Controlled grip, more comfortable driving: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV – peace of mind for the Northern winter
Press release 16.1. 2017
The new non-studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 winter tyre offers much-needed peace of mind in case of a sudden snowstorm or rapidly freezing road surfaces. The further improved ice grip and better handling are based on the Arctic Sense Grip concept developed by Nokian Tyres that makes driving wonderfully controlled, precise and quiet in slippery winter weather as well as on bare roads.
The new-generation Nordic non-studded winter tyre from the world’s northernmost tyre manufacturer is the first choice for drivers who value first-class safety, unique driving comfort and greener driving. The different sipes in this chameleon of winter weather will adapt to all weather variations and offer relentless grip. The extremely low rolling resistance results in substantial fuel savings or, for electric vehicles, an increase in range.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV, designed for high-performance sport utility vehicles, exudes an air of efficient power. The tyre’s uncompromising winter grip and easy handling make driving an enjoyable adventure in the busy urban winter traffic and on the rolling gravel hills of the countryside. The tyre rolls with a natural fluency, and road contact remains logical and stable when accelerating in icy ruts as well as in high-speed cornering on wet roads. The sturdy structure and Aramid reinforced sidewalls provide much-needed durability by protecting against impacts and cuts that could stop your trip short.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 brings an unparalleled sense of effortlessness to driving on Northern roads. Its extensive size selection of 68 products, with sizes from 14 to 21 inches, is an excellent match for modern car models, hybrids and electric cars included. The selection covers, for example, the Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3, BMW i3 and VW e-Golf. The new tyre has a speed rating of R (170 km/h). The tyres with a profile of 45 or lower are designed for higher speeds and have a speed rating of T (190 km/h).
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV’s size selection of 63 products covers sizes from 16 to 21 inches. Most of the sizes are marked XL for the highest possible load capacity. Out of the hybrid and electric cars, the new Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV is an excellent match for the Volvo XC90, BMW X5, MB GLC 350e and Tesla Model X, for example. The entire modern product range will be available for the winter tyre season in the autumn of 2018. The key markets for the Hakkapeliitta winter tyre family, a champion of demanding winter weather, are the Nordic countries, Russia, North America, Japan and China.
More comfort and peace of mind
Sudden changes in winter weather are well-known all over the world. It is no wonder that, according to Nokian Tyres’ customer research, those who purchase non-studded winter tyres value reliable grip and handling on ice, snow and wet roads in addition to driving comfort. In the Nordic countries, good grip on ice is a particularly common request.
- The new Hakkapeliitta R3 maximises the winter driver's peace of mind in varying winter weather. This is, indeed, a balance between safety and comfort for winter driving. The tyre rolls fluently and silently. The tyre retains its precise and responsive steering as well as lateral grip, which is essential for winter safety, during lane changes as well as tight corners, says Marko Rantonen, Product Development Manager for Nokian Tyres.
Arctic Sense Grip – excellent winter grip, enjoyable driving feel
The winter driver’s peace of mind is built upon the Arctic Sense Grip concept that enables first-class winter grip as well as more precise and comfortable handling. The computer-optimised sipes, or grooves and cuts, of the symmetrical tread pattern work optimally in varying weather on ice, snow and bare road alike.
Winters are more varied than before, which results in a higher amount of bare road driving. The Center Block Siping on the uniform centre rib stiffens the tyre’s centre area, which is reminiscent of a growing tree. The tread blocks are closely bound together, which allows for excellent driving stability and safety during high-speed driving on dry roads.
The comb sipes in the centre of the tyre’s shoulder areas stiffen the tread blocks, which can be felt as excellent steering.
Pump sipes improve grip on slushy and wet roads
The Hakkapeliitta-like balanced handling is supported by introducing a large group of new innovations or developing tested and tried solutions further. The centre area has the familiar, efficient and patented pump sipes, and their number has been further increased.
The sipes remove, or actually pump, water out of the road surface, ensuring stable and sure grip on slushy and wet roads. A comprehensive and dense network of sipes was added to the edges of the tyre. The sharp zigzag edges open and close during braking and acceleration, thereby improving wet grip.
Cryo Crystal 3 particles maximise grip on ice
Developing the world’s best winter tyres requires a perfect interaction between the tread pattern, tyre structure and rubber compounds. It also involves nearly 4 years of development and over 100,000 kilometres of testing in actual operating environments. In addition to comprehensive laboratory testing and indoor testing, the demanding development work also utilised computer modelling and high-speed cameras. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 was fine-tuned to master extreme winter conditions at Nokian Tyres’ “White Hell” Testing Center in Ivalo, north of the Arctic Circle.
The extreme grip challenge of the Northern winter is overcome with the Cryo Crystal 3 particles in the new-generation rubber compound that boost optimal lateral and longitudinal grip. In a way, the microscopic crystals work like built-in studs, creating sharp, tough grip edges inside the rubber. As the tyre wears down, the crystals made of renewable bio-material that have been evenly divided into the compound come up and activate a grip reserve.
The softer cap layer of the tread’s cap & base structure reinforces grip, while the strong base layer provides additional stability. The new winter rubber compound of these new Hakkapeliitta products creates exceptional grip on ice, snow and wet roads as well as excellent wear resistance under varying conditions.
The multi-faceted Snow Claws found between the tread blocks and shoulder areas create balanced ice and snow grip especially during braking and acceleration.
Efficient fuel savings
Nordic non-studded tyres generally achieve the lowest ratings when the rolling resistances of different tyre types are compared. Due to its lightly rolling tread model and state-of-the-art tread compound, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 has minimal rolling resistance, even below the values of summer tyres. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 has up to 5% lower rolling resistance than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2, an efficient roller that was the most fuel-efficient winter tyre in comparison tests.
Lighter rolling saves fuel and extends the range of electric vehicles. Compared to similar premium winter tyres, cars using the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 consumes 2% less fuel. In Finland, for example, a driver can save on average up to 35 litres of fuel, which decreases CO2 emissions by approximately 80 kg in four years, which is the estimated lifecycle of a winter tyre.
Low rolling resistance tyres also have a positive impact on society. If for example all passenger cars in Finland, Sweden and Norway used the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tyres over the product’s lifecycle, the fuel savings would be 297 million litres, equaling the capacity of some 8 700 tank trucks, and carbon dioxide emissions would decrease by some 710,000 tonnes. Benefits to the society of this carbon dioxide reduction is estimated at 28,4 million euros based on estimated social cost of carbon of EUR 40 per tonne.*
New Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV – Comfortable and stable driving
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV has an air of sporty stylishness about it, and the modern and aggressive tread pattern perfectly promotes the reliable handling of this high-performance tyre. This new product actively supports the stability control systems of SUVs and manages its high wheel loads with precision and flexibility. The straight, effectively serrated shoulder areas increase the size of the gripping edges and allow for reliable lateral grip, especially when cornering.
The centre rib is wider than in the tread pattern designed for passenger cars, providing useful added stability even for heavier vehicles. The Arctic Sense Grip concept and the heavily siped tread blocks that extend towards the side ensure that SUV drivers utilising the performance of their vehicles can enjoy balanced grip and handling even under extreme conditions. The tyre feels comfortable and predictable from the first autumn frost.
The sturdier special rubber compound on the Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV, tailored for versatile SUV use, can withstand the stress of rough roads and ensure safe grip and stable handling. The strong dual body structure is also used to optimise the durability required by varying road conditions.
Aramid sidewalls maximise durability
In SUV use, tyres are most often damaged by impacts to the sidewall. Like all SUV products from Nokian Tyres, all Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV tyres have Aramid reinforced sidewalls. This unique solution provides SUV tyres with better resistance against impacts and cuts. The sidewall compound contains extremely strong aramid staple fibre, also used in bulletproof vests, and provides exceptional protection against wear and cuts.
Patented safety
As before, the tread contains the Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) patented by Nokian Tyres. The snowflake symbol or Winter Safety Indicator (WSI) remains visible to a groove depth of four millimetres. Once the snowflake has worn out, we recommend purchasing new winter tyres in order to ensure sufficient safety.
The location and pressure indicators on the information area improve safety. The information area allows for recording the correct inflation pressure and installation location when changing the tyres. Comfort and safety are improved further by an additional section that can be used to record the tightening torque of bolts.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 – Northern comfort
- Excellent grip and controlled handling on ice and snow
- Maximum driving comfort in any winter weather
- Saves on fuel costs
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV – Northern comfort and stability
- First-class grip and stable handling on ice and snow
- Enjoyable driving feel
- Aramid reinforced sidewalls for extreme durability
First-class winter grip, more comfortable handling. Arctic Sense Grip concept.
The different sipes flexibly adapt to all weather variations, offering relentless grip and enjoyably controlled and quiet driving. Diamond-tough Cryo Crystal 3 grip particles that have the appearance of a multi-edged crystal have been added to the rubber compound in order to improve grip on ice by grabbing onto the driving surface.
Excellent grip on ice and snow. - Snow Claws. The multi-faceted Snow Claws found between the tread blocks and shoulder areas create balanced ice and snow grip especially during braking and acceleration.
Balanced handling, more driving comfort - Aggressive tread pattern. The aggressive tread pattern is covered by an even denser sipe network and V-shaped cuts on both sides of the centre rib. The added edges ensure excellent lateral and longitudinal grip. The heavily siped tread pattern, combined with the flexible rubber compound developed for low temperatures, dampens the swings and jolts from the ruts and potholes on poor roads.
Steady rolling - Cap & Base structure. The softer cap layer of the tread’s cap & base structure reinforces grip, while the strong base layer provides additional stability.
Better grip on ice and snow - Sipe activators. Sipe activators have been found to be effective, and they are included on both the shoulder area and the centre tread. Sipe activators ensure driving safety under rapidly changing conditions, as a wider sipe opens up a narrower one and creates additional grip in extreme situations.
Durability like never before - Aramid Sidewall technology. Aramid fibres that strengthen the tyre’s sidewalls provide durability and protection for demanding driving situations. The fibre makes the tyre more resistant to outside impacts and cuts.
*Calculations are based on a comparison of the rolling resistance of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 to the rolling resistance of other premium winter tyres. Key assumptions used in the calculations are as follows: number of passenger cars in Finland 2.6 million, annual average mileage in Finland 14 400 km, and annual average fuel consumption in Finland 6.7 l/100 km. Winter tyres are estimated to account for 45% of the mileage. The societal cost of carbon dioxide emissions has been calculated with an assumed price of 40 euros per tonne of CO2 emissions, which is in line with the cost used by the Finnish Transport Agency, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Source: Assessment based on KPMG’s True Value methodology.
Download product photos and videos: www.nokiantyres.com/hakkapeliitta-r3
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Further information:
Nokian Tyres plc,
Technical Customer Service Manager Matti Morri, tel. +358 10 401 7621
matti.morri@nokiantyres.com
Product Development Manager Marko Rantonen, tel. +358 10 401 7657
marko.rantonen@nokiantyres.com
Nokian Tyres – the world’s northernmost tyre manufacturer
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Nokian Tyres is the world’s northernmost tyre manufacturer. The company promotes and facilitates safe driving in demanding conditions. It 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 approximately 1,500 stores in 27 countries. In 2016 Nokian Tyres had approximately 4,400 employees and net sales of approximately 1,4 billion euros. Nokian Tyres’ share is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki. Further information: www.nokiantyres.com
