NOKIA, Finland — Nokian Tyres P.L.C. has upgraded its flagship Hakkapeliitta studded winter tire line with versions for passenger car and SUV applications as well as a dedicated version for electric vehicles.
The new version, Hakkapeliitta 10, will be available to dealers in North America and selected European countries starting this summer, in time for the 2021-22 winter season, Nokian said.
Nokian claims the Hakkapeliitta 10 range offers enhanced winter grip, driving comfort and eco-friendliness compared with the predecessor Hakkapeliitta 9, which has been on the market since 2017.
Nokian points to Hakkapeliitta 10's "double stud" technology — specific-shaped studs in the center ribs for improved acceleration and braking grip, and different studs on the shoulder areas to maximize grip during turning and lane changes — for the new tire's performance enhancements.
The T speed-rated Hakkapeliitta 10 product range will launch with over 140 SKUs covering rim diameters 14 to 22 inches. Most of the products are marked XL for the highest possible load capacity in that size, Nokian said.
In addition, Nokian said the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is built with Nokian's signature Aramid Sidewall technology, which it claims offers enhanced durability and protection for demanding driving conditions.
The Hakkapeliitta 10 EV incorporates Nokian's "SilentDrive" technology, which incorporates a layer of acoustic foam in the tire's inner for sound wave insulation, a characteristic deemed particularly key for EVs due to their quieter operating conditions.