Thu January 28 10:00 am 2021 in categories Product news, Company news
This is the new generation of safety: The new NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA® 10 offers ultimate winter grip, driving comfort and eco-friendliness
Nokian Tyres is introducing a new flagship range of studded winter tires. The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 for passenger cars and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV for sport utility models and crossovers are made to deliver ultimate safety for situations it is needed the most. Providing next-generation safety, the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 product range is an innovative combination of superior winter grip, driving comfort and eco-friendliness. A special new introduction into this product family is the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV, a dedicated version for electric vehicles and hybrids.
The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 studded winter tire is tailored to handle the harsh conditions of the North with comfort and ease. The superior winter grip of the new flagship product is the result of Nokian Tyres’ modern studding solution, rigorous testing and relentless research. The unique Double Stud Technology offers maximum safety on ice and snow, as the center studs improve acceleration and braking grip, while the studs on the shoulder areas maximize grip during turning and lane changes.
- The most important safety feature of a studded winter tire is its performance on ice. Changing lanes on a highway or merging into busy traffic from an icy intersection can be challenging, not to mention black ice, which is equally hazardous. In line with our product development philosophy, the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 maximizes safety in all driving conditions and remains controlled and reliable at the grip limits. Our mission is to keep your journey safe and predictable every day of the winter, says Nokian Tyres Head of R&D Olli Seppälä.
The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 product range comes with a comprehensive selection of over 140 products. Covering sizes from 14 to 22 inches, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 is offered in speed category T (190 km/h). Most of the products are marked XL for the highest possible load capacity in that size. The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 product range will be available to consumers in autumn 2021. The main markets are in the Nordic countries, Russia and North America.
The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 is developed by the world’s northernmost tire manufacturer and the inventor of the winter tire. The company holds over hundred winter safety patents and is among the global leaders in safety and sustainability.
Modern studding solution creates supreme winter grip
The greatest challenges in wintry weather and hazardous road conditions are braking performance and lack of grip while cornering and changing lanes on snow-packed roads. In the most demanding driving circumstances, winter tires are the first line of defense.
Studies show that drivers especially value reliable ice and snow grip. In Nokian Tyres’ recent consumer survey, nearly 50 percent of respondents named a tire’s grip and handling on ice as the most valuable characteristics. While the tire’s behavior on snow was a close runner-up, specially designed tires for Northern winter conditions also made it to the top three. *
To meet the needs of drivers, the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 features two new stud models. To increase the winter performance of the tire, Nokian Tyres has enhanced its Double Stud Technology by adding a new feature: innovative stud positioning. All studs are placed and positioned using state-of-the-art studding technology. The new, star-shaped studs have been rotated 180 degrees on both shoulders of the tire. This new layout improves lateral grip and handling properties, especially on ice. The edges of the studs are always in an optimal position when they hit the surface. 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.
Nokian Tyres has also increased the 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 percent compared to the previous model. This further improves the safety features of the tire.
- In addition to safety, lowering the road wear and improving the service life of the tire are important targets for us. The modern stud technology we call Eco Stud 10 concept combines added base layer thickness and a special stud rubber cushion with an air damping technology. The air space in the middle of the bottom flange softens the impact and reduces road wear. 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 Tyres Development Manager.
Nokian Tyres has extended the service life of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 by improving the stud retention of the tire. 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 percent.
- 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. The wide grip limit provides great controllability, Liukkula adds.
Controlled handling and ultimate stability
While impeccable ice grip is a necessity, stable and versatile performance on wet, dry and snow-covered roads is a key feature in varying winter conditions. The next-generation directional tread pattern of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 is heavily siped, which drivers will experience as improved stability and advanced 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.
- The center area of the tire tread is very stiff. The stiffness is achieved by joining the longitudinal center rib and shoulder area together by ribs between the tread blocks. This makes the tire more rigid, which makes the driving response precise on bare roads without compromising winter grip. The aggressive tread pattern and the multifunctional siping is a perfect combination of first-class grip, stability and excellent handling on all surfaces, Liukkula explains.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 covers 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 slushplaning, the new tread comes with connected grooves, which effectively remove water and slush between the tire and the road.
Specially designed to improve grip on snow, the Acceleration and braking boosters improve longitudinal grip needed for braking and accelerating. The aggressive Deep Snow Grooves on the shoulder areas provide additional grip when moving onto deep snow.
Eco-friendly and comfortable – in all temperatures
While powering through demanding and cold winter days with ease, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 is designed to perform in a wide temperature range. The new tread compound strengthens the impressive winter grip by staying flexible and grippy in freezing temperatures. By using cutting-edge mixing technology and high-performance raw materials, the Next-generation winter compound of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 also offers superior winter grip and steady performance in milder weather.
In addition to Nokian Tyres’ sustainable production, the amount of bio-based materials used in the tread compound contributes to the green nature of the tire. New, innovative raw materials such as pine resin and canola oil make up 30 percent of all materials in the tread compound. Of all the oils used in the tread compound, over 50 percent are bio-based.
Nokian Tyres has also reduced the tire’s rolling resistance. Low rolling resistance generates fuel savings and cuts down on harmful emissions. The resourceful usage of raw materials with a lightly rolling tread pattern makes the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 a more sustainable choice for drivers.
Next-level silence
As our winters are getting milder and less snowy, noise level is becoming more important than ever. Less snow does not equate to less slippery roads, however. When water and slush freeze overnight, drivers are left to deal with slippery mornings and deceptive black ice.
-The drawback of using studs has always been the noise level. We performed a great deal of research and testing to tackle this issue with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 and lower noise levels as much as possible. The stud placement on the tread has been computer optimized so the impact waves of the individual studs never amplify each other. The benefit to interior noise is dramatic, Liukkula elaborates.
Nokian Tyres has optimized stud placement on the tread of every single size and mold segment. Engineers have designed their placement so that the noise waves of the individual studs do not interfere with each other. To put it simply, when a stud encounters the road surface, the impact of the encounter generates a force wave. The force wave moves through the tread to the steel belt structure of the tire. The steel belt carries the wave forward to the tread structure and sidewalls. The vibration of sidewalls spreads through the rim into the car structures and further to the vehicle cabin. The benefit of the optimized stud positioning is to eliminate the most prominent frequency peaks the human ear finds disruptive.
-The outcome of the noise development of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 is a smooth, comfortable and steady soundscape. This was achieved through hundreds of computer simulations, relentless testing at our test tracks and listening to our customers’ needs. We are proud of the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10. On top of next-generation safety, our customers will experience the next generation of comfort, Liukkula adds.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 – Next-generation safety
- Ultimate safety – superior grip on ice and snow
- Stable and precise handling, even on bare roads
- Maximum driving comfort with pleasant sound levels
- Improved mileage and low fuel consumption
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV – More durability and balanced grip
Powerful SUVs demand a lot from tires. Tires must be strong and firm to keep tall, heavy vehicles stable, even in high speeds or poor road conditions. The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is tailored to meet the needs of powerful and tall SUVs. Equipped with the same safety features and modern technology as the passenger car model, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV offers more durability and stability while managing the high wheel loads precisely and reliably.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV has a tailored, rigid tread pattern with support ribs on shoulder areas. The support ribs combine with bottom lifts on the tread to reduce the movement of the tire’s tread blocks. This feature improves driving stability and durability. The tire’s Next-generation winter compound is tailored for versatile SUV use. The special rubber compound works across a wide temperature range, offers excellent wear resistance and ensures safe grip and stable handling.
Winter weather offers many challenges for drivers, from snow- and ice-covered roads to large cracks and potholes formed from the freeze-and-thaw conditions that weaken and damage asphalt. As with all its SUV products, Nokian Tyres incorporated its revolutionary Aramid Sidewall technology into the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV.
Aramid Sidewall technology offers durability and protection for demanding driving conditions. The strong, synthetic Aramid fiber used in the tire compound reinforces the sidewall. The fiber makes the tire more resistant to impacts and cuts that could otherwise easily break it. Accidental tire damage can incur a high cost, but the Aramid sidewalls protect the tire from the impacts of sharp objects, like an edge of a pothole or a curb, and may even prevent damage altogether.
The added durability and safety provided by the Aramid sidewalls helps drivers enjoy more carefree moments behind the wheel and avoid dangerous and costly tire damage.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV – Next-generation safety
- Ultimate safety – superior grip on ice and snow
- Maximum stability and driving comfort
- Improved mileage and low fuel consumption
- Aramid sidewalls – toughness & durability
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV - Comfortable and eco-friendly driving
Digitalization and electrification are global megatrends also in automotive business. When choosing tires for a hybrid or electric vehicle, the most important criteria are safety, low rolling resistance and low noise levels. Among the top three features highlighted in Nokian Tyres’ consumer survey, hybrid and electric car owners valued low rolling noise, increased range due to low rolling resistance, and stable and reliable driving feel *.
A special new introduction to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta family is the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV. Designed and developed with environmentally friendly technology, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV offers maximum comfort with ultimate safety for electric vehicles and hybrids.
Electric cars are quieter than traditional car models with combustion engines. The only noises EVs usually generate is caused by wind resistance or tires. When designing the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV, Nokian Tyres paid special attention to sound wave insulation. Even though the noise level is already exceptionally low on the passenger car model, the SilentDrive™ Technology introduced with the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV pushes driving comfort to the max. The exceptionally low sound levels are achieved by adding a layer of acoustic foam to the inner liner of the tire. The Silent Drive Technology is included in all Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV sizes.
- Electric vehicles are quiet, which makes low rolling noise a question of comfort. As the tire rolls on the road, the tire’s studs and the tread pattern make an impact on the road surface. This impact wakes up the eigenfrequencies of the air cavity inside of the tire and causes an annoying noise peak around 200 Hz. The new Silent Drive Technology absorbs this vibration, resulting in lower noise levels, less interior noise and added driving comfort. Depending on the height of the sidewall and size of the tire, the resonance peak damping effect of the foam can be up to 9 dB. This is a very important factor, not only because of the overall noise levels, but also to make the journey more comfortable and less exhausting for the driver. Combined with a computer-optimized stud layout, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV is the perfect match for a modern electric vehicle, says Hannu Onnela, Senior Development engineer for Nokian Tyres.
Electric vehicles typically have high power outputs and weigh more than cars with internal combustion engines. This sets specific requirements for their tires. Nokian Tyres has customized the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV to the demands of electric vehicles by implementing a stronger structure and adding rubber to the tread. The strong structure offers superior stability, while the tread is designed to withstand high torque and high wheel loads. The additional rubber enhances the silent features of the tire.
Lower rolling resistance extends the vehicle's range. To lower the rolling resistance even further, the compound used in Nokian Hakkapeliitta EV is a tailored mix of the green natured Next-generation winter compound. The tire’s sidewall is thin grooved and aerodynamic, which maximizes the range even more.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV – Next-generation safety
- Ultimate safety – superior grip on ice and snow
- SilentDrive™ technology – Ultra-low sound levels
- Increased range, excellent stability
Rigorous testing in the extremes
Developing the world’s best studded tires requires more than four years of research and development, with countless kilometers of testing under actual operating environments. The development work of tread patterns, structures and rubber compounds of the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 required thousands of hours of computer modelling, laboratory comparisons and authentic testing in varying conditions, especially in Arctic Lapland at Nokian Tyres' own White Hell testing center in Finland. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 represents the Scandinavian premium quality and state-of-the-art expertise Nokian Tyres is known for.
Tread wear indicator – for your safety
The patented Winter Safety Indicator (WSI) in the tread further improves safety. It displays the remaining tread in millimeters together with a snowflake symbol. The snowflake remains visible until four millimeters of tread remain. Once the snowflake has worn out, purchasing new winter tires is recommended to help ensure driving stays safe.
The installation location and pressure indicators in the info area also improve safety. The info area allows for recording the correct inflation pressure and installation location when changing tires.
Main innovations:
Double Stud Technology. Maximum safety on ice and snow. Center studs improve acceleration and braking grip, while studs on the shoulder areas maximize grip during turning and lane changes. Star-shaped studs on both shoulders of the tire have been rotated by 180 degrees, which provides excellent side grip and handling properties. Pleasant sound levels and driving comfort are achieved through the optimized stud positioning.
Eco Stud 10 concept. Less road wear, more comfort. An Eco Stud cushion with an air space in the middle of the lower flange, as well as a layer of soft rubber underneath the stud and increased base layer between stud and steel belts, dampen the stud impact. The eco-friendly, modern stud concept softens road contact and ensures that noise is at a comfortable level.
SilentDrive™ technology. Comfort to the max. Exceptionally low sound level is achieved by adding a layer of acoustic foam on the inner liner of the tire. The acoustic foam absorbs resonance from the tire’s air cavity, resulting in lower noise levels and increased driving comfort. This technology is applied to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV range.
Next-generation winter compound. Impressive winter grip and low rolling resistance. The new tread compound stays flexible and grippy in freezing temperatures and offers steady performance also in milder weather. New, innovative raw materials such as pine resin and canola oil make up 30% of all materials in the tread compound, while over 50% of all oils used in the tread compound are bio-based. Low rolling resistance generates fuel savings and cuts down on harmful emissions.
Aramid Sidewall Technology. Durability and protection for surprising situations. The sidewall compound is exceptionally durable and puncture-resistant and contains extremely strong Aramid fibers. The same material is utilized by the aerospace and defense industries. The Aramid fibers strengthen the sidewall rubber to withstand external impacts and pressing against the wheel flange.
Brake and Acceleration Boosters. Specially designed to improve grip on snow. The sharp, saw-like pattern of the boosters improves the longitudinal grip needed for braking and accelerating.
Deep snow grooves. The aggressive grooves on the shoulder areas provide additional grip when moving onto deep snow.
Self-locking 3D sipes. More driving precision. The self-locking 3D sipes lock the tread blocks together on road contact, improving handling in turns and during evasions.
Download product photos and videos
*Winter tire survey 2020. The data is based on an online panel survey taken in February-March 2020 by Nokian Tyres in cooperation with YouGov research company. The survey was conducted in three countries (Finland, Sweden and Norway) with a sample of 1000 respondents from each country.
Further information:
Nokian Tyres plc
Head of Product Management Marko Saari, tel. +358 10 401 7339,
[email protected]
Manager, Content & Product Marketing Teemu Sainio, tel. +358 10 401 7296, [email protected]