New in 2024: Continental VikingContact 8 Studless Winter Tire

[Sequoiasoon]

On a photo with snow on the tire, those voids look pretty good.

Plus the guy in background doing the polar bear plunge thing.

Wet braking lower end rating on the website. Quiet, good rolling resistance.
"The significant noise reduction with the new VikingContact 8 compared to the previous model is plain to see with its top-level A rating on the EU tire label. In terms of rolling resistance, the VikingContact 8 receives the EU label value A or B, depending on the size, and a value of D for wet braking distances. In addition, it bears the ice symbol on the EU label for its safe driving characteristics in the Nordic winter."

 

[CapriRacer]

I want to emphasize that this tire has the Ice Grip (Nordic) Symbol. That means it is largely unsuitable for anywhere other than the Nordic countries. Don't expect this tire in North America or continental Europe.

 

[SubLGT]

........That means it is largely unsuitable for anywhere other than the Nordic countries.

It is suitable on any road, anywhere, that is covered with ice or snow.

 

[edyvw]

I want to emphasize that this tire has the Ice Grip (Nordic) Symbol. That means it is largely unsuitable for anywhere other than the Nordic countries. Don't expect this tire in North America or continental Europe.

Will see. Highly doubt they will keep VC7 just for NA market.

 

[SubLGT]

A Oct 2022 communication from Nokian:

Nokian says a winter tire with the ice symbol is suitable for North America

DAYTON, Tenn. – For the first time this winter season, the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 and R5 passenger, SUV and EV tires will be produced with a new ice grip symbol that indicates they have been subjected to rigorous testing on icy surfaces, according to standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Consumers in North America may start seeing the symbol on their tires’ sidewalls as soon as this winter.

To be eligible for the ice grip marking, the tires’ ice performance was verified through an internationally agreed-upon ice braking test by an accredited independent test laboratory. Tires had to perform at least 18 percent better than a standard reference tire to receive the symbol.

New Ice Grip Symbol Showcases Prowess of Nokian Tyres’ Latest Winter Tires / Nokian Tires

DAYTON, Tenn. – For the first time this winter season, the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 and R5 pass...

www.nokiantires.com

 

[Kantaro]

I want to emphasize that this tire has the Ice Grip (Nordic) Symbol. That means it is largely unsuitable for anywhere other than the Nordic countries. Don't expect this tire in North America or continental Europe.

Can you elaborate? The Ice Grip symbol just seems to be a measure of stopping distances on ice

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a45861084/winter-tires-new-ice-rating-certification/

 

[SubLGT]

https://www.tirebusiness.com/manufacturers/more-winter-tires-may-flaunt-ice-grip-symbol

The Ice Grip symbol on the sidewall will differentiate winter tires from all weather tires and all terrain tires that have only the 3PMS sidewall symbol. It will become more common in the USA market starting this year ( Nokian started in 2023). Smithers Group in Michigan has been gearing up for Ice Grip ISO 19447 testing.

....The ice-grip designation, which began in Europe, is predominantly achieved by premium or winter-only products. It's difficult to achieve with an all-weather tire or even an all-terrain tire, according to Steve Bourassa, director of products and pricing for North America, Nokian Tyres P.L.C.

"I wouldn't be surprised if more and more companies are using that test and applying that test, especially for products that are sold both in North America and in Europe. I would expect that those products very likely will see that ice-grip marking on the sidewall as well and as part of their marketing," Bourassa said....

....In addition to meeting the 3PMS designation, passenger tires designed for use in icy conditions can be tested to see if they attain an Ice Grip Index equal to or greater than 1.18, or 18% better, than a 16-inch reference test tire, under the ISO 19447:2021 test parameters, "Passenger Car Tyres — Method for measuring ice grip performance — Loaded new tyres," published in September 2021.

....Smithers Group, an Akron-based provider of testing and compliance services, announced in January [2023} it was adding ISO 19447 testing to its scope of accreditations, conducting the test at its test center in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. "There is building demand for ISO 19447 testing right now, and very few companies who offer it.

 

[SubLGT]

A comment (March 2023) from Continental Tire the Americas LLC:

Phillip Schrader, product manager, touring and U.S. winter tires, PLT replacement business unit, Continental Tire the Americas LLC: The 3PMS is the minimum standard for winter performance, which our winter products typically outperform by a wide margin.....The 3PMS (designation) is a good measure for acceleration traction on medium-packed snow. However, it leaves out other important winter driving performance attributes, such as braking and turning on snow-covered surfaces, as well as ice traction.

To measure ice traction specifically, a new test certification that measures ice grip performance will accompany most of our new winter tire lines in the future. Passenger tires designed for use in ice conditions that meet or exceed the ice grip index of 1.18 as compared to the 16-inch standard reference test tire will qualify for the ice grip symbol, in addition to the M+S and 3PMS.

Its clear to me that most winter tires Continental Tire sells in the USA (and Canada) will have the Ice Grip symbol, and the Ice Grip symbol will not be restricted to the Nordic market.

Is 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake the Ultimate in Winter Tire Certification?

While 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMS) certification might help dealers close the winter tire sale, is it the ultimate validation of winter tire performance?

www.moderntiredealer.com

 

[SubLGT]

A comment (March 2023) from Michelin North America:

Farell Scott, product category manager, Michelin passenger and winter tires, Michelin North America Inc.: ...........To help differentiate between all-season tires that have 3PMS and dedicated winter tires that have 3PMS, a recent, industry-established ice grip symbol has been adopted. Passenger tires that meet or exceed the ice performance criteria qualify for M+S, 3PMS and an ice grip symbol, identified by a pictograph of a mountain with ice. The new ice grip symbol has been introduced in Europe and is expected to roll out in North America in the future.

Is 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake the Ultimate in Winter Tire Certification?

While 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMS) certification might help dealers close the winter tire sale, is it the ultimate validation of winter tire performance?

www.moderntiredealer.com

 

[CapriRacer]

It is my understanding that tires with good ice grip don't have good wet traction - and that may be a problem for some winter tire markets. Look at the following:

*****************
The focus of the development was on safe driving characteristics in the harsh Nordic winters, increased comfort and lower rolling resistance, which is important for the growing number of electric cars in the Nordic markets.

.....and a value of D for wet braking distances.........

The above quotes are from: https://www.continental.com/en/press/press-releases/20240216-vikingcontact-8-technology/

******************
The new ice grip marking will distinguish tires that are suitable for Nordic countries from other winter tires.

Quoted from: New EU label simplifies winter tire choice for consumers: The EU tire label is being renewed – focus on promoting winter safety and eco-friendliness / Nokian Tyres

***************
– In practice, wet grip is the opposite of ice grip: developing one usually reduces the other. Tires designed for Central Europe emphasize the characteristics required on bare roads, whereas the ice grip symbol indicates that the tire genuinely works and remains safe in the challenging Nordic winter conditions. We do not recommend using tires designed for Central Europe under conditions that they are not intended for, says Technical Customer Service Manager Matti Morrifrom Nokian Tyres.

Quoted from: New EU tire labels that make comparing tires easier will be introduced in May | Markets Insider (businessinsider.com)

*************************

The existing 3PMSF ‘snowflake’ symbol indicates that a tyre is suitable for both Central Europe and Nordic countries, but Test World says that, in reality, the technical demands of these two markets are very different. Nordic winter conditions are typically far harsher than in Central Europe, with more snow and ice on the roads.

Jukka Antila, Technical Director at Test World, said: “The European Ice Grip symbol has been a long time coming for the tyre sector. Until this year, there has been no official way for manufacturers to identify tyres that are suitable for the snowier and icier conditions of the Nordic winter.

Quoted from: Test World gearing up for introduction of European Ice Grip Label - Tyrepress

**********************

That's why I said that these tires may not show up in North America and continental Europe. It's always possible tire manufacturers will overcome the tradeoff issues of the Ice Grip (Nordic) symbol. Time, of course, will tell!

 

[camrydriver111]

It is my understanding that tires with good ice grip don't have good wet traction - and that may be a problem for some winter tire markets.

That's already the case with current gen Nordic tires.

I don't think the new VC8 will be fundamentally different and have even worse wet performance.

In North America we don't really differentiate between Nordic and Central/Performance, so many people already don't have the optimal tire.

 

[Rand]

That is quite odd the photo on the car looks more like a photoshopped VC7

The photo not on the car appears quite different. Maybe one is just a bad render?
I stand by my initial comments that it might be a very optimized tire with lower performance in some
areas compared to vc7. It will be interesting to see a full suite of test results.

 

[SubLGT]

It is my understanding that tires with good ice grip don't have good wet traction - and that may be a problem for some winter tire markets. ...

Current studless winter tires in the North American market, such as the Michelin SNOW, Blizzak WS90, VikingContact 7, Nokian R5, etc all have compromised wet traction, and this has not been a problem for the North American market. It has not been a problem for the last 20 years. If the consumer wants better wet traction, at the cost of reduced ice traction, they have other choices: they can purchase a "performance" winter tire or an all-weather tire.

Nokian tires with the Ice Grip sidewall symbol are already here in the North American market. Nokian recognizes that there is no difference between Nordic ice and snow versus North American ice and snow. Continental tires with the Ice Grip symbol will soon arrive in North America, and Michelin have stated that they will sell Ice Grip winter tires in the North American market.

 

[SubLGT]

Consumers in North America can look for the ice grip symbol on labels and sidewalls of Nokian Tyres’ latest-generation winter products, the studded Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 and non-studded Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta R5. Both tires come in versions for passenger vehicles, SUVs and electric vehicles.

Nokian Tyres Educates Drivers About Ice Grip Symbol on Winter Tires / Nokian Tires

DAYTON, Tenn. – Drivers may be familiar with the three-peak mountain snowflake emblem that certifies...

www.nokiantires.com

 

[Kantaro]

Interesting point about poor wet braking and traction with winter tires. We deal with a lot of rain and the occasional snow day in the PNW - I wonder if we would be better off with good all seasons? Temperatures are still consistently below 7C during the winter though.

Or just get Michelin CC2 and don't think about it...

 

[SubLGT]

.....Or just get Michelin CC2 and don't think about it...

A good choice for your climate.

 

[edyvw]

Interesting point about poor wet braking and traction with winter tires. We deal with a lot of rain and the occasional snow day in the PNW - I wonder if we would be better off with good all seasons? Temperatures are still consistently below 7C during the winter though.

Or just get Michelin CC2 and don't think about it...

CC2 will work better as long as you are not an avid skier. If La Nina hits, and you like Stevens Pass, well...

 

[Vercingetorix]

Tire Rack data shows the AS4 literally runs a circle around the CC2. Snow and longevity is something else entirely.

 

[c502cid]

Current studless winter tires in the North American market, such as the Michelin SNOW, Blizzak WS90, VikingContact 7, Nokian R5, etc all have compromised wet traction, and this has not been a problem for the North American market. It has not been a problem for the last 20 years. If the consumer wants better wet traction, at the cost of reduced ice traction, they have other choices: they can purchase a "performance" winter tire or an all-weather tire.

Nokian tires with the Ice Grip sidewall symbol are already here in the North American market. Nokian recognizes that there is no difference between Nordic ice and snow versus North American ice and snow. Continental tires with the Ice Grip symbol will soon arrive in North America, and Michelin have stated that they will sell Ice Grip winter tires in the North American market.

"North American Ice and Snow"? Are you saying there is no difference in snow tire performance between the Rocky Mountain dry snow and the Sierras wet snow? You think Nokian believes that? Like all season, performance, summer, all terrain etc, ALL tires have a tradeoff in how they work in different climates on different vehicles.

 

[c502cid]

There is almost no possible way Continental would make them worse than the tire they are supposed to replace.

To me they look very similar to VC7. They are just improving on an already excellent tire

No way? Every tire has different performance based on climate and vehicle. It may be better in Canada, and worse in the United States depending on where you are.