The Maserati MC20 supercar, which premiered earlier this month, will be running on a set of bespoke Bridgestone Potenza tyres when deliveries of the performance-focused model commence in international markets in the second quarter of 2021. The tyres are said to have been custom-engineered to specifically match the driving dynamics of the new supercar. 

• Bridgestone is the exclusive tyre supplier for Maserati’s new MC20 supercar 
• Potenza tyres feature custom-engineered elements to enhance performance
• Special technique used to reduce development time for Potenza tyres

Custom-designed Bridgestone Potenza tyres for Maserati MC20

The MC20 is powered by Maserati’s new 3.0-litre, twin-turbo, ‘Nettuno’ V6 petrol engine that puts down 630hp and 730Nm of torque through the rear-wheels. Bridgestone claims to have developed a high performance version of its F1-derived ‘Potenza’ tyres, specifically for the MC20.

The Japanese tyre manufacturer says that the in-house-developed tyres feature elements such as an asymmetric tread design for improving steering response and cornering stability, a new tread compound to enhance grip and a structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly while cornering. The bespoke rubber helps the MC20 cover the 0-100kph sprint in a scant 2.9sec and hit the 200kph mark from a standstill in just 8.8sec. Top speed is rated at 325kph.

Bridgestone Potenza tyres development technique

Bridgestone has revealed that its efforts to develop custom tyres were aided by its proprietary ‘virtual tyre modelling technology’ that reduced the duration of the development process, something which was necessitated by the short, 24-month period in which the MC20 was designed. Moreover, the tyre maker’s virtual development technique also helped limit resource usage and, in turn, reduce environmental impact.  

Commenting on the development of the Potenza tyres, Steven De Bock, VP, consumer replacement and OE, Bridgestone EMIA (Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and Africa), said, “Fully developed, tested and manufactured in Europe, these custom-designed Potenza tyres have been designed to meet the high demands of Maserati. Collaborating once again with Maserati, we developed a specially engineered Potenza tyre that enables Maserati’s MC20 to deliver on its power, control and sporting capabilities.”

Maserati MC20 India launch plans

As part of Maserati’s drive to expand its footprint in India, the MC20 will be launched in our market sometime in mid 2021. Considering that Bridgestone is the exclusive tyre partner for the supercar, expect the model to feature the same Potenza rubber in India as well.

Other than this, Maserati has also lined up the Trofeo versions of the Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante for our country.