Fri September 7 12:25 pm 2012
in category
Product news
Nokian Tyres introduces new summer tyre models:
The new Nokian zLine summer tyre provides a convincing, precise driving feel. This safe new member of the Nokian Tyres tyre range is pleasantly stable to drive in the varying Central European summer conditions. It excels under extreme conditions and is not afraid of changing road conditions or large changes in temperature. The know-how and latest technology from the world’s northernmost tyre manufacturer make the sporty Nokian zLine a top product in its class.
The Nokian zLine is designed for fast driving and belongs to the UHP category, the top class for passenger car tyres. Its size selection comprises 31 products from 16 to 20 inches, in speed categories W (270 km/h) and Y (300 km/h). Retail sales of the product will start in Central Europe in the spring of 2013. The Nokian zLine, continuing its strong family traditions, is the successor of the test-winning Nokian Z G2 that recently took first place in the summer tyre comparison test of Auto Bild, Europe’s largest motoring magazine, among others. Like its predecessor, the Nokian zLine is versatile and multi-talented.
The handling and grip properties of the Nokian zLine were refined on the rough northern roads and the European high-speed circuits. The creation of the excellent wet grip properties utilised high-speed camera footage, providing essential information about the interaction between the road and the tyre. The test schedule also included comprehensive indoor testing for the tyre structure, combined with thousands of kilometres of test driving on different asphalt roads.
“The Nokian zLine is a professional in demanding driving conditions, thanks to its new generation of tread compound, nanotechnology layered structure, and tread pattern developed for fast driving. It immediately responds to steering, which is an essential requirement for safe operation at extreme limits. In addition to the precise driving feel, these advances in technology also manifest themselves in the remarkable driving comfort of the tyre, explains Juha Pirhonen,” Product Development Manager for Nokian Tyres.
The Nokian Intelligent UHP Silica tread compound developed for Nokian zLine was specially tailored for demanding use at higher speeds. The molecular chains of the unique functional rubber compound combine with silica particles in order to form an extremely strong, yet flexible combination. The new UHP tread compound was refined to have extremely low heat generation, maximising the available mileage and ensuring good structural integrity. The rubber compound works ideally along a wide temperature range, thereby improving wet grip that drivers will truly appreciate. The feel of the road is perfect and provides no surprises under any conditions. The cut-resistant new compound also enhances driving comfort by damping the noise generated by rough asphalt.
The interim layer underneath the agile Nokian zLine’s tread uses a nano-silica compound consisting of small molecules. This unique combination is remarkably quicker than standard rubber compounds in relaying steering movements. The gentle, reliable feel of the road is especially accentuated in cornering, lane changes and evasions. The lowest layer of the multi-layer structure is an exceptionally firm layer of rubber compound that reduces heat generation and lowers rolling resistance.
The new, modern tread shape of the Nokian zLine perfectly supports the precise driving feel of this high-performance tyre. As in the other Nokian summer tyres designed for fast driving, the tread is of an asymmetrical inside-outside pattern. The rigid inside and outside shoulder area connects with block patterns that are bound together by longitudinal ribs. The wide, massive ribs stiffen the tyre and reduce the movement of the pattern blocks during road contact. The tread model is very rigid, which translates into good control and handling at higher speeds. Stable driving is also ensured by the variations of the tread’s curve radius, allowing for optimal road contact on both the shoulder and centre areas of the tyre.
The longitudinal ribs next to the inner shoulder are dominated by deep lateral grooves that stabilise handling. At the same time, this new Hydro Grooves innovation effectively prevents aquaplaning by storing water from between the surface and the tyre, and by guiding the water into the longitudinal grooves. The innovation ensures a safe driving feel, even in the rain.
To combat aquaplaning, separate Swoop Grooves were also shaped in the transversal main grooves on the outer shoulder. These elliptical slots store more water as the volume of the transversal grooves increases. The shape ensures that the firm tyre has excellent wet grip, even when worn. The Swoop grooves are larger at the bottom so that, as the tyre wears down, their volume increases instead of reducing.
The transversal grooves are cut to be more open, which accelerates the flow of exhaust water. The flow of the water displaced by the surface tread is also accelerated by the four wide and polished main grooves. Polishing the grooves gives the Nokian zLine an even more appealing look and also improves aquaplaning properties even further.
The semi-circular indentations, reminiscent of a golf ball, on the walls of the transversal grooves provide additional driving comfort for the Nokian zLine. This Silent Groove Design innovation reduces the interior noise and external rolling noise of the vehicle. The indentations guide the airflow, removing the noise waves caused by the edges of the transversal grooves and thereby preventing on unpleasant, howling sound typical for UHP tyres. The design also reduces air resistance and cools the surface of the tyre, in turn improving wear resistance.
Even motorists who are used to higher speeds can rely on the Nokian zLine for years of service, even as the tyre gets older and wears down. The extremely stiff steel belt pack, designed for fast Central European roads and combined with a double body structure, is made of high-strength steel wire; the tensile strength of a single wire corresponds to a mass of approx. 2,400 kg. A single tyre has nearly 2.5 kilometres of steel wire. The tough, durable Nokian zLine is sure to work well even on poor road sections. A new rim guard provides additional protection for the edge of the rim.
As before, the tread surface is equipped with a Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) patented by Nokian Tyres. The new introduction is that the DSI has been made easier to use than ever before. The numbers indicating the groove depth and the water drop symbol indicating a risk of aquaplaning have been rotated to be immediately visible to a driver inspecting the tyres installed on a vehicle. The water drop symbol disappears at the point that less than four millimetres of tread are remaining, indicating thereby an increased risk for aquaplaning.
The location and pressure indicators on the sidewall information area of the Nokian zLine improve safety. The information area allows for recording the correct inflation pressure and installation location during tyre change. Safety is improved further by a new section that can be used to record the tightening torque of bolts for alloy rims. Most of the sporty UHP tyres will be installed on aluminium rims that require special attention when tightening the bolts. It is important to tighten the bolts to the correct torque, and to retighten them after approx. 100 to 200 kilometres of driving.
Multi-layered structure. More exact and precise driving feel. The Nokian Intelligent UHP Silica tread compound was specially tailored for demanding use at higher speeds. The interim layer underneath the tread surface uses a nano-silica compound consisting of small molecules. This unique combination is remarkably quicker than standard rubber compounds in relaying steering movements. The lowest layer of the multi-layer structure is an exceptionally firm layer of rubber compound that lowers rolling resistance and reduces heat generation.
Nokian Intelligent UHP Silica. Better wet grip, higher mileage. The molecular chains of the unique functional rubber compound combine with the silica particles to form an extremely strong, yet flexible combination. The new UHP tread compound was refined to have extremely low heat generation, maximising the available mileage and ensuring good structural integrity. The rubber compound works ideally along a wide temperature range, thereby improving wet grip that drivers will truly appreciate. The feel of the road is perfect and provides no surprises under any conditions.
Hydro Grooves. Better driving stability, wet grip, and aquaplaning properties. The longitudinal ribs next to the inner shoulder are dominated by deep lateral grooves that stabilise handling. At the same time, the Hydro Grooves innovation effectively prevents aquaplaning by storing water from between the surface and the tyre, and by guiding the water into the longitudinal grooves.
Swoop Grooves. Effectively prevents aquaplaning. The elliptical slots on the transversal grooves on the outer shoulder store more water, as the volume of the transversal grooves increases. This improves the aquaplaning resistance characteristics. The transversal grooves are also cut to be more open, which accelerates the flow of exhaust water.
Silent Groove Design. More driving comfort. The circular indentations on the walls of the transversal grooves control the airflow. They prevent the creation of an unpleasant, howling sound. The design makes driving comfortably quiet. It also reduces air resistance and cools the surface of the tyre, in turn improving wear resistance.
www.nokiantyres.com
Photo downloads Nokian zLine summer tyres:
www.nokiantyres.com/NokianzLine
Video Download Nokian zLine summer tyre:
http://youtu.be/tm-FodKRM0M
Further information:
www.facebook.com/nokiantyres
www.youtube.com/NokianTyresCom
Press contact:
Dr. Falk Köhler PR
Dr. Falk Köhler
Phone: +49 40 54 73 12 12
Fax: +49 40 54 73 12 22
E-mail: Dr.Falk.Koehler(at)Dr-Falk-Koehler.de
Ödenweg 59
22397 Hamburg
Germany
Further information:
Nokian Tyres s.r.o
Business Director Central Europe
Dieter Köppner, Tel. +420 222 507 761
E-mail: dieter.koppner(at)nokiantyres.com
Product Development Manager
Sven Dittmann, Dipl.-Ing., Tel. +49 8143 444 850
E-Mail: sven.dittmann(at)nokiantyres.com
Marketing Manager
Lukáš Líbal, Tel. +420 222 507 759
E-mail: lukas.libal(at)nokiantyres.com
www.nokiantyres.com
Nokian Tyres plc:
Development Manager
Juha Pirhonen, Tel. +358 10 401 7708
E-mail: juha.pirhonen(at)nokiantyres.com
Technical Customer Service Manager
Matti Morri, Tel. +358 10 401 7621
E-Mail: matti.morri(at)nokiantyres.com
www.nokiantyres.com
The new Nokian zLine – sporty, cool performance for fast driving
The new Nokian zLine summer tyre provides a convincing, precise driving feel. This safe new member of the Nokian Tyres tyre range is pleasantly stable to drive in the varying Central European summer conditions. It excels under extreme conditions and is not afraid of changing road conditions or large changes in temperature. The know-how and latest technology from the world’s northernmost tyre manufacturer make the sporty Nokian zLine a top product in its class.
The Nokian zLine is designed for fast driving and belongs to the UHP category, the top class for passenger car tyres. Its size selection comprises 31 products from 16 to 20 inches, in speed categories W (270 km/h) and Y (300 km/h). Retail sales of the product will start in Central Europe in the spring of 2013. The Nokian zLine, continuing its strong family traditions, is the successor of the test-winning Nokian Z G2 that recently took first place in the summer tyre comparison test of Auto Bild, Europe’s largest motoring magazine, among others. Like its predecessor, the Nokian zLine is versatile and multi-talented.
Precise and accurate, even under extreme conditions
The handling and grip properties of the Nokian zLine were refined on the rough northern roads and the European high-speed circuits. The creation of the excellent wet grip properties utilised high-speed camera footage, providing essential information about the interaction between the road and the tyre. The test schedule also included comprehensive indoor testing for the tyre structure, combined with thousands of kilometres of test driving on different asphalt roads.
“The Nokian zLine is a professional in demanding driving conditions, thanks to its new generation of tread compound, nanotechnology layered structure, and tread pattern developed for fast driving. It immediately responds to steering, which is an essential requirement for safe operation at extreme limits. In addition to the precise driving feel, these advances in technology also manifest themselves in the remarkable driving comfort of the tyre, explains Juha Pirhonen,” Product Development Manager for Nokian Tyres.
The new Nokian Intelligent UHP Silica: lower heat generation, better wet grip
The Nokian Intelligent UHP Silica tread compound developed for Nokian zLine was specially tailored for demanding use at higher speeds. The molecular chains of the unique functional rubber compound combine with silica particles in order to form an extremely strong, yet flexible combination. The new UHP tread compound was refined to have extremely low heat generation, maximising the available mileage and ensuring good structural integrity. The rubber compound works ideally along a wide temperature range, thereby improving wet grip that drivers will truly appreciate. The feel of the road is perfect and provides no surprises under any conditions. The cut-resistant new compound also enhances driving comfort by damping the noise generated by rough asphalt.
The interim layer underneath the agile Nokian zLine’s tread uses a nano-silica compound consisting of small molecules. This unique combination is remarkably quicker than standard rubber compounds in relaying steering movements. The gentle, reliable feel of the road is especially accentuated in cornering, lane changes and evasions. The lowest layer of the multi-layer structure is an exceptionally firm layer of rubber compound that reduces heat generation and lowers rolling resistance.
Tread pattern supports optimal handling
The new, modern tread shape of the Nokian zLine perfectly supports the precise driving feel of this high-performance tyre. As in the other Nokian summer tyres designed for fast driving, the tread is of an asymmetrical inside-outside pattern. The rigid inside and outside shoulder area connects with block patterns that are bound together by longitudinal ribs. The wide, massive ribs stiffen the tyre and reduce the movement of the pattern blocks during road contact. The tread model is very rigid, which translates into good control and handling at higher speeds. Stable driving is also ensured by the variations of the tread’s curve radius, allowing for optimal road contact on both the shoulder and centre areas of the tyre.
The longitudinal ribs next to the inner shoulder are dominated by deep lateral grooves that stabilise handling. At the same time, this new Hydro Grooves innovation effectively prevents aquaplaning by storing water from between the surface and the tyre, and by guiding the water into the longitudinal grooves. The innovation ensures a safe driving feel, even in the rain.
To combat aquaplaning, separate Swoop Grooves were also shaped in the transversal main grooves on the outer shoulder. These elliptical slots store more water as the volume of the transversal grooves increases. The shape ensures that the firm tyre has excellent wet grip, even when worn. The Swoop grooves are larger at the bottom so that, as the tyre wears down, their volume increases instead of reducing.
The transversal grooves are cut to be more open, which accelerates the flow of exhaust water. The flow of the water displaced by the surface tread is also accelerated by the four wide and polished main grooves. Polishing the grooves gives the Nokian zLine an even more appealing look and also improves aquaplaning properties even further.
More driving comfort and durability
The semi-circular indentations, reminiscent of a golf ball, on the walls of the transversal grooves provide additional driving comfort for the Nokian zLine. This Silent Groove Design innovation reduces the interior noise and external rolling noise of the vehicle. The indentations guide the airflow, removing the noise waves caused by the edges of the transversal grooves and thereby preventing on unpleasant, howling sound typical for UHP tyres. The design also reduces air resistance and cools the surface of the tyre, in turn improving wear resistance.
Even motorists who are used to higher speeds can rely on the Nokian zLine for years of service, even as the tyre gets older and wears down. The extremely stiff steel belt pack, designed for fast Central European roads and combined with a double body structure, is made of high-strength steel wire; the tensile strength of a single wire corresponds to a mass of approx. 2,400 kg. A single tyre has nearly 2.5 kilometres of steel wire. The tough, durable Nokian zLine is sure to work well even on poor road sections. A new rim guard provides additional protection for the edge of the rim.
New groove depth indicator and info area
As before, the tread surface is equipped with a Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) patented by Nokian Tyres. The new introduction is that the DSI has been made easier to use than ever before. The numbers indicating the groove depth and the water drop symbol indicating a risk of aquaplaning have been rotated to be immediately visible to a driver inspecting the tyres installed on a vehicle. The water drop symbol disappears at the point that less than four millimetres of tread are remaining, indicating thereby an increased risk for aquaplaning.
The location and pressure indicators on the sidewall information area of the Nokian zLine improve safety. The information area allows for recording the correct inflation pressure and installation location during tyre change. Safety is improved further by a new section that can be used to record the tightening torque of bolts for alloy rims. Most of the sporty UHP tyres will be installed on aluminium rims that require special attention when tightening the bolts. It is important to tighten the bolts to the correct torque, and to retighten them after approx. 100 to 200 kilometres of driving.
Nokian zLine – Cool Performer
- Stable, precise, and quiet
- Retains its accurate driving properties in high speed driving
- Excellent safety on wet roads
Main innovations:
Multi-layered structure. More exact and precise driving feel. The Nokian Intelligent UHP Silica tread compound was specially tailored for demanding use at higher speeds. The interim layer underneath the tread surface uses a nano-silica compound consisting of small molecules. This unique combination is remarkably quicker than standard rubber compounds in relaying steering movements. The lowest layer of the multi-layer structure is an exceptionally firm layer of rubber compound that lowers rolling resistance and reduces heat generation.
Nokian Intelligent UHP Silica. Better wet grip, higher mileage. The molecular chains of the unique functional rubber compound combine with the silica particles to form an extremely strong, yet flexible combination. The new UHP tread compound was refined to have extremely low heat generation, maximising the available mileage and ensuring good structural integrity. The rubber compound works ideally along a wide temperature range, thereby improving wet grip that drivers will truly appreciate. The feel of the road is perfect and provides no surprises under any conditions.
Hydro Grooves. Better driving stability, wet grip, and aquaplaning properties. The longitudinal ribs next to the inner shoulder are dominated by deep lateral grooves that stabilise handling. At the same time, the Hydro Grooves innovation effectively prevents aquaplaning by storing water from between the surface and the tyre, and by guiding the water into the longitudinal grooves.
Swoop Grooves. Effectively prevents aquaplaning. The elliptical slots on the transversal grooves on the outer shoulder store more water, as the volume of the transversal grooves increases. This improves the aquaplaning resistance characteristics. The transversal grooves are also cut to be more open, which accelerates the flow of exhaust water.
Silent Groove Design. More driving comfort. The circular indentations on the walls of the transversal grooves control the airflow. They prevent the creation of an unpleasant, howling sound. The design makes driving comfortably quiet. It also reduces air resistance and cools the surface of the tyre, in turn improving wear resistance.
www.nokiantyres.com
Photo downloads Nokian zLine summer tyres:
www.nokiantyres.com/NokianzLine
Video Download Nokian zLine summer tyre:
http://youtu.be/tm-FodKRM0M
Further information:
www.facebook.com/nokiantyres
www.youtube.com/NokianTyresCom
Press contact:
Dr. Falk Köhler PR
Dr. Falk Köhler
Phone: +49 40 54 73 12 12
Fax: +49 40 54 73 12 22
E-mail: Dr.Falk.Koehler(at)Dr-Falk-Koehler.de
Ödenweg 59
22397 Hamburg
Germany
Further information:
Nokian Tyres s.r.o
Business Director Central Europe
Dieter Köppner, Tel. +420 222 507 761
E-mail: dieter.koppner(at)nokiantyres.com
Product Development Manager
Sven Dittmann, Dipl.-Ing., Tel. +49 8143 444 850
E-Mail: sven.dittmann(at)nokiantyres.com
Marketing Manager
Lukáš Líbal, Tel. +420 222 507 759
E-mail: lukas.libal(at)nokiantyres.com
www.nokiantyres.com
Nokian Tyres plc:
Development Manager
Juha Pirhonen, Tel. +358 10 401 7708
E-mail: juha.pirhonen(at)nokiantyres.com
Technical Customer Service Manager
Matti Morri, Tel. +358 10 401 7621
E-Mail: matti.morri(at)nokiantyres.com
www.nokiantyres.com