Latest Nokian high performance products endorsed by testers, Häkkinen

Nokian Tyres has launched its latest performance road tyres targeting European drivers, the Powerproof and Wetproof, with endorsements from German automotive magazines, Auto Motor und Sport and ACE Lenkrad, and and two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Häkkinen, who offered experience and insight into the testing and product development. The new summer tyres launched in spring 2019.

The variability of summer conditions and different road surfaces in Europe present a challenge to drivers and tyre manufacturers. Temperatures can vary by 40 degrees centigrade between the cold spring days and the midsummer heat, coupled with sudden thunderstorms. This, the manufacturer states, calls for tyres that are able to adapt to different driving conditions.

The stable handling and progressive steering of the Powerproof offers peace of mind for both high-speed lane changes and sudden braking, it states. The contact surface remains precise and exact, from rain-slick motorways to sun-scorched boulevards, and the strong structure ensures the durability. The extensive size selection of the UHP summer tyre comprises 51 products from 17 to 20 inches, with speed ratings of W (270 km/h) and Y (300 km/h).

Nokian Powerproof

The Nokian Powerproof was rated “Exemplary” in German AutoBild Allrad’s summer tyre test, achieving second position. The magazine praised Nokian Powerproof’s high performance on all surfaces and especially the superb handling characteristics in wet conditions. In German magazine Gute Fahrt Nokian Powerproof achieved “Recommendation” status in fourth position. The tyre convinced with its driving performance in wet weather, providing top performance and stability in wet braking and wet handling as well as preventing aquaplaning with good wet grip performance. Häkkinen added his view that the Powerproof “gives me extremely fantastic steering feedback. That is exactly the feature you want in quality tyres. When the tyre gives you confidence in driving, it also gives you safety.” The Powerproof was granted independent test organisation, TÜV SÜD’s Tire Performance Mark, proving its versatile and comprehensive performance.

Wetproof offers safety, comfort in rain

The Nokian Wetproof is described by the manufacturer as “the enemy of aquaplaning.” The tyre’s most important features are its wet braking abilities and powerful aquaplaning resistance, designed to make driving easy and comfortable even in rainy days. “Nokian Wetproof offers the best possible combination of wet and dry properties,” Jarno Röytiö, product development manager for Nokian Tyres, stated. “We have been able to improve wet grip and aquaplaning resistance a lot, which means we can offer more safety for the consumers driving in wet conditions. The development has taken us over 4 years and we have tested dozens of different prototypes across Europe.”

Nokian Wetproof

For comfort and safety, the tyre’s tread is divided into two functional zones. This new technology called Dual Zone Safety offers an excellent combination of dry and wet performance. The Stability Zone is on the outside of the tyre and makes manoeuvring easy by offering good stability and handling properties. The Wet Safety Zone on the inside improves the wet grip and aquaplaning resistance. The Aqua Hybrid compound also offers added safety for rainy weather. This new-generation rubber has advanced polymer types and improved silica structure for better wet grip and lower fuel costs.

The tyre was ranked first in two important summer tyre tests: Auto Motor und Sport, in which it outperformed premium competitors on wet surfaces and was praised for reliable dry handling, while ACE, GTÜ and ARBÖ called the Wetproof “highly recommended”. The tyre had the shortest braking distances on wet roads, in the aquaplaning test and in lateral handling on wet. The Wetproof was also granted the TÜV Tire Performance Mark.

The new Nokian Wetproof is offered in the speed categories T (190km/h), H (210 km/h), V (240 km/h) and W (270 km/h), and its comprehensive size range covers 46 items from 14-inch to 20-inch.