Bridgestone is displaying its tires on two GMC and Cadillac concept cars at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), which runs through Jan. 24 in Detroit.
GMC’s Granite is affixed with concept Dueler 245/40R20 tires. Described as a small, highly versatile, premium four-door crossover, the Granite has claimed the show’s EyesOn Design Award for Best Concept Vehicle.
The Duelers feature an asymmetrical tread pattern that provides solid traction while also complimenting the vehicle’s ultramodern style, according to Michael Martini, president of original equipment at Bridgestone’s U.S. and Canadian consumer sales division.
Custom-made Potenza 245/40R20 tires grace the Cadillac XTS, a premium luxury sedan that will replace the automaker’s DTS and STS models.
The ultra-high performance Potenzas “are a new hybrid design of Firestone tread pattern and Bridgestone sidewall design and feature an angular tread design that mimics the dynamic lines of the Cadillac design,” Martini reports.
“Conceptual programs allow our designers to extend beyond the boundaries of contemporary thinking and express our brand as it relates to a specific vehicle in a dynamic new way,” he says.
“Working with the best and brightest minds at GM to bring these tires to fruition was a particularly rewarding experience. The Granite concept is a ‘no-doubt-about-it’ show-stopper and an exceptional vehicle to showcase the Dueler family of light truck tires,” Martini adds. “The Cadillac XTS concept represents the future of luxury sedans and is a great fit for the Potenza family of high performance tires.”
Martini says GM chose to work with Bridgestone on the display vehicles because of past conceptual collaborations. The tire maker is also a primary OE supplier to GM with both Bridgestone and Firestone fitments.
For more information, visit www.bridgestone-firestone.com.
