New Nokian WR winter tyres – Forget the Forecast
Unique safety from the world-leading winter tyre manufacturer
The new Nokian WR winter tyres offer a virtuoso combination of safety and carefree driving pleasure. This advanced new-generation tyre family is a reflection of Nokian Tyres' tailorwork at its best: Nokian WR D3 and Nokian WR A3 are designed for different vehicles and drivers but for any winter weather. These environmentally friendly premium products feature nanotechnology, canola oil and the solid winter expertise of Nokian Tyres, which guarantee their reliable functionality in the typically varying winter conditions of Central Europe.
"We utilised our top expertise and knowledge of all types of winter conditions. Thanks to nanotechnology, new materials and innovations, as well as our modern production technology, we are able to provide drivers with tyres that have first-class grip and handling properties," explains Teppo Huovila, Nokian Tyres' Vice President, R&D.
Nokian WR D3 for the economic driver, Nokian WR A3 for sporty use
In 2010, approximately 50 million passenger car winter tyres were sold in Central Europe, which represents an increase of over 16% on the previous year. Targeted at the growing Central European winter tyre market, Nokian Tyres' newest tyre family was designed without compromise. The family comprises tyres with two different tread patterns to optimally respond to the needs of different size categories. In a fashion typical of custom design, the rubber compounds and structures were also designed to suit varying weather conditions and different drivers.
The Nokian WR D3, with an arrow-shaped tread pattern, is a durable alternative for medium-sized and small family cars and drivers who value safe, economic driving. The Nokian WR A3, on the other hand, is optimised for larger and more powerful vehicles with a special emphasis placed on the tyre's sensitive driving response even at higher speeds.
Cryogenic Canola Compound for extreme ice, snow and wet grip
The new tyres' tread rubber compound, the Cryogenic Canola Compound, is a novel combination of natural rubber, silica and canola oil that optimises winter grip, wet grip and wear resistance in varying temperatures.
The new kind of full-silica compound contains so-called Cryo silane, which enhances the functionality of the rubber mix. Canola oil provides higher resistance to tear and improves ice and snow grip. Thanks to the high silica content, the environmentally friendly Nokian WR tyres feature a very low rolling resistance, lower fuel consumption and fewer harmful emissions than their traditional competitors.
The Nokian WR is green at heart, and it is also a typical example of Nokian Tyres' principle of sustainable development: its properties remain nearly unchanged even upon ageing and wear.
Nokian WR D3: Slush Blower against aquaplaning and slush planing
Studies have shown that slush is even more dangerous for drivers than ice or aquaplaning. The risk of fatal accidents is more than four times as high on slush than on dry surfaces. Melting snow, a layer of water on the road surface and possibly also ice form a combination that makes driving very difficult even for experienced drivers.
The Nokian WR D3 has a directional tread pattern with new solutions to actively prevent slush planing.
"We further enhanced the tyre's resistance against aquaplaning and slush planing by applying a slanting, staggered front edge of tread blocks. This new innovation is called Slush Blower, because it actually blows water and slush away from the tyre grooves. The polished grooves also speed up the removal flow of water and slush, " Huovila tells us.
Nokian WR A3: Nanobase for optimal stability
Nokian Tyres' tests have shown that an asymmetrical, open-centre tread pattern is the best solution especially for tyres used at high speeds. The sporty Nokian WR A3 features an asymmetrical inside-outside tread pattern that enables reliable grip without compromising high-speed driving properties. The inner shoulder design enhances the removal of water and slush.
"A stable driving response is emphasised at higher speeds. This has been a particular focus in the development of the Nokian WR A3. It has a Nanobase support layer at the bottom of its strong cap & base structure. The smaller molecular structure enabled by nanotechnology improves the tyre's steering properties and control when driving in corners, changing lanes and dodging. The tyre has exemplary control properties in extreme situations both on gripping and slippery surfaces. Thanks to its innovative structure, the Nokian WR A3 is safe and accurate even in demanding conditions," Huovila describes.
Representing the most advanced new technology, the Nanobase structure also reduces the tyre's harmful heat emission and, consequently, lowers its rolling resistance.
The golfball-like Silent Groove Design for a more pleasant response and higher mileage
The semi-round cavities on the sides of the longitudinal ribs, resembling a golf ball pattern, cool the Nokian WR A3 and make it safe even at high speeds. This innovation, called Silent Groove Design, also reduces drag and ensures better mileage thanks to lower fuel consumption. Moreover, it successfully minimises the inside and pass-by noise of the vehicle: the cavities cut off the noise stimuli generated by air flow and prevent any unpleasant, whistling noise.
Nokian WR tyres are available in a wide range of sizes from 13” to 20”, speed ratings ranging from T to W. These new winter products aimed particularly at the Central European markets will be available for retail in the autumn of 2011.
Releases, photos and videos: www.nokiantyres.com/NewNokianWR
Further information:
Nokian Tyres plc, Teppo Huovila, Vice President, R&D, tel. +358 10 401 7701, teppo.huovila@nokiantyres.com
Read more: http://www.nokiantyres.com/release?id=20209299
Nokian Tyres is the only tyre manufacturer in the world that focuses on customer needs in northern conditions. The company supplies innovative tyres for cars, trucks and special heavy machinery mainly in areas with special challenges on tyre performance: snow, forests and harsh driving conditions in different seasons. Nokian Tyres’ product development is consistently aiming for sustainable solutions for safety and the environment, taking into account the whole life cycle of the tyre. A part of the Nokian Tyres group, the tyre chain Vianor has over 771 outlets in 20 countries. In 2010, Nokian Tyres had about 3,500 employees and net sales of approximately 1,058.1 million euros. Nokian Tyres’ share is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. Further information: www.nokiantyres.com