Nokian Tyres has unveiled a new studded tyre, the Hakkapeliitta 01, marking a milestone in the development of studded tyres. It is the world's first studded tyre to adapt automatically to temperature and road conditions, designed to maximise safety, deliver outstanding driving comfort and reduce road noise and road wear in changing winter conditions.
The tyre is now on sale in the MAX1 online shop – MAX1 is the distributor of Nokian Tyres in Iceland.
Photo: Tork Gaur / James Becker
A development that began as an ‘impossible’ concept
The idea behind the Hakkapeliitta 01 goes back more than a decade, to when Nokian presented its first concept for a tyre with retractable studs that could be controlled to suit the conditions. That solution, however, proved complex, costly and difficult to integrate into cars.
At the time, the idea was considered technically interesting but not realistic for production in the form in which it was originally presented. Rather than develop an electronic control system, Nokian chose to solve the problem with a new approach to chemistry and design.
The right grip from the Hakkapeliitta 01 for every condition
The final solution is based on what is known as Double Action Stud technology. Instead of relying on controls or buttons, the tyre itself responds to changes in temperature:
- The studs are embedded in a special rubber compound that stiffens in the cold and pushes the studs out for maximum grip on ice and snow
- In warmer conditions the compound softens and the studs retract, improving driving on clear and wet roads
This automatic function makes the tyre simpler, more reliable and more cost-effective to produce, without compromising performance.
More than a decade of development
The Hakkapeliitta 01 has been in development for over ten years, built on extensive testing in demanding conditions, including in the far north of Finland.
During development, thousands of prototypes, different rubber compounds and a wide variety of technical solutions were tested until a simple, effective solution was found.
A new generation of winter tyres
The Hakkapeliitta 01 brings together a number of design innovations:
- Two types of stud (Double Stud Technology):
- Centre studs for acceleration and braking
- Shoulder studs for grip when cornering and changing lanes
- Specially designed 3D sipes that improve stability and grip in deep snow.
- Aramid-reinforced sidewalls in selected sizes for greater durability and impact resistance, for example when you hit a pothole.
- SilentDrive™ technology, which reduces noise and improves driving comfort.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01 delivers:
- Up to 10% better grip on ice
- Up to 5% better grip on wet surfaces
- Up to 30% less road wear
- Less driving noise
A big step forward for winter tyres
‘This is the biggest innovation in the history of Nokian Tyres. We have achieved what was once thought impossible: a studded tyre that responds automatically to conditions and so ensures maximum safety,’ says Paolo Pompei, CEO of Nokian Tyres.
The Hakkapeliitta 01 marks the start of a new generation of winter tyres in which materials science and design work together to improve both safety and the driving experience in ever-changing conditions.
Now on sale
The new Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01 is now on sale in the MAX1 online shop.