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17th
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I'm seated behind the wheel of a 570-horsepower, all-wheel drive vehicle. I haven't driven it before, and it's safe to say: I'm a little intimidated.
I feel as though my bottom is inches away from the ground and I'm not entirely wrong.
The Lamborghini LP570-4 Superleggera is a beautiful beast of a vehicle. Clad in carbon fibre and the latest technological gadgetry, I'm in for a real treat.
The icing on the cake?
I'm at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and I'm about to start driving.
Lots going on
Despite a couple of “track orientation” laps in another vehicle, getting comfortable in a new setting takes time. My time is limited, so I need to make the best of it.
That said, getting to know how the Superleggera will perform out there is another layer in the equation. There's lots going on.
Then again, this is what I live for; and it feels like I could live multiple lifetimes in this moment. If only.
Purpose driven
Underneath me is a set of Bridgestone Potenza Ultra High Performance tires. My purpose for being here is to give these rubbers a run for their money. They are some of the latest products in the company's lineup, and I couldn't imagine a better proving ground than a high-performance machine like the Lamborghini. Someone pinch me.
The facts
What makes the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11A tires fit for some of the fastest cars in the world? Their new tread compound improves grip. According to Bridgestone, “the Potenza RE-11A maintains the tread design of the current Potenza RE-11 while providing an enhanced tread compound designed to provide faster lap times, higher speeds on the track, and improved braking and cornering, while maintaining durability.”
Furthermore, it provides high heat resistance for the days when you're out on the track for longer stints.
Large shoulder blocks and an asymmetrical shape also contribute to cornering performance while at high speeds.
The new Bridgestone Potenza RE-11A lineup are focused on sports-compact cars that are recognized favourites among auto-cross enthusiasts.
Getting the job done
Here's the picture: I'm in a car I've never driven before on an unfamiliar track. I have an instructor beside me telling me what points I need to hit. There's a camera taping my whole session, other vehicles on the track, and an outdoor viewing area where at least a hundred people are sitting. I keep thinking: “Don't screw up!”
The last things on my mind were the tires. You could argue I wasn't doing my job. I'd say I was doing exactly what I was supposed to.
Because the tires did their job effortlessly, I didn't have to worry about them. They hugged the pavement as specified. When cornering, I always felt I had enough grip to keep pushing a little more each time around. Did I use the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11As to their full potential? Probably not, but I wasn't coasting around that track at highway speeds either.
Bottom line
The Bridgestone RE-11A tires impressed me. I could have driven around on them all day long.
Specifications
- V- and W-speed rated
- 15” - 18” rim diameters
- 40 - 55 series
- 10 sizes
I feel as though my bottom is inches away from the ground and I'm not entirely wrong.
The Lamborghini LP570-4 Superleggera is a beautiful beast of a vehicle. Clad in carbon fibre and the latest technological gadgetry, I'm in for a real treat.
The icing on the cake?
I'm at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and I'm about to start driving.
Lots going on
Despite a couple of “track orientation” laps in another vehicle, getting comfortable in a new setting takes time. My time is limited, so I need to make the best of it.
That said, getting to know how the Superleggera will perform out there is another layer in the equation. There's lots going on.
Then again, this is what I live for; and it feels like I could live multiple lifetimes in this moment. If only.
 |
| Photo: Bridgestone |
Purpose driven
Underneath me is a set of Bridgestone Potenza Ultra High Performance tires. My purpose for being here is to give these rubbers a run for their money. They are some of the latest products in the company's lineup, and I couldn't imagine a better proving ground than a high-performance machine like the Lamborghini. Someone pinch me.
The facts
What makes the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11A tires fit for some of the fastest cars in the world? Their new tread compound improves grip. According to Bridgestone, “the Potenza RE-11A maintains the tread design of the current Potenza RE-11 while providing an enhanced tread compound designed to provide faster lap times, higher speeds on the track, and improved braking and cornering, while maintaining durability.”
Furthermore, it provides high heat resistance for the days when you're out on the track for longer stints.
Large shoulder blocks and an asymmetrical shape also contribute to cornering performance while at high speeds.
The new Bridgestone Potenza RE-11A lineup are focused on sports-compact cars that are recognized favourites among auto-cross enthusiasts.
Getting the job done
Here's the picture: I'm in a car I've never driven before on an unfamiliar track. I have an instructor beside me telling me what points I need to hit. There's a camera taping my whole session, other vehicles on the track, and an outdoor viewing area where at least a hundred people are sitting. I keep thinking: “Don't screw up!”
The last things on my mind were the tires. You could argue I wasn't doing my job. I'd say I was doing exactly what I was supposed to.
Because the tires did their job effortlessly, I didn't have to worry about them. They hugged the pavement as specified. When cornering, I always felt I had enough grip to keep pushing a little more each time around. Did I use the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11As to their full potential? Probably not, but I wasn't coasting around that track at highway speeds either.
Bottom line
The Bridgestone RE-11A tires impressed me. I could have driven around on them all day long.
Specifications
- V- and W-speed rated
- 15” - 18” rim diameters
- 40 - 55 series
- 10 sizes