Nokian launches Hakkapeliitta R2 non-studded winter tyre

As the successor to a multi-test winning winter product, Nokian believes its new Hakkapeliitta R2 non-studded winter tyre exemplifies the company’s latest winter tyre innovations. Chief among these is the Nokian Cryo Crystal Concept compound, which has cystal-esque particles designed to “grab the icy driving surface” in order to improve grip. The cryo-silane based winter silica compound works across a wide temperature range, achieving better winter surface grip and improved wear resistance. It is also optimised for reduced rolling resistance.

Other new features on the R2 include a denser sipe mesh; pocket-type pump sipes on the tyre shoulder to remove more water from the road surface; grip claws located between the tread blocks; sipe activators (the wider sipes activating the narrow) located on the edges of the tread to boost their functionality under the most slippery conditions; and slush claws – sharp triangle-shaped slush penetrators on the shoulder area to prevent the accumulation of slush between the tread blocks and the resulting “slush-planing”. Nokian also claims that the improved winter grip and handling are also preserved well when the tyre wears down.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 has an extensive size selection, with 56 sizes between 13 and 20-inches available. The tyre still has a speed rating of R (170 km/h). Retail sales for the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 will begin in the autumn of 2013, with key markets anticipated to be in the Nordic countries, Russia, and Ukraine. 

“The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 demonstrates that it is possible to maintain both precise handling and excellent grip, even when the tyre ages. The microscopic particles work like built-in studs, creating sharp, tough grip edges inside the rubber. As the tyre wears down, the eco-friendly crystals that have been spread evenly across the rubber compound come out and a grip reserve is activated,” says Juha Pirhonen, product development manager for Nokian Tyres, when explaining the special nature of the new non-studded Hakkapeliitta product.

Cryo-silane based winter silica

The new cryo-silane based winter silica compound is designed to works safely across a wide temperature range, and Nokia is emphasising its suitability on wet roads and black ice. Canola oil acts as the catalyst in the cryogenic silane compound developed for low temperatures, linking silica and natural rubber. Like the new studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, the Hakkapeliitta R2 also has a substantially increased proportion of natural rubber, which is stable across a wide range of temperatures. Canola oil also increases tear resistance to the tyre, increasing its durability, and improves grip on snow and ice. Overall, Nokian says the difference between studded and non-studded tyres has been reduced in the new R2, especially in regards to grip on ice.

The tread’s high silica content and new pattern allows the Hakkapeliitta R2 to reduce rolling resistance by nearly five per cent, Nokian says. This is a significant development for the manufacturer, and for winter tyres, when one considers that the tyre won winter tyre rolling resistance tests frequently. 

The tread surface is also equipped with Nokian’s Driving Safety Indicator. The numbers on the centre surface of the tyre indicate the depth of the main grooves in millimetres, wearing out as the tyre wears down. The snowflake symbol Winter Safety Indicator (WSI) remains visible to a groove depth of four millimetres. Once the snowflake has worn out, Nokian recommends that the driver should purchase new winter tyres.

The location and pressure indicators on the sidewall information area are also designed to improve safety. The information area allows for recording the correct inflation pressure and installation location during tyre changes. Comfort and safety are further improved by a new section that can be used to record the tightening torque of bolts for alloy rims.