Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems Announces New Praxis Advanced Suspensions Systems For BMW And Mustang Platforms At Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO (Feb. 5, 2004) – Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems is announcing two new applications for its Praxis line of adjustable, performance, air-suspension systems at the Chicago Auto Show this week. The systems are engineered for 3-Series BMWs (1999 to present – coupes, sedans and wagons) and Ford Mustangs (1994 to present). Praxis technology will be displayed in the Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH) booth, #10, at the show.

Praxis is the first and only aftermarket suspension system that allows the driver to control performance – on the road or at the track – without the need for tools or time in the shop. Multi-Rate Air-Spring technology, coupled with the Intelliride™ control-system and externally-adjustable monotube dampers supplied by H&R Springs allow the driver to rapidly select the ride-height, spring-rate and damping.

“Our systems expand the operating range of the BMW and Mustang, while avoiding the compromises associated with typical aftermarket suspension upgrades. The adjustability of the Praxis system allows the amateur motorsports enthusiast to have one vehicle that is an equally competent daily driver and track vehicle,” said John Vincent, managing director, Praxis Advanced Suspensions. “The Praxis development process harnesses the engineering talents of the global Bridgestone organization to deliver a fully tuned and optimized suspension system that has been designed and tested to OEM standards for unsurpassed quality and performance. For example, the performance of the Praxis fitment for the BMW 3-Series will be validated through testing at the challenging Nürburgring race circuit in Germany.”

The Praxis system allows the driver to rapidly adapt the suspension for most any driving situation. A simple touch of a cockpit mounted control button and a simple damper adjustment at each corner places the vehicle into one of three fully-tuned operating modes.

The BMW system for the 3-Series features three modes – Touring, Sport and Track – each tuned for a specific purpose:

Touring mode provides ride and handling comparable to a base BMW 3-Series vehicle. Original ride-height, spring-rate and damping produce a balance that is perfect for daily commutes or highway touring.

Sport mode dramatically steps up handling responsiveness, allowing the vehicle to perform much like the highly developed M-3 model. Ride-height is lowered, while spring-rate and damping are increased to significantly reduce body motion and sharpen steering response. Sport mode allows the enthusiast to tackle a favorite twisty road while enjoying the pleasures of a tuned, responsive chassis.

Track mode, the ultimate performance setting, is appropriate for a variety of amateur track events. In this setting, the vehicle is dramatically lowered, while spring-rate and damping are increased to track appropriate levels. Track setting is not recommended for extended street driving.

The popularity of the Mustang in various forms of amateur motorsports demands a unique approach. Touring mode maintains a fully usable street vehicle. Track mode is tuned for exemplary road-course handling. A new mode (Drag mode) optimizes drag strip performance by adjusting spring-rates and ride-heights “on-the-fly” to optimize launch traction, and high-speed aerodynamics.

These new applications build on the success of the Praxis product for the Subaru WRX which was announced in November 2003 and is currently being sold through The Tire Rack.

Praxis provides a 2-year limited warranty on the air-strut units, a 1-year limited warranty on all other components, and includes limited warranty coverage for certain sanctioned, amateur motorsports events, an industry first.

The Praxis Advanced Suspension for the BMW 3-Series will be available through The Tire Rack beginning June 2004. The Mustang system will be available in July. Pricing will be announced in the second quarter. For more information on Praxis, visit the Web site at www.praxissystems.com. To order a Praxis system, call The Tire Rack at (800) 428-8355; or visit www.tirerack.com.

Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems, an operating unit of BFS Diversified Products, LLC, is responsible for the design, tuning, and integration of original-equipment and aftermarket suspension systems.

BFS Diversified Products, LLC, based in Carmel, Ind., is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH). BFDP is responsible for BSAH's non-tire businesses in the Americas including the building and industrial products, synthetic and natural rubber, and fiber and textile businesses. BFDP’s businesses lead their industries in innovation and market share.

Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BSAH, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies also produce Firestone air springs, roofing material, synthetic rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles and operate the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers.