Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS 205/45R17

Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS 205/45R17 XL 88W Extreme Performance Summer Tire 006160 OLD

β˜€οΈ SummerπŸ’° $148.53πŸ“ 205/45R17πŸš— Performance

πŸ’‘ Is the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS 205/45R17 a Good Tire?

The Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS 205/45R17 is a summer extreme performance tire designed for compact sports cars and performance-oriented sedans. It delivers exceptional dry grip and responsive handling with adequate wet traction thanks to its specialized racing compound and aggressive tread design. Ride comfort is firm with noticeable road noise, as the tire prioritizes maximum grip over daily driving refinement. Tread life is below average for its category due to the soft compound optimized for track performance. Rated Good by TireRack based on 416 consumer surveys, it excels on track days and autocross events but is not suitable for winter use or comfort-focused daily driving. Currently priced from $148.53, it is available through major online tire retailers.

Check availability & current price β†’

About This Tire

The Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS 205/45R17 is an extreme performance summer tire, designed for sports car and performance sedan drivers who prioritize maximum dry grip and precise handling in high-performance driving situations. Its highly asymmetric tread pattern and race-developed compound focus on delivering massive levels of grip while maintaining performance consistency under track conditions.

The tire features a specialized tread compound utilizing high-grip polymers engineered specifically for dry traction, paired with an optimized footprint that manages contact pressure distribution under heavy cornering loads. This construction helps prevent acute heat generation while encouraging even wear during competitive driving. Driver feedback confirms exceptional dry performance capabilities, with solid wet weather competence and reasonable comfort levels for such an aggressive design.

Compared to standard performance summer tires, it emphasizes track-ready grip and handling precision over everyday comfort and longevity. Overall, it's a focused choice for enthusiast drivers who regularly participate in track days, autocross events, or other high-performance driving activities where maximum dry traction is the priority.

πŸ“Š Compare 205/45R17 Tires

β˜… Currently viewing: Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS 205/45R17

These tires share the same size (205/45R17) and are sorted by price for easier comparison.

TirePriceRatingBest ForSeason
β˜…Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS 205/45R17
β˜€οΈ Summer performance
$148.53⭐ Good (416 reviews)Track day events and autocross competitionβ˜€οΈ Summer
πŸ›£οΈ Comfort-focused touring
$98.24⭐ Excellent (139 reviews)Year-round driving in regions with occasional snow🌀️ All Season
🏁 Ultra high performance
$125.51⭐ Good (124 reviews)Sports cars and performance sedans in warm climatesβ˜€οΈ Summer
🏁 Ultra high performance
$125.99⭐ Good (969 reviews)Sports cars needing year-round performanceβ˜€οΈ Summer
β˜€οΈ Summer performance
$147.13⭐ N/APerformance-oriented daily drivingβ˜€οΈ Summer
β˜… CURRENT
Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS 205/45R17
β˜€οΈ Summer performance
Price
$148.53
Rating
⭐ ⭐ Good (416 reviews)
Best For
Track day events and autocross competition
Season
β˜€οΈ Summer
Radar Dimax All Weather 205/45R17
πŸ›£οΈ Comfort-focused touring
Price
$98.24
Rating
⭐ ⭐ Excellent (139 reviews)
Best For
Year-round driving in regions with occasional snow
Season
🌀️ All Season
Toyo Extensa HP II 205/45R17
🏁 Ultra high performance
Price
$125.51
Rating
⭐ ⭐ Good (124 reviews)
Best For
Sports cars and performance sedans in warm climates
Season
β˜€οΈ Summer
Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 205/45R17
🏁 Ultra high performance
Price
$125.99
Rating
⭐ ⭐ Good (969 reviews)
Best For
Sports cars needing year-round performance
Season
β˜€οΈ Summer
Toyo Proxes Sport A/S+ 205/45R17
β˜€οΈ Summer performance
Price
$147.13
Rating
⭐ ⭐ N/A
Best For
Performance-oriented daily driving
Season
β˜€οΈ Summer

β˜… Currently viewing this tire. Sorted by price (low to high).

✨

Key Features

🏁
Race-Developed Compound
High-grip polymers engineered from racing technology deliver maximum dry traction for track and street performance.
⚑
Asymmetric Tread Design
Highly asymmetric pattern optimizes contact patch distribution for consistent performance under heavy cornering loads.
🎯
Optimized Footprint
Contact pressure management helps prevent hot spots and promotes even wear during competitive driving conditions.
🌑️
Heat Management
Construction designed to maintain grip consistency and prevent acute heat generation during extended track sessions.
🏎️
Track-Focused Engineering
Developed specifically for high-performance driving events, track days, and endurance-style competition use.

🎯 Best For

βœ“ Track day events and autocross competitionβœ“ Sports cars requiring maximum dry gripβœ“ Performance sedans used for spirited drivingβœ“ Enthusiast drivers prioritizing handling over comfort
πŸ“‹

Specifications

πŸ“
Size
205/45R17
βš–οΈ
Load Index
88
🏎️
Speed Rating
W
πŸ“

TirePath Editorial Review

4.1
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…TirePath Rating

"For drivers who need maximum dry grip for track days and autocross, this extreme performance summer tire delivers exceptional handling precision. Expect a harsh ride and increased road noise compared to street-focused tires."

By TirePath Editorial TeamFeb 17, 2026
⭐

TireRack Ratings

Overall Rating⭐ Good
Survey Ratings416 reviews
CategoryExtreme Performance Summer

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Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS 205/45R17 XL 88W Extreme Performance Summer Tire 006160 OLD
Size205/45R17
Seasonβ˜€οΈ Summer
VehiclePerformance