These new winter tires have studs that retract as it warms up

IVALO, Finland—In a nod to cinematic history, Nokian Tires has unveiled an innovative winter tire design reminiscent of the retractable studs featured in the 1987 James Bond film, The Living Daylights. This cutting-edge tire technology allows for stud adjustments based on temperature and surface conditions, marking a significant advancement in winter tire engineering. Nokian's development manager, Mikko Liukkula, recalls past attempts at creating similar technology, where the complexity of the tire designs made production prohibitively expensive. Fast forward to 2026, and the company has successfully introduced the Hakkapeliitta 01, which promises enhanced performance in icy conditions. During extensive testing around the frozen Lake Tammijärvi at Nokian's expansive 1,700-acre testing center, the new tires demonstrated remarkable grip and stability. Situated roughly 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, this facility—affectionately dubbed White Hell—was established in 1986 and has become synonymous with extreme winter tire testing. With snow covering the region for approximately 180 days each year, it serves as the perfect backdrop for evaluating tire capabilities. Nokian Tires has a long-standing tradition of innovation, and the launch of the Hakkapeliitta 01 is a testament to its commitment to safety and performance in challenging winter conditions.