#nokian

Tire maker Nokian Tyres is developing a winter tire that features retractable studs.

Winter is something the Finns do well. Apparently, they also do it fast.

It has been almost two years since we first heard about the Electric RaceAbout (E-RA), but it appears that this research project by the Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is now the fastest electric car on ice.

Equipped with Nokian Tyres, the E-RA headed out to the frozen Lake Ukonjärvi in northern Finland and hit an average speed of 156.67-mph (252.09-km/h). Behind the wheel was Nokian Tyres’ test driver Janne Laitinen and the E-RA had actually topped out at 161.63-mph (260.06-km/h) on its record-setting run.

The E-RA is equipped with a 33-kWh Altairnano lithium-titanate battery, powering four electric motors with a peak output of 378-hp and a ridiculous 2,360 lb-ft of torque. Weighing in at 3,747 lbs, the prototype electric vehicle can go about 124 miles on a single charge. The E-RA also holds the record on the Nürburgring for a street-legal electric vehicle.

Watch a video of the Electric RaceAbout after the break.

[Source: Nokian Tyres]

Tires can make a huge difference in your car’s handling and safety. Additionally, with the right rubber, you can enjoy a more comfortable driving experience and even save money.

A few weeks ago, Bentley announced that it had set a world speed record on ice in their Continental Supersports. The modified convertible hit 205.48 mph on a Finnish lakebed, which is no trifling speed. Now, obscure tire manufacturer Nokian has announced that they have bested that record by one mph, with their own special tires—in an Audi, no less.