Nokian launches iLine tyre for mass market cars

Nokian has launched its latest summer tyre, the iLine, available in a wide range of sizes towards the end of the first quarter of 2016. Intended for small and medium-sized cars, the tyre’s major performance characteristics include a focus on fuel efficiency and better water dispersal with the Finnish manufacturer’s “Venturi Grooves”. Nokian has also used pine oil in its rubber compound for the tyre to increase durability.

Nokian states that the new tyre supplements the selection of its premium summer tyres primarily for the varied Central European continental climate; its versatility makes the iLine suitable for driving on “rain-soaked asphalt and sun-scorched gravel roads alike,” Nokian states. The tyre is available in a wide selection of sizes between 13 and 16 inches, with most speed ratings between T (190 km/h) and H (210 km/h). The entire size selection will be made available to drivers in spring 2016.

As mentioned before, Nokian states that Central Europe is the most important market for the new tyre, and the good magazine and association test results recorded by other products in the Nokian Line summer tyre family – including first places in comparison tests by ADAC and Auto Bild – will have helped to increase interest in Nokian’s summer products in markets where such tests prove most influential.

Tyre characteristics

Speaking about one of the iLine’s more noticeable features, Nokian explained the Venturi Grooves on the inner and outer shoulder improve aquaplaning prevention. The contoured grooves located between the tread blocks on the shoulder area accelerate the flow of discharged water. The asymmetrical inside-outside tread pattern also improves the aquaplaning properties of the tyre, the manufacturer adds. The polished main grooves facilitate the removal of water. The optimised, open design at the mouth of the main grooves increases groove volume, thereby preventing further aquaplaning.

The iLine’s low rolling resistance and wear resistance comes courtesy of several technological innovations, according to Nokian. The hemispherical, golf ball-like indentations on the walls of the longitudinal ribs cool the tyre – the “Silent Groove Design” is designed to reduce air resistance and increases the range of the vehicle through lower fuel consumption.

The design of the sides of the longitudinal ribs also controls the interior and exterior 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 the unpleasant, howling sound they can cause, Nokian explains.

The iLine’s silica tread compound represents a combination of safety and eco-friendly effects. Nokian adds pine oil to the wet-grip promoting full silica compound, reducing the temperature of the rubber compound by reducing the friction caused by inter-molecular movement. Nokian says that as a result the iLine lasts longer and rolls lightly, consumes less fuel and minimises harmful emissions.

Indicators on the tread

Nokian’s tyres frequently carry indicators in the tread to prompt drivers to consider the condition of the tyres. In addition to the Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) patented by Nokian Tyres, the iLine also has an aquaplaning indicator. The water drop symbol disappears at the point where less than four millimetres of tread are remaining, indicating an increased risk for aquaplaning.