Helsinki, Finland-based Nokian Tyres P.L.C. announced that its new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded tires (255/35R20 97 T XL) helped test driver Janne Laitinen reach a world-record speed of 208.6 mph (335.713 kph) on ice.
The company employed its unique Nokian Eco Stud 8 technology for this newest member of the Hakkapeliitta winter tire family ensures the balanced lateral and longitudinal grip required at extreme speeds on uneven ice as well as during regular overtaking on winter roads.
“Relentless testing at the extreme limits always works to serve the interests of the consumer,” says Matti Morri, Nokian’s technical customer service manager. “We wanted to set an extremely tough challenge for the new Hakkapeliitta 8. At extreme speeds, the forces focused on the tires are enormous, as the car travels over 93 meters per second and the studs hit the ice 43 times. As the air resistance increases, we need even more grip to accelerate the car. In addition to grip, handling and stability are also essential.”
The record was set on the Gulf of Bothnia, a body of water adjacent to Finland that sits in the Arctic Circle and is frozen over for five months every winter.
Watch the video here: www.nokiantyres.com/Fastest-On-Ice.
