech tubular (hollow) 25 mm front and 28 mm rear bars
(approximately equivalent to 23.5 and 26 mm solid swaybars but weigh way less)
on her car, and that made a HUGE difference in the handling, body roll and much
more neutral balance (less understeer).
In stock form it had a solid 18 mm front bar and no rear bar besides the torsion of the
rear axle beam itself.
Tires are S-03's in the warmer months and Blizzaks in the colder months.
New shocks and maybe slightly lower springs will come later, but the oem
shocks don't need to be replaced yet.

 

OK, the 01' VW cabrio-
- 1,984 cc 2 liters 4 in-line engine with 82.5 mm bore, 92.8 mm stroke, 10 compression ratio, overhead cam and two valves per cylinder
- Unleaded fuel
- Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 8.4
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- Main 52 liter unleaded fuel tank
- Power: SAE and 85 kW , 115 HP @ 5,200 rpm; 122 ft lb , 165 Nm @ 2,600 rpm
- Curb weight 2875 pounds

With the swaybars added you've improved handling.
The S-03s are great tires for cornering. Not the lightest tire considering 115 HP and 2875 pounds.

I think Cabrio will still do fine with the BFG KDW 2.

 

The S-03's are fantastic in the wet also.
Yeah, I think the BFG KDW's will be the way to go when the S-03's wear down.

On my MINI, the S-03's will probably be replaced with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
(3 # lighter than the S-03's, too), and the oem Conti 175/65/15's will probably be
replaced with 185/65/15 Michelin X-Ices.

 

By the way, ... I'm kinda pissed that BS didn't come out with a S-04 in the
same sizes as the S-03's.

 

I use the S0-3s for track tires...they're great when dry and untouchable in the wet. Haven't tried the the BFGs but they're rated a tad better dry and a bit worse wet. May have to go with them next...

Gary

 

I was interested in the BFG KDW's because of very high performance ratings and cool tread desiign, but turned away because people have found them very noisy in comparison to other high performance tires.