A promo video shows the technology in action, with the retractable studs installed on a Porsche Cayenne. With the push of a button, each stud simultaneously deploys from the center of a cylindrical metal body that sits nearly flush with the tread surface.
The idea isn’t new, though a similar concept previewed in 2008 by startup Q Tires has yet to arrive on the market. The Q Tires system utilized a secondary air chamber to activate the studs. It is unclear if Nokian is taking the same approach or using a different method.
Studded tires offer the ultimate traction on ice, however the carbide pins deteriorate road surfaces. Most states have seasonal restrictions to minimize damage, while a few states completely ban studs.
Despite the additional traction, studs have slowly faded in popularity as companies continue to improve their studless winter tires. Retractable studs appear to eliminate some of the technology’s drawbacks, however the additional complexity presumably raises costs and poses potential problems as the surrounding rubber begins to wear.
“The unique stud concept may indeed become a reality one day,” said Nokian technical customer service manager Matti Morri.
The company has made no formal commitment to commercialize the technology, leaving its fate uncertain.
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