Of course, competitors who are quite advanced in winter technologies are also on the alert, but the northern tires are constantly improving.
For the upcoming season, the Finns have prepared the non-studded Nokian-Hakkapelita RSi, designed to replace the well-known Hakkapelita Q. Yes, yes, the very “piece” that earned a lot of praise on winter surfaces, but, alas, subjected to fair criticism when driving on asphalt. Which was the impetus for the creation of a new tire. The developers admit: indeed, there were problems, and not only with handling on wet pavement. They diplomatically mention the false positives of traction control systems during intensive acceleration. It turned out that the electronics perceived the torsional suppleness of soft rubber as something more serious. But it’s easy to understand that ABS, working on the same principle, was “deceived” in a similar situation, frightening drivers with too early “dribbling” on the brake pedals. And this is already a big claim to the car!
"Hakkapelita RSi" was created taking into account the peculiarities of various electronic systems. Its abbreviation is deciphered as follows: R - speed index (170 km / h), S - new technologies (additives based on silicon + rapeseed oil), i - an abbreviation for the word “ice” - the favorite coating of the new tire. Like its predecessor, RSi is focused primarily on the climatic conditions of the northern countries, including Russia. The creators boldly read her the laurels of the safest tire among competitors. Preserving and even increasing the traditional tenacity of the tire on ice and snow, the developers were able to significantly improve the reliability of behavior on asphalt. As they assure, this is achieved thanks to the rigid central part of the tread. The rest is assigned to his “toothy” pattern and combinations of lamellas, the area of which, for example, in the shoulder area is increased by more than 40% compared to the previous model. I had to work hard on the correct ratio of lateral and longitudinal coupling properties, so that the tire worked more predictably. Add to this the overall reduction in noise levels, rolling resistance - and we get a very extraordinary product, which was able to meet last winter.
The new tire has become tougher - it is felt right away, the car shakes significantly on small bumps. Well, some deterioration in comfort was to be expected. It is a pity that on this bright frosty day at the Dmitrovsky training ground it was not possible to find clean asphalt to feel the promised progress in handling. Although much is noticeable even in the snow - the reaction of the machine has become emphasized accurate, focused. He rocked the car from side to side - he worked out the exercise without hesitation, demonstrating good ability to resist slipping. And if faster? And again, everything is very predictable. From race to race, the RSi with enviable constancy makes it easy to control the slippage of the front and rear axles, effectively accelerate or brake. When speculative comparison with the same "Hakkapelitoy Q" you feel that the behavior of the car has become sharper, more impulsive. However, the “fighting” qualities help to feel the car better.
