NOKIA, Finland—Nokian Tyres P.L.C. has developed a premium winter tire for light trucks, the Hakkapeliita LT3, which is offered with stainless studs for areas where studs are allowed.
Designed for demanding winter use, the Hakkapeliitta LT3 is reliable and safe on icy roads and snow-covered worksites alike, Nokian said. It stands out from its predecessors thanks to the unique stud innovations and increased tread depth.
In addition, the tire maker claims that the LT3 outperforms the LT2 it's replacing in ice and snow handling and grip and offers improved grip on wet and slushy conditions.
Nokian has identified North America, the European Nordic countries, Central Europe and Russia as the LT3's key target markets. The tire will be offered both with factory studding and as a non-studded variant.
To maximize the LT3's durability, Nokian developed the world's first stainless steel studs tailored for heavy-duty use. The new Arctic stud concept consists of a new stud model and body material, improving durability in heavy use and winter conditions, Nokian said. The stainless steel studs are corrosion resistant, allowing the tire to withstand salted road conditions longer.
In addition to the new material, the new studs are oriented into the stud hole using the new bottom flange. The new studs are 12.7 millimeters in length, or 2 millimeters longer than in the LT2, offering longer life, Tommi Ajoviita, development manager, said.
Other key features include:
- The use of a tear- and cut-resistant "Arctic Grip" tread compound developed for heavy-duty use.
- An "aggressive" arrow-shaped tread pattern to remove snow and slush effectively; the center tread design improves stability and steering response, while the tailored siping offers enhanced traction and cornering grip.
- Deeper tread grooves for added slush-planing resistance and self-cleaning capability when driving in deep snow.
- Aramid Sidewall technology for enhanced durability and protection for demanding driving conditions.
The tire will launch this fall in 16 SKUs covering rim diameters of 16 to 20 inches with a Q speed rating. Nokian did not provide actual sizes nor comment on pricing.