Mon January 11 10:12 am 2010 in category Product news
Test winner’s big brother performs convincingly on and off the road
With the market launch of the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV studded tyre, Nokian Tyres is providing SUV drivers who enjoy driving in varying winter conditions with a superior alternative in terms of grip and driving stability. This new tyre combines unyielding grip with exceptional durability and unique driving comfort. Designed for heavy use, this advanced newcomer in the Hakkapeliitta winter tyre range continues the strong traditions of the product family and represents the very core of Nokian Tyres: the world’s leading winter tyre expertise.
Equipped with a sturdy construction, the new tyre delivers unparalleled performance in all Nordic winter conditions and can easily adjust to quick changes in weather and temperature from frost to snow storm to rain. The purebred SUV tyre successfully utilises the same ingenious technical solutions found in the new test-winning Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 tyre for passenger cars. In addition to their appearance, several common innovations identify these state-of-the-art forerunners in winter tyre technology as twins.
Unique grip, smooth driving
For a unique grip and soft road contact, the tyres are equipped with the Air Claw Technology – a flawless combination of an entirely new stud solution and the droplet-shaped air shock absorbers in the front edge of the tread blocks. This innovation is similar to the cushioning used in good running shoes: the air vents in the tyre soften and absorb the impact of the studs on the road, and at the same time reduce stud vibration when in contact with the road surface. The air chamber technology also reduces road wear, reduces tyre noise and improves stud durability.
The new multi-edged, sturdy and broad anchor stud enhances longitudinal and lateral grip on a slippery surface. The bear claw familiar from previous Hakkapeliitta tyres keeps the stud perpendicular to the surface as the tread block is optimally tightened when brakes are applied. Ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience is the new generation Eco Stud System, a stud cushion that enhances the stud’s performance and absorbs its impact against the road.
Slush edges maximise lateral grip
The famous predecessors in the Hakkapeliitta product range served as a reference point in the development of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV, but the latest SUV models were also studied. Intensive research conducted by our R&D experts as well as the uncompromising testing at Nokian test centres in Ivalo and Nokia proved that the new SUV Hakkapeliitta has the ability to optimally utilise the new driving stability management systems and thereby to deliver added safety and better performance in demanding circumstances.
"For heavy high-performance SUVs, balanced grip characteristics and the ability to control them are vital. Drivers who love to drive an SUV especially want reliable lateral grip to ensure good steering and stability of the high vehicle in high speed and in extreme conditions. To further improve the excellent lateral grip of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta SUV 7, the shoulders of the tyre are equipped with slush edges customised for SUV use to effectively remove the snow and slush between the tyre and the road surface,” explains Teppo Huovila, Vice President, R&D with Nokian Tyres.
Driving comfort with balance and accuracy
The sporty high-grip tyre carries the heavy tyre load with excellent control, stability and reliability on an icy and wet road. The tyre also delivers superior performance on snow and on clean roads. In addition to convincing grip in extreme conditions, this SUV tyre provides a precise, logic and balanced driving experience. The tyre retains its precision and allows undisturbed driving even in the most difficult situations and conditions. The low tyre noise makes driving an even more pleasant experience.
The strong, modern two-ply construction makes the tyre more robust for driving both on the frost-bitten gravel roads in the countryside and on the occasionally slippery highways in the city.
The aggressive tread pattern features a dense sharp-edged zig zag siping to provide additional grip. The centre of the tread is designed to enable better driving properties on bare asphalt. The shoulder areas are relatively straight and powerfully staggered, and the studs are distributed widely on the tyre. Thanks to the geometric tread design, the tyre will not get clogged up with snow or slush; instead, it cleans easily and runs effortlessly in deep snow and slush on challenging forest roads.
Side impact protection gives added durability
In SUV use, the side walls of the tyre must also be able to withstand cuts and punctures. The multi-purpose Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV comes with side impact protection for better durability. The raised open-centre tread design of the side wall makes the structure more solid and protects against mechanical impact.
The rubber compound used in the new tyre has been adapted for winter use in SUVs. The tyre tread is made from a compound of natural rubber, silica and canola oil, which improves tear resistance and grip on ice. In addition, the tyre can easily withstand punctures from sharp-edged stones.
Safety with tyre condition indicators
Tread indicators show the tyre condition, which increases driving comfort and safety. Developed and patented by Nokian Tyres, the Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) indicates in numbers how many millimetres of tread remains in the main grooves of the tyre. DSI is a standard feature in all Nokian brand tyres. The numbers in the centre tread of the tyre indicate the depth of the main grooves in millimetres. The numbers fade away as the tyre wears down.
Similarly, the snowflake symbol is a winter safety indictor. It remains visible until the groove depth is four millimetres. Once the snowflake symbol wears off, the driver should buy new winter tyres to ensure adequate safety. For safe winter driving, the required groove depth is at least 4 to 5 millimetres.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV will first be available in a range of sizes covering 21 items from 16” to 21” tyres.
Retail sales of the new studded SUV tyre will begin in spring 2010 in Nokian Tyres’ key markets in the Nordic countries, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.
Properties:
* First-class grip in varying conditions
* Stable and balanced driving response
* A durable structure optimised for demanding SUV use
Photos: www.nokiantyres.com/hakkapeliitta7SUV
For further information, contact: Nokian Tyres plc
Teppo Huovila, Vice President, R&D, tel. +358 10 401 7701, teppo.huovila(at)nokiantyres.com
www.nokiantyres.com
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV – firm grip, excellent durability
With the market launch of the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV studded tyre, Nokian Tyres is providing SUV drivers who enjoy driving in varying winter conditions with a superior alternative in terms of grip and driving stability. This new tyre combines unyielding grip with exceptional durability and unique driving comfort. Designed for heavy use, this advanced newcomer in the Hakkapeliitta winter tyre range continues the strong traditions of the product family and represents the very core of Nokian Tyres: the world’s leading winter tyre expertise.
Equipped with a sturdy construction, the new tyre delivers unparalleled performance in all Nordic winter conditions and can easily adjust to quick changes in weather and temperature from frost to snow storm to rain. The purebred SUV tyre successfully utilises the same ingenious technical solutions found in the new test-winning Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 tyre for passenger cars. In addition to their appearance, several common innovations identify these state-of-the-art forerunners in winter tyre technology as twins.
Unique grip, smooth driving
For a unique grip and soft road contact, the tyres are equipped with the Air Claw Technology – a flawless combination of an entirely new stud solution and the droplet-shaped air shock absorbers in the front edge of the tread blocks. This innovation is similar to the cushioning used in good running shoes: the air vents in the tyre soften and absorb the impact of the studs on the road, and at the same time reduce stud vibration when in contact with the road surface. The air chamber technology also reduces road wear, reduces tyre noise and improves stud durability.
The new multi-edged, sturdy and broad anchor stud enhances longitudinal and lateral grip on a slippery surface. The bear claw familiar from previous Hakkapeliitta tyres keeps the stud perpendicular to the surface as the tread block is optimally tightened when brakes are applied. Ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience is the new generation Eco Stud System, a stud cushion that enhances the stud’s performance and absorbs its impact against the road.
Slush edges maximise lateral grip
The famous predecessors in the Hakkapeliitta product range served as a reference point in the development of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV, but the latest SUV models were also studied. Intensive research conducted by our R&D experts as well as the uncompromising testing at Nokian test centres in Ivalo and Nokia proved that the new SUV Hakkapeliitta has the ability to optimally utilise the new driving stability management systems and thereby to deliver added safety and better performance in demanding circumstances.
"For heavy high-performance SUVs, balanced grip characteristics and the ability to control them are vital. Drivers who love to drive an SUV especially want reliable lateral grip to ensure good steering and stability of the high vehicle in high speed and in extreme conditions. To further improve the excellent lateral grip of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta SUV 7, the shoulders of the tyre are equipped with slush edges customised for SUV use to effectively remove the snow and slush between the tyre and the road surface,” explains Teppo Huovila, Vice President, R&D with Nokian Tyres.
Driving comfort with balance and accuracy
The sporty high-grip tyre carries the heavy tyre load with excellent control, stability and reliability on an icy and wet road. The tyre also delivers superior performance on snow and on clean roads. In addition to convincing grip in extreme conditions, this SUV tyre provides a precise, logic and balanced driving experience. The tyre retains its precision and allows undisturbed driving even in the most difficult situations and conditions. The low tyre noise makes driving an even more pleasant experience.
The strong, modern two-ply construction makes the tyre more robust for driving both on the frost-bitten gravel roads in the countryside and on the occasionally slippery highways in the city.
The aggressive tread pattern features a dense sharp-edged zig zag siping to provide additional grip. The centre of the tread is designed to enable better driving properties on bare asphalt. The shoulder areas are relatively straight and powerfully staggered, and the studs are distributed widely on the tyre. Thanks to the geometric tread design, the tyre will not get clogged up with snow or slush; instead, it cleans easily and runs effortlessly in deep snow and slush on challenging forest roads.
Side impact protection gives added durability
In SUV use, the side walls of the tyre must also be able to withstand cuts and punctures. The multi-purpose Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV comes with side impact protection for better durability. The raised open-centre tread design of the side wall makes the structure more solid and protects against mechanical impact.
The rubber compound used in the new tyre has been adapted for winter use in SUVs. The tyre tread is made from a compound of natural rubber, silica and canola oil, which improves tear resistance and grip on ice. In addition, the tyre can easily withstand punctures from sharp-edged stones.
Safety with tyre condition indicators
Tread indicators show the tyre condition, which increases driving comfort and safety. Developed and patented by Nokian Tyres, the Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) indicates in numbers how many millimetres of tread remains in the main grooves of the tyre. DSI is a standard feature in all Nokian brand tyres. The numbers in the centre tread of the tyre indicate the depth of the main grooves in millimetres. The numbers fade away as the tyre wears down.
Similarly, the snowflake symbol is a winter safety indictor. It remains visible until the groove depth is four millimetres. Once the snowflake symbol wears off, the driver should buy new winter tyres to ensure adequate safety. For safe winter driving, the required groove depth is at least 4 to 5 millimetres.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV will first be available in a range of sizes covering 21 items from 16” to 21” tyres.
Retail sales of the new studded SUV tyre will begin in spring 2010 in Nokian Tyres’ key markets in the Nordic countries, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.
Properties:
* First-class grip in varying conditions
* Stable and balanced driving response
* A durable structure optimised for demanding SUV use
Photos: www.nokiantyres.com/hakkapeliitta7SUV
For further information, contact: Nokian Tyres plc
Teppo Huovila, Vice President, R&D, tel. +358 10 401 7701, teppo.huovila(at)nokiantyres.com
www.nokiantyres.com