Preparing to a warm season I found that tires on my summer set of wheels needed replacement. I was using Potenza RE040. Two of them were replaced after an accident right before winter started and had only few hundred miles on them, but two others were original and almost bald. If all four would need replacement, I probably change to something other than Bridgestone, but in my case I decided to save a little and buy just two new tires. I ordered them from Tirerack and three days later I found them sitting at my doorstep. But immediately I noticed that tread pattern was different (see picture). Initially I thought that Tirerack made a mistake and sent different tires, but both of them were marked as Potenza RE040 225/45R18. The only difference I have found was a group of letters which probably is the identification code. On one of them they were T0302 E040QZ, and on the other T0302 E040BZ. On the the picture QZ version is on the left and BZ in on the right. I checked all my old tires and all of them were BZ. I immediately called Tirerack and they agreed to send me another BZ, so that I would have set of four to use on my car, and I already got it.

That was the first time I saw tires of the same model and size that have different tread pattern. So if you decide to order Potenza RE040 make sure that all four tires are the same version. Mixing tires with different tread pattern is not very safe, especially on high performance car like RX-8. Also if you are worried about wet traction, I would recommend BZ version, which looks to be less susceptible to hydroplaning.

 

The one on the left is the new 040 tread pattern design. I have seen these new 040s fitted in the current model RX8s here. I also have a friend with a 350Z who has the same 040s with the same tread pattern. BTW, my new replacement 040s have the new pattern.

I must say that the new pattern emits a lower road noise level compared to the original 040s that came with the car. On a freeway cruise, there is less rumbling from the tyres... and the beauty of the new 040s is that it still has that superb stiff sidewall and dry grip is still great!.

 

Now the question, does one perform better than the other... wonder if tirerack could help on this one.

 

either way, I will not get 040.

Might get some RE-01 R, but its only for Japan .... damn it.

Maybe RE050

 

RE-01Rs are available in the US. Just call tirerack.

 

In QZ version grove is not cut through external block, it means that water can not be squeezed out of inner groves. I think it should worsen wet traction. Did you notice any wet traction change?