Nokian Tyres' test driver Janne Laitinen set a new world record for fastest car on ice March 6 when he drove 206.05 mph on the Gulf of Bothnia in Oulu, Finland. The record-breaking car was equipped with Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 studded tires (255/35R20 97 T XL).
"Testing at high speeds in demanding conditions forms an important part of our winter tire development,” says Matti Morri, Nokian Tyres' technical customer service manager. “Testing our boundaries can teach us new things, which can then be reflected in all of our products."
Nokian says that when driving at high speeds on ice, tires must provide maximum grip, excellent structural durability and handling properties that are in line with the car's advanced power. At 206 mph a car covers 301.8 feet per second. The tires are under immense pressure at these high speeds, and their diameter can increase by 15-20 mm. As the air resistance increases, more traction is needed in order to pick up speed.
Video of the record-breaking event can be viewed by clicking here.
