New non-studded winter tyre for varying winter weather:
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2, the new non-studded winter tyre, will safely tackle even the demanding winter conditions. It rolls ultra-efficiently and works safely in both slippery urban intersections and on snowy rural roads. New innovations from the developer of the world’s first winter tyre maximise the ice grip of this Nordic winter tyre, and the Hakkapeliitta R2 has made significant advances in this particular field. The improved winter grip and precise handling are also preserved extremely well when the tyre wears down.
Like the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R that gained astonishing success in tests, the new Hakkapeliitta R2 is the number one choice for those who value unique driving comfort and eco-friendly motoring. Its extremely low rolling resistance provides for significant fuel savings and lower carbon dioxide emissions. In addition developments have also been made in handling on ice, snow, and wet roads, which are all safety features that drivers value highly.
The extensive size selection of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 that provides effortless driving for Northern roads is a perfect fit for modern vehicles. We offer a selection of 56 products, all the way from 13 inches up to 20 inches. The tyre still has a speed rating of R (170 km/h). Retail sales for the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 will begin in the autumn of 2013. The key markets are the Nordic countries, Russia, and Ukraine. New Cryo Crystal Concept: optimal grip
Rapidly changing weather conditions are a typical part of Northern winters. Even though we do most of our winter driving in nice weather, the performance of a real winter tyre is put to the test when we encounter a sudden snowstorm or temperatures near zero that turn the roads into an ice track. The safety properties of the lightly rolling Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 were fine-tuned using a new-generation rubber compound, a tailored tread model, and the Cryo Crystal Concept boosting optimal lateral and longitudinal grip.
Diamond-tough 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. The tread compound maintains its excellent grip properties even when the tyre’s groove depth approaches the four-millimetre minimum limit that is considered essential for winter safety.
– The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 demonstrates that it is possible to maintain both precise handling and excellent grip, even when the tyre ages. The microscopic particles work like built-in studs, creating sharp, tough grip edges inside the rubber. As the tyre wears down, the eco-friendly crystals that have been spread evenly across the rubber compound come out and a grip reserve is activated, says Juha Pirhonen, Product Development Manager for Nokian Tyres, when explaining the special nature of the new non-studded Hakkapeliitta product.
Plenty of grip – light rolling
The unique Cryo Crystal Concept forms a perfect combination with the tread compound developed for non-studded winter tyres. The new cryo-silane based winter silica compound works safely across a wide temperature range. It is not afraid of challenges on wet roads, or the ever-present danger of black ice.
Canola oil acts as the catalyst in the cryogenic silane compound developed for low temperatures; it links silica and natural rubber in order to work together seamlessly. Like the new studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, the Hakkapeliitta R2 also has a substantially increased proportion of natural rubber.
The amount of natural rubber is a key factor to ensure extreme winter grip under everchanging Northern conditions. Natural rubber is stable across a wide temperature range. The tread compound of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 remains flexible under all conditions. The sipes on the tread blocks work actively regardless of variations in grip level and temperature. Canola oil increases tear resistance to the tyre, increasing its durability, and improves grip on snow and ice.
The rubber compound of this new product creates exceptional grip on ice, snow, and wet roads, and excellent wear resistance under varying conditions. The difference between studded and non-studded tyres has been reduced, especially in regards to grip on ice.
Due to the high silica content and entirely new tread pattern, the Hakkapeliitta R2 has nearly 5% lower rolling resistance than its predecessor, the master roller Hakkapeliitta R. This is an immense development, especially when we bear in mind that the Hakkapeliitta R was the winter tyre with the lowest rolling resistance of all as proven in countless car magazine tests.
Grip and slush claws provide added safety for surprising situations
The customary Hakkapeliitta balanced handling and ideal grip are supported by the introduction of a large group of new innovations, and the further development of tried and tested solutions. The aggressive tread pattern is covered by a denser sipe mesh. Wider individual sipes provide much-needed grip surface, especially when friction is at its lowest on wet ice.
The grip and slush claws designed into the tread blocks meet the merciless challenges of the Nordic winter. The grip claws located between the tread blocks improve grip on snow and ice, especially while braking and accelerating. To prevent slush-planing, sharp triangle-shaped slush edges were designed on the critical shoulder area. These slush claws on the shoulder area allow for optimal grip even in thick slush, and prevent the accumulation of slush between the tread blocks.
The improved winter grip is especially evident on slippery ice where the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 takes 10 metres less to stop from a speed of 80 km/h than the Hakkapeliitta R, which was known for its excellent grip on ice.
Pump sipes maximise wet grip
The shoulder tread blocks of the non-studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 have the familiar pocket-type sipes that remove, or even pump, water out of the road surface, ensuring stable and sure grip. The increased volume of the patented pump sipes and the large number of zigzag sipes further improve grip on wet and icy surfaces.
Sipe activators, already found to be effective in several Nokian winter tyre models, can be found on both the shoulder area and centre surface. Sipe activators ensure driving safety under rapidly changing conditions, as a wider sipe opens up a narrower one and creates additional grip in situations where the feel for the road is nearly non-existent.
Stable and precise driving
The unified centre rib of the new directional tread pattern with a fixed rolling direction improves driving stability. A bound centre section ensures safe driving. It also creats a more even wearing pattern, providing added safety as the tyre ages. Winter tyres installed on driving wheels will most likely wear out in the centre area first.
Especially developed for non-studded tyres, the multi-layered tread structure combined with the tread compounds takes the driving stability of the Hakkapeliitta R2 to a level that exceeds regular non-studded tyres. The tyre does not sway, but rather proceeds firmly regardless of the variations in winter weather. The precise handling also helps the driver to observe any changes in the level of friction, and to react on time. The block geometry of the tread pattern also improves handling on roads with deep grooves.
Driving Safety indicator and new info area simplify tyre maintenance
The tread surface is equipped with the Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) that is patented by Nokian Tyres. The numbers on the centre surface of the tyre indicate the depth of the main grooves in millimetres. The numbers wear out as the tyre wears down. The snowflake symbol Winter Safety Indicator (WSI) remains visible to a groove depth of four millimetres. Once the snowflake has worn out, the driver should purchase new winter tyres to ensure sufficient safety.
The location and pressure indicators on the sidewall information area improve safety. The information area allows for recording the correct inflation pressure and installation location during tyre changes. Comfort and safety are further improved by a new section that can be used to record the tightening torque of bolts for alloy rims. Like the other Hakkapeliitta winter tyres, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 is also covered by our unique Hakka Guarantee. The Hakka Guarantee is in use in the Nordic countries, in Russia, in Ukraine, in Kazakstan and in Belarus. It is valid for one year from the date of purchase, or to a groove depth of 4 millimetres.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 – Northern comfort
- First-class safety on ice and snow
- Superb handling on wet and dry roads
- Saves on fuel costs
Main innovations:
Nokian Cryo Crystal Concept. First-class winter grip, more precise handling. Diamond-tough 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. The new cryo-silane based winter silica compound works safely across a wide temperature range. The compound creates exceptional grip on ice, snow, and wet roads, and excellent wear resistance.
Dense sipe mesh and wide individual sipes. Optimal grip and handling. The aggressive tread pattern is covered by a denser sipe mesh. Wider individual sipes provide much-needed grip surface, especially when friction is at its lowest on wet ice.
Pump sipes. More wet grip. The pocket-type sipes on the tyre shoulder remove, or even pump, water out of the road surface, ensuring stable and sure grip. The increased volume of the patented pump sipes and the large number of zigzag sipes further improve grip on wet and icy surfaces.
Grip claws. More grip on ice and snow. The grip claws located between the tread blocks improve grip on snow and ice, especially while braking and accelerating.
Sipe activators. Better grip on ice and snow. Sipe activators located on the edges of the tread boost the functionality of the sipes under the most slippery conditions. The wider sipe activates a narrower one.
Slush claws. Prevent slush-planing. To prevent slush-planing, sharp triangle-shaped slush penetrators were designed on the critical shoulder area. The slush claws on the shoulder area allow for optimal grip even in thick slush, and prevent the accumulation of slush between the tread blocks.
