Mon February 3 08:24 am 2014 in category Product news
The latest in stud technology, with military-grade materials:
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV studded tire provides grip and durability like never before
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV, the new studded tire from the inventor of the winter tire, uses completely new innovations to tame the extremes of the Northern winter. The most modern stud technology in the business provides grip like never before on ice and snow. The durability of the sidewall is optimized by means of aramid fibers, widely used in the aerospace and defence industries. Superior grip and durability provide maximum peace of mind to drivers who can now completely enjoy the performance of their sports utility vehicles. The logical, predictable driving feel that is a trademark of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tires guarantees that your travels will be safe. This fully-fledged SUV tire from the world's northernmost tire manufacturer successfully utilizes the same innovations and technical solutions as the magazine test-winning Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 for passenger cars.
The extensive size selection of the sturdy Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV, comprising 47 different size options between 16 and 21 inches, will be available to consumers for the winter tire season of autumn 2014. The versatile selection contains a substantial amount of special products that utilize Flat Run technology or are XL marked, that is, they have the highest possible load rating.
Genuine winter tire, more durability
The leading principle behind the product development of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV, which is designed for tall and massive sports utility vehicles, was to develop a genuine winter tire that will operate reliably under authentic winter conditions – on ice, snow, and slush. The principle of sustainable safety was also a major factor behind the intensive product development. The safety characteristics and handling of the tire must remain as good as possible even as the tire wears down. This guided us towards experimenting with and utilizing exceptional materials and structures.
“The fine-tuned Nokian Eco Stud 8 Concept in the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV ensures excellent winter grip. There are several innovations that improve driving stability. We also improved durability, which is very highly regarded by SUV drivers, by using even stronger materials, such as aramid fibers, on the sidewall, and by creating a tread compound that can tolerate the stress caused by rough Northern roads,” says Product Development Manager Juha Pirhonen from Nokian Tyres as he describes the latest solutions from the product development experts.
New Nokian Eco Stud 8 Concept – balanced grip for demanding SUV use
The new product's excellent winter grip and sensitive road contact on all surfaces are guaranteed by the Nokian Eco Stud 8 Concept that has now been tailored for use on heavier SUVs. The revolutionary stud concept includes a new-generation anchor stud, a flange design that reduces stud impact, and the Eco Stud cushion, already used on previous Hakkapeliitta winter tires, that improves the operation of the stud and further softens road contact.
The multi-faceted and wide stud and the new flange design work well together. The softer rubber compound underneath the stud flange acts as a spring: it dampens stud impact, and reduces stud force and noise level. The anchor stud, especially developed for the SUV model, ensures a firm grip.
“The new stud concept offers a very good balance of longitudinal and lateral grip on ice. This balance is a prerequisite for the driver of a tall SUV, since it ensures that handling and stability are maintained under surprising driving conditions. Advanced stud damping reduces road wear well below the strict levels in the present legislation in Europe, in addition to improving stud durability and reducing rolling noise,” Pirhonen clarifies.
The modern technology that optimizes both winter grip and eco-friendliness allowed us to increase the number of studs. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV is gentle on the road surface, yet it has on average 50% more studs than its predecessor, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV. In the size 235/65 R17, for example, the tire has 190 studs; over 80 per meter of rolling circumference.
The placement of each stud in the unique stud distribution has been computer optimized. The studs are not placed in rows, and the stud distribution proceeds evenly across the entire tread surface. This means that no stud is behind another, ensuring the best possible grip under all conditions. All of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV tires are sold with studs installed at the factory; this ensures the quality and functionality of the studs.
Nokian Aramid Sidewall technology prevents sidewall damage
This sporty grip champion is the result of nearly four years of careful development. Due to the determined testing at Nokian Tyres' own test centers in Ivalo and Nokia, the Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV carries and controls its high wheel loads stably and firmly, regardless of whether driving on ice, snow, dry roads, or hazardous slush. In addition to the weather, drivers on Northern roads face challenges in the form of uneven, frost-damaged roads, and the cutting edges of curb stones.
Research shows that the sidewalls often receive those impacts which lead to tire damage in SUV use. The versatile Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV studded tire maximizes impact and puncture protection by using Nokian Aramid Sidewall technology.
The sidewall compound that is exceptionally durable and puncture-resistant contains extremely strong aramid staple fibers. The same material is utilized by the aerospace and defence industries. The aramid fiber stiffens and strengthens the sidewall rubber to withstand external impacts and pressing against the wheel flange.
Brake Boosters provide additional safety on snow
Like its predecessor, the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV has a directional tread pattern and a fixed direction of rotation. Thousands of winter tests tell the same story: The directional and symmetrical tread pattern is the ideal choice for demanding, varying winter conditions. The symmetrical tread pattern of the stylish Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV supports wide stud placement, which optimizes grip and reduces driving noise. The strong arrow shape of the tread pattern effectively prevents slush-planing. At the same time, the tread has the best possible self-cleaning properties in deep snow.
The sturdy Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV's high number of tread blocks and heavy 3D siping increase the number of grooves, which in turn adds grip edges that grab the ice and snow. The large number of tread blocks also ensures more precise and wider stud placement.
Additional safety for demanding weather is provided by the heavily serrated pattern on the rear edges of the tread blocks; they improve grip when braking. The serrated pattern of the Brake Boosters increases the contact surface and improves grip, especially on snowy surfaces.
The sturdy stud placement refines the top-notch braking grip. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV has a new cap & base structure. The specially tough rubber compound below the surface compound firmly locks the stud in the tread block, stabilizes driving on dry roads, and ensures an even wear pattern on the tire.
3D Lock Sipes and Stiffness Zone: Precision and comfort in any weather
Several innovations are used to support the stable handling of this new addition to the Hakkapeliitta product family. The tread blocks in the center area have been joined together into a strong strand that balances the tire's handling. A special Stiffness Zone has been added between the tread blocks in the shoulder area in order to stiffen it. The Stiffness Zone makes driving more precise and calmer, especially on dry roads.
Two types of 3D Lock Sipes are used. The Diagonal 3D support sipes in the center area stiffen the structure, making movements more stable as the tire is quick and responsive to steer. The Self-locking 3D sipes on the outside shoulder lock the tread blocks together on road contact, improving handling in turns and during evasions.
The durable and strong double body structure makes driving sufficiently firm. The new stiffer belt package keeps its shape regardless of the bumps on the road.
Durable tread compound
The Hakkapeliitta Cryo Silane Gen 2 winter compound in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV is tailored for Northern conditions, and its higher percentage of natural rubber makes it excellent along a wide temperature range. Superior winter grip is ensured both near freezing level and at very low temperatures. Canola oil increases the tear strength and ice grip of the compound.
The Cryo Silane of the wear-resistant rubber compound combined with a new-generation Winter Silica allows the tire to have good wet grip and the lowest rolling resistance on the market.
Fuel consumption and harmful emissions are further reduced, making the new product greener than before.
Precise tire information
The location and pressure indicators on the sidewall information area of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV improve winter safety and driving comfort. The information area allows for recording the correct inflation pressure and installation location during tire change. Comfort and safety are improved further by a new section that can be used to record the tightening torque of bolts for alloy rims.
The tread surface has the Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) patented by Nokian Tyres. The numbers on the center surface of the tire indicate how much of the main groove depth remains on the tread. The snowflake symbol of the Winter Safety Indicator (WSI) remains visible to a groove depth of four millimeters. Once the snowflake has worn out, the driver should purchase new winter tires to ensure sufficient safety.
Northern safety - Hakkapeliitta winter tires and the Hakka concept
Nokian Tyres manufactured the world's first winter tire to match the winter frost in 1934. Two years later, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta was born in the Nordic winter; currently, it is one of the most well-known winter tire brands in the world. 2014 is the 80th anniversary of the invention of the winter tire. The Nokian winter tires are developed for the North, ensuring safe driving under all weather and road conditions.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV – Grip and durability like never before
- Superior winter grip
- Aramid reinforced structure for unique durability
- Extremely stable and precise driving feel in any winter weather
Main innovations:
Nokian Eco Stud 8 Concept Extreme winter safety and softer road contact. More winter grip, driving comfort, and durability. Unique stud technology. A new-generation, eco-friendly anchor stud, a flange design that reduces stud impact, and the Eco Stud cushion that improves the operation of the stud and further softens road contact. The placement of each stud has been computer optimized. The studs are not placed in rows, and the stud distribution proceeds evenly across the entire tread surface. No stud is behind another, ensuring the best possible grip under all conditions.
Nokian Aramid Sidewall technology. Durability and protection for surprising situations. The sidewall compound that is exceptionally durable and puncture-resistant contains extremely strong aramid fibers. The same material is utilized by the aerospace and defence industries. The aramid fiber stiffens and strengthens the sidewall rubber to withstand external impacts and pressing against the wheel flange.
Brake Booster Better braking grip. The brake boosters on the rear parts of the tread blocks improve braking grip on snow. The serrated pattern of the brake boosters especially improves grip on snow.
Hakkapeliitta Cryo Silane Gen 2 tread compound. Excellent winter grip under all temperatures, excellent wear resistance, and lower fuel consumption. The large amount of natural rubber keeps the compound flexible under all conditions. The sipes on the tread blocks work actively regardless of variations in grip level and temperature. Superior winter grip is ensured both near freezing level and at very low temperatures. Added canola oil increases the tear strength and ice grip of the compound.
Stiffness Zone. More driving stability and precision. A special Stiffness Zone has been added between the tread blocks in the shoulder area in order to stiffen it. The Stiffness Zone makes driving more precise and calmer, especially on dry roads.
Diagonal 3D support sipes. Quicker steering response. The diagonal 3D support sipes in the center area stiffen the structure. The tire is quick to react when steering, ensuring safe and precise handling.
Self-locking 3D sipes. More driving precision. The self-locking 3D sipes on the outside shoulder lock the tread blocks together on road contact, improving handling in turns and during evasions.
Photos: www.nokiantyres.com/hakkapeliitta8suv
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV – Grip and durability like never before
http://youtu.be/hJBDGCL1ecc
The world's first winter tire 80 years. Watch video.
http://youtu.be/3pb8Oe-Ki5c
Testing under extreme conditions. Ivalo Testing Center – White Hell:
http://youtu.be/f4TSgk_1TQU
How was the world's first winter tire invented?
http://www.nokiantires.com/first-winter-tires
Story of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta:
www.nokiantyres.com/hakkapeliitta75
Nokian Hakkapeliitta – Legendary winter tire:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA-YfJDKvwE&feature=share&list=PL1BE04B7BAC224A97
Test winner, Nokian Hakkapeliitta:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkQotSMzSfs&feature=share&list=UUv-VDEjbdBkuZ-eSvYOn0FA
Nokian Hakkapeliitta and the Fastest Car on Ice, 335.713 km/h (208.602 mph)
www.nokiantires.com/EN-Fastest-On-Ice-2013
Hakkapeliitta Winter Driving School
www.nokiantyres.com/winter-driving-school
Blogs by Nokian Tires' professionals
http://community.nokiantires.com/
Further information:
Nokian Tires plc,
Product Development Manager Juha Pirhonen, tel. +358 10 401 7708 juha.pirhonen(at)nokiantyres.com
Technical Customer Service Manager Matti Morri, tel. +358 10 401 7621 matti.morri(at)nokiantyres.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NokianTyresNA
YouTube: http://youtube.com/nokiantyresna
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NokianTyresNA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nokian-tyres-plc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NokianTyresNA