Nokian Tyres plc has expanded its Hakkapeliitta winter tire line with the introduction of the Hakkapeliitta 10 for passenger cars and the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV for sport utility vehicles and crossovers.
The company also has unveiled the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV, which is geared toward electric vehicles and hybrids.
The products feature Nokian's Eco Stud 10 technology, which combines added base layer thickness and a special rubber cushion with "air damping" properties designed to reduce road impact, according to company officials. (Nokian officially unveiled the tires on Jan. 27.)
"Thanks to the Eco Stud 10 concept, we have been able to improve ice grip and dramatically lower tire noise while fulfilling the regulatory obligations of studded tires," says Mikko Liukkula, Nokian's development manager.
Stud edges "are always in an optimal position when they hit the surface," according to Nokian officials. "This optimization widens the grip limit and gives the driver more time to react before the grip disappears and the car loses control. The grip remains firm while lateral and longitudinal grip properties stay in balance."
The tires also contain an increased number of studs and their placement is tailored by size. "For example, in the most popular size of 205/55 R16, the increase is 16% compared to the previous model," the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9.
"This further improves the safety features of the tire."
The products boast "improved stud retention. More rubber at the base means the studs are firmly attached and stay in place longer. Compared to the previous model, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9, acceleration on ice has been improved by 8%.
"The handling properties on ice have been improved significantly. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 continues the Hakkapeliitta heritage of good feedback from tire to steering wheel."
Other features include a "next-generation, directional tread pattern" that is heavily siped for improved stability and optimal snow grip.
"The aggressive and connected tread block design maximizes grip and stability, while self-locking, 3D sipes press the tread blocks together on road contact, improving handling in turns and during evasions."
A stiff center rib enhances driving response on bare roads "without compromising winter grip," say Nokian officials, who add that the new products are suitable for "all wintry weather conditions, offering reliable performance on wet, slush and snow.
"One of the most difficult conditions to handle is slush, especially when it appears slightly frozen between lanes on a busy motorway. Designed to prevent dangerous slush-planing, the (products') new tread comes with connected grooves, which effectively remove water and slush between the tire and the road."
The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 product range will encompass more than 140 sizes, covering rim diameters ranging from 14 inches to 22 inches, when available in fall 2021.
"Most of the products are marked XL for the highest possible load capacity in that size."
