Concept vehicles are an integral part of the motor show circuit, and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is no exception. Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO), in cooperation with General Motors, has debuted two new fitments on GMC and Cadillac concept vehicles at the show.
The GMC Granite, a small, highly versatile, premium four-door crossover vehicle, sports concept Dueler 245/40R20 tires. The U.S.-designed and produced Dueler tires feature an asymmetrical tread pattern designed to provide solid traction while complimenting the vehicle’s ultramodern style. The Granite won the Eyes On Design Award for Best Concept Vehicle during the show’s opening media days.
The Cadillac XTS concept car is fitted with custom-made Potenza 245/40R20 tires. The XTS is a premium luxury sedan that will replace the company’s DTS and STS models. The UHP Potenza tires 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.
“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,” said Michael Martini, president of OE, U.S. & Canada Consumer Tire Sales Division, BATO. “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. The Cadillac XTS concept represents the future of luxury sedans and is a great fit for the Potenza family of high performance tires.”
Martini explained that GM chose to work with BATO on the Granite and XTS concept vehicles due to past conceptual program collaborations. BATO is also a primary OE supplier to GM, with Bridgestone and Firestone tire fitments on many current production vehicles. (Tyres & Accessories)
