Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems Launches Praxis Aftermarket Suspension System
Praxis System is Showcased on Subaru WRX in Booth 23589

Nashville, Tenn. (November 4, 2002) - Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems, a business unit of BFS Diversified Products, LLC (BFDP), announces an innovative brand of aftermarket suspension systems. Praxis™ Advanced Suspensions are the first aftermarket applications utilizing DUAL RATE Air Spring technology and the Intelliride™ control-system developed by Firestone Industrial Products, another operating unit of BFDP. This innovative pairing of technologies allows the driver to control performance with the "push of a button."

"Praxis systems represent our company’s effort to bring technology and quality to the aftermarket consumer. Unlike individual components available in the marketplace, Praxis suspensions have been developed as a system, balancing key performance elements …from tire to chassis," said John Vincent, Managing Director, Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems. "The automotive enthusiast simply has to push a button to change the performance of the vehicle. Most enthusiasts are not engineers. We did the engineering for the user, so they can take the driver's seat and enjoy the performance."

The Praxis system interacts with the driver through a cockpit-mounted control-module, that provides the driver with the choice of three fully engineered and tuned operating modes – touring, sport, or track. Vehicle performance and appearance are transformed without resorting to the time-consuming and costly necessity of physically swapping-out parts.

In touring mode, the Praxis suspension system has been engineered to replicate the character of the factory-produced vehicle. Ride and handling are finely balanced to provide a car that is comfortable for long-distance touring or weekday commutes.

In sport mode, the vehicle transforms to accommodate a bit more aggressive use by automotive enthusiasts. Handling response is dramatically sharpened to suit spirited driving situations. The Praxis system, when in sports mode, lowers ride-height by twenty-five millimeters. Spring rate is adjusted by engaging the progressive zone of the airspring piston, and damping is adjusted to a more aggressive setting.

The track mode setting radically transforms the vehicle. Ride-height is lowered fifty millimeters, damping performance is increased to precisely control body motions, and spring-rate is nearly doubled by adjusting the remote reservoir volume. Track mode prepares the vehicle for autocross and track events (note, this is not intended for highway use).

The Praxis suspension system will debut on the Subaru WRX platform at the SEMA show on November 5, 2003. Final marketing and distribution arrangements are expected to be completed by year-end for product release to the U.S. marketplace in the second-half of 2003.

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/Firestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BFAH). BFDP is responsible for BFAH'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/Firestone Americas Holding, Inc. is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BFAH, 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.

Information and downloadable images will be available at www.bridgestone-firestone.com and www.praxissystems.com/media beginning November 4, 2002.