[AnClar]

There are three different types of the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires 205/45R17 that come on the Abarth. one speed-rated V (149mph), and two rated W (168mph). One of the W rated tires is a run-flat model, the other not.

My questions are: which model tire is OEM equipped on the Spider Abarth? And is there any performance difference between the W-rated run flats and the non-run flats? I'm reading many terrible reviews of the RFTs on Tire Rack, mostly on BMWs and Mini Coopers.

Thanks.

 

[Denzel]

The Abarth comes with the W rated Potenza's. I have no clue if there are any differences between the two.

 

[AnClar]

Thanks...do you know if they are the run flats or not?

 

[JFernald]

According to Tire Rack, a very reliable source, the OEM for the 2017 Fiat 124 Abarth, regardless of brake option, is the Bridgestone Potenza S001, which is speed rated "W". These are not run-flats. They sell them for $174.55.

The tire for the Lusso is the same.

For what it's worth, when I replace the tires, they will be Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

 

[JFernald]

There are three different types of the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires 205/45R17 that come on the Abarth. one speed-rated V (149mph), and two rated W (168mph). One of the W rated tires is a run-flat model, the other not.

My questions are: which model tire is OEM equipped on the Spider Abarth? And is there any performance difference between the W-rated run flats and the non-run flats? I'm reading many terrible reviews of the RFTs on Tire Rack, mostly on BMWs and Mini Coopers.

Thanks.

Run flats used to be a much heavier, and more expensive tire. The newer ones are about 3 pounds heavier (23 vs 20), but are still more expensive ($41). I would not expect as good a performance from the RFTs.

 

[LongBeachJim]

I replaced the OEM Goodyears with the Bridgestone RE050 RF (run flats) on my last sports car (a 2010 Corvette) and loved them. When they wore out I purchased them again. Very good over road imperfections and great handling in the rain. I was pleased to learn that Fiat runs the Bridgestone REO50 in the 124, but they are not the run flat version. I had no issues with the ride quality of the run flats, and would certainly go back to them at tire replacement time.

 

[JFernald]

I replaced the OEM Goodyears with the Bridgestone RE050 RF (run flats) on my last sports car (a 2010 Corvette) and loved them. When they wore out I purchased them again. Very good over road imperfections and great handling in the rain. I was pleased to learn that Fiat runs the Bridgestone REO50 in the 124, but they are not the run flat version. I had no issues with the ride quality of the run flats, and would certainly go back to them at tire replacement time.

Jim,

I just checked my tires on the Lusso. They are Bridgestone Potenza S001, not RE050. You may want to check yours.

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

Wanted to clarify for those finding this thread in the future:

Classica and Lusso go the S001 tires, Abarths get the RE050s

 

[RBH58]

There are three different types of the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires 205/45R17 that come on the Abarth. one speed-rated V (149mph), and two rated W (168mph). One of the W rated tires is a run-flat model, the other not.

My questions are: which model tire is OEM equipped on the Spider Abarth? And is there any performance difference between the W-rated run flats and the non-run flats? I'm reading many terrible reviews of the RFTs on Tire Rack, mostly on BMWs and Mini Coopers.

Thanks.

I'm not a fan of RFT personally. BMW (who also of course own Mini) have been sticking with them and the ride on their FRT'd cars have improved out of sight...but the first ones to switch to RFTs rode like they were on solid rubber. The annoying thing about them though is that they are generally unrepairable once punctured. Which makes a puncture a bloody expensive proposition. My brother replaced two RFTs on his X3 and when the 2nd one went he replaced all 4 with non-RFTs and bought a pump and a can of goop.

The non-RFT RE050A aren't bad tyres though. Renaultsport actually fitted them to the RS265 Megane when it pulled a (then) world FWD record run of the Nurburgring of 8:07. There are better tyres available but they are nowhere near the worst.

 

[GarchingS54]

wasn't the NOS rekord lap set on Michelin PilotCup SemiSlicks?

In Europe, many owners are not very happy with the OE S001s wet performance. But a OE tire isn't the same as you can buy on the aftersales marked.

If you are going to replace the Bridgstone, go for the brand new Michelin PilotSport4. Almost as good as the Pilot Supersport under dry contitions, but much better in wet and daily usage.

 

[RBH58]

wasn't the NOS rekord lap set on Michelin PilotCup SemiSlicks?

In Europe, many owners are not very happy with the OE S001s wet performance. But a OE tire isn't the same as you can buy on the aftersales marked.

If you are going to replace the Bridgstone, go for the brand new Michelin PilotSport4. Almost as good as the Pilot Supersport under dry contitions, but much better in wet and daily usage.

Renaultsport's 2nd record with the RS275 was on PS2s.

Michelin PSS are still probably the best road car tyre...although I'd rate Pirelli P-Zero and Continental SC5P and SC6 up there with them. If you are prepared to give up some wet weather performance then Michelin PS2.

 

[GarchingS54]

Okay, if the rekord was driven on PS2 it was some years ago.
I have owned the PS2 and liked him more then the PS3 cause of his dry performance. The SuperSport is a little bit better in all conditions. But they are all just road tires. A Michelin Pilot Cup2 or the old Cup+ are road legal and a completely different world. I know that you can buy the Megan RS Cup with michelin pilot sport Cup2.

I thing, with PS2 (PilotSport 2) you aktually mean the Cup2.

Btw. For 2017: there will be a PilotSport4S

 

[matbard]

Unfortunately, the Pilot Sport 4S will come in different sizes than 205/45...

 

[GarchingS54]

For the market launch, the PilotSport4s will be only available in 19-20".
But during 2017 there will be more sizes. The new PilotSport4 is almost as good under dry condition as the Pilot SuperSport. This tire should be perfect for a daily used 124Spider.

 

[matbard]

I'm also intrigued into the new Pirelli PZeros. Those will be made in Italy and they will come with color racing scripts, like the ones they are currently offering in the F.1 championship.

 

[GarchingS54]

I was interested in the new PZero too.
But Pirelli normally doesn't last as long as the Michelin (made in France) and they are wider at same size as the Michelin. So was my experiences in the past with them.

I have just ordered a Set of Breyton GTS-R mini in 7Jx18 ET40 (offset) with 215/40-18 Michelin PS4.
I will assembly them together with 30mm Eibach spacers and so the tire must not be to wide.

 

[RBH58]

I think my last set of P-Zeros (on my Megane RS) were made in Germany. They were bloody good tyres though.

 

[JFernald]

If you want an all-season tire, and don't want to compromise much on dry traction and steering response, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ is my recommendation. It rates almost as good as the Super Sport in those categories and blows it away in wet traction and snow. Bonus: It's a few bucks less expensive.
Cons: Not as wide tread 6.8" vs. 7.7". Weighs 22 pounds vs. 20 for the SS.

 

[PureAdrenaline]

Just put on the Pilot Super Sports...great tire. Wide 7.7" contact patch and sticky as can be. I love these tires as I have run them before on much higher horsepower cars. Still king of the hill.

 

[GarchingS54]

The Michelin A/S 3+ isn't available in Europe.
And it is a AllSeason

I mean, that on a sporty car belongs also a sport tire. Maybe no UHPs or Semis like a Michelin PilotSport CUP2 or Pirelli Trofeo, but something like the new MPS4 or the MPSS. The new MPS4s will be litte bit better then the MPSS and will replace him in 2017/18. Good chance to buy some MPSS for a reasonable discount.

Many owners of the MX5 ND/ F124Spider had problems with the wet performance of the Bridgestone S001 and changed them immediately.

Also the Yokohama AD08 works really good für sporty drivers, but lasts not very long - about 10.000miles

Tires differ from country to country. A PilotSuperSport made for Spain isn´t the same as the Version for north Europe.