Nokian Tyres plc in the autumn of 2015 will offer European SUV drivers a winter tire that achieves the best possible class A in wet grip and fuel efficiency of the EU tire label. The Nokian WR SUV 3 winter tire, in size 265/50 R19 V, can reduce braking distances by up to 18 meters on wet roads and save fuel by up to 0.6 l/100 km, the company says.
This SUV winter tire is excellently suited for versatile use on different sports utility vehicles, such as the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Volkswagen Amarok, Volkswagen Touareg, Mercedes Benz ML, Jeep Grand Cherokee or Volvo XC 60.
The renewed Nokian WR SUV 3 features the Nokian Twin Trac SUV Silica rubber compound, tailored for heavy SUV use, and the Nokian Aramid Sidewall technology. Both ensure that drivers facing the varying Central European winter can enjoy the industry’s finest snow and wet grip and fuel-efficiency as well as precise handling combined with excellent durability. The same technology also will be utilized in Nokian Tyres’ other winter tires in the future.
Product Development Manager Olli Seppälä says the Nokian WR SUV 3 "is the absolute state of the art in the tire industry," and represents a new way of thinking tha tdrivers can enjoy here and now.
The Nokian WR SUV 3 rejects the notion that a large SUV cannot move lightly on tires with low rolling resistance. The Nokian WR SUV 3 is the first winter tire for the Central European market that has achieved rolling resistance class A as a symbol of fuel efficiency. For fuel efficiency, the difference in consumption between the best and weakest tire (A–G) is around 0.6 l/100 km. The lightly rolling tires also reduce CO2 emissions by 14 g/km.
The excellent winter grip and handling properties of the balanced Nokian WR SUV 3 are the result of a functional tread pattern and focused innovations combined with the completely new Nokian Twin Trac SUV Silica rubber compound developed for SUV use.
The tread compound uniquely combines the Nokian Hakkapeliitta rubber compound designed for the demanding and cold Northern winter and a silica-based compound that provides excellent performance in milder weather. The end result is the Nokian Twin Trac SUV Silica rubber compound, which contains natural rubber, silica and canola oil; its unique particle distribution ensures peak performance for snow and wet grip.
Due to the lightly rolling tread pattern and the higher amount of silica in the compound, the rolling resistance is extremely low, allowing the tire to achieve lower fuel consumption and emissions than its more traditional competitors. This compound innovation also improves driving stability and wear resistance.
The tire's main innovations:
Nokian Twin Trac SUV Silica rubber compound. Precise grip, excellent wear resistance, low fuel consumption The unique particle distribution of the Nokian Twin Trac Silica rubber compound, which contains natural rubber, silica and rapeseed oil, ensures peak performance for snow and wet grip. Extremely low rolling resistance results in low fuel consumption.
Nokian Aramid Sidewall technology. Unique durability. The sidewall compound includes extremely durable aramid staple fibre, and it is exceptionally resistant to wear and cuts. The same material is also utilised in the aviation and military industries. The aramid fibre stiffens and reinforces the sidewall to even better withstand external impacts and pressing against the wheel flange.
Tread model design. Stable driving feel, effective slush-planing prevention. The symmetrical and directional tread model (with a fixed rotation direction) optimises the stable handling and ensures safe aquaplaning and slush-planing characteristics. Strong sipes on the tread blocks provide a grip reserve.
Snow Claws. Maximum grip on snow. Snow Claws were shaped on the longitudinal and diagonal grooves of the tread blocks to provide much-needed grip on winter roads. They grip the surface effectively on soft snow and soft terrain.
Groove Lifts. Controlled, sturdy handling. Groove Lifts on the tread blocks next to the centre rib and longitudinal ribs of the symmetrical tread model improve handling on dry roads, making it stable and controlled. The Groove Lifts also prevent small rocks from wedging in the grooves.
3D Lock Sipe. Better handling, more durability. The 3D Lock Sipes that stretch from shoulder to shoulder improve handling in corners and during evasions. In contrast to a straight sipe, the 3D Lock Sipes also support the tread block when the sipe opens; this is due to the locking mechanism built into the sipe.
For more information, visit www.nokiantyres.com.
