Press release
New Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 - engineered to excite, built to protect
Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 is the next-generation summer tire from the Nordic premium tire brand Nokian Tyres. Developed with ultra-high-performance characteristics across the full size range, it is positioned in both the high-performance and ultra-high-performance segments. Designed for the unpredictable summer conditions of Europe, Powerproof 2 delivers precise control, confident grip, and a refined driving feel, especially during dramatic weather shifts. Combining high-speed handling with best-in-class wet safety, it offers uncompromising protection without sacrificing the thrill of the drive.
Rooted in decades of safety-driven innovation, Nokian Tyres continues to provide peace of mind in all conditions. Summer driving conditions can quickly shift from dry, sunbaked highways to sudden rain and slippery asphalt. The new Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 is built to handle every turn and deliver confidence and control when the weather catches you off guard. Designed for passenger cars, SUVs, and crossovers, the new Powerproof 2 combines precise handling at high speeds with exceptional wet grip and stability.
“The summer tire segment remains the largest in Central and Southern Europe, accounting for 38.9% of all tires sold in the markets where we operate. Growth is especially strong in larger rim sizes, fueled by the increasing demand for premium and performance vehicles. Drivers in this region expect precise handling, confident grip and outstanding wet braking performance, particularly when weather conditions change unexpectedly,” says Tommi Alhola, Senior Vice President, Passenger Car Tyres, Central Europe at Nokian Tyres.
With precise steering response, class-leading wet performance, and confident high-speed handling, Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 reflects the company’s deep-rooted expertise in designing for the extremes. Designed for Europe’s diverse driving environments, it performs reliably even during extreme summer heat, maintaining grip, stability, and safety as temperatures rise.
“The new Powerproof 2 has been engineered specifically for these demands. It combines high-speed performance with class-leading wet safety, offering drivers the confidence and control they need in all summer conditions, Alhola summarizes.
The new Powerproof 2 is designed and developed by Nokian Tyres, the world’s northernmost tire company. Nokian Tyres is one of the leaders in safety and sustainability in the tire industry and is committed to continuing on this journey by offering safe, smart, and sustainable mobility.
The new Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 range includes a comprehensive catalogue of 76 products, covering a wide array of high-performance and ultra-high-performance fitments from 16 to 21 inches. Available with V (240 km/h), W (270 km/h), and Y (300 km/h) speed ratings, the selection is designed to meet the demands of modern passenger cars, SUVs, and crossovers. The new products will be available to consumers ahead of the summer season 2026.
When dry turns to drama - The cool performer has your back
In Europe, summer means more than just sunshine. It means unpredictability. Sudden downpours, high temperatures, and fast-changing road conditions put both drivers and tires to the test. One of the biggest concerns is aquaplaning, where a layer of water causes the tire to lose contact with the road, reducing control and increasing the risk of accidents. To handle these demanding situations, a summer tire must do more than provide grip. It needs to stay composed under pressure. From tread to core, Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 is the cool performer: confident in the dry, calm in the wet, and always in control when the conditions change.
The key element behind the versatile performance profile of Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 is the Dual Zone Safety concept. It refers to the tire’s dual nature, the ability to combine two key performance areas: precise high-speed handling and reliable wet safety. This capability is made possible through three integrated technologies. The Twin Force Tread features two precisely engineered tread zones for dynamic dry handling and reliable wet grip. Hydro Grip Compound provides strong traction and braking performance on wet roads while maintaining durability and efficiency. At the structural level, Power Lock Core ensures high-speed stability through a rigid internal foundation that keeps the tire composed under pressure. Together, these elements form a safety concept that adapts to real-world driving; offering control, confidence, and performance, whether the roads are dry or dramatically wet.
“By combining the advanced tread design, cutting-edge compound technology, and a reinforced structure, we deliver more than just performance, we deliver peace of mind. Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 is a summer tire you can rely on when dry conditions turn into dramatic downpour. It’s engineered for the drivers who expect control, demand precision, and never compromise on safety”, says Samu Lepistö, Development Manager at Nokian Tyres.
“The new Powerproof 2 delivers excellent driving comfort and low noise levels, thanks to a thoughtfully optimized tread pattern and newly developed cap and base compounds. Together, they help dampen road vibrations and minimize rolling noise, offering a smoother, quieter ride in all summer conditions.”
From structure to surface - Engineered precision built for protection
The Twin Force Tread design offers confident handling, durable performance, and strong wet safety. Its two functional zones are specifically engineered to provide precise dry handling and enhanced grip in wet conditions. The pattern is noise-optimized, featuring narrow shoulder grooves, which help reduce road noise for a quieter, more comfortable ride. Rounded ribs and shoulder blocks distribute pressure evenly across the tire’s contact patch, improving braking performance and extending tire life. The wide center ribs and stiff shoulder blocks enhance stability and precision in dry conditions, especially during high-speed cornering. Deep, continuous longitudinal grooves efficiently store and channel water away from the tread, improving wet grip and reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
The new Hydro Grip Compound is tailored for demanding summer driving. It enhances braking performance on both wet and dry roads, while its wear-resistant formulation ensures long-lasting durability. At the same time, optimized rolling resistance helps improve energy efficiency without compromising safety or grip.
“Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 offers a significant step forward in wear resistance, which is one of its most notable improvements. Excellent mileage and abrasion resistance have been achieved through the combined effect of the wear-resistant compound, optimized tread pattern, and carefully engineered mould shape. These improvements allow the tire to last longer, offering more kilometers without sacrificing performance,” Lepistö explains.
“Additionally, deeper center grooves contribute to extended tire life by helping maintain consistent performance and durability over time. What makes Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 stand out even further is its exceptionally low rolling resistance, a great achievement in the UHP category. This combination of long-lasting wear and fuel efficiency results in a lower total cost of ownership, making it a smart and sustainable choice for drivers who demand both top-tier performance and everyday economy. Most importantly, these gains have been made without compromising the precise handling, high-speed stability, or confident grip expected from a true ultra-high performance tire,” he continues.
Power Lock Core refers to the reinforced internal structure of Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2, engineered to deliver high-speed stability, precise handling, and durability under demanding conditions. It encompasses multiple construction elements including a new tread profile design, performance-optimized bead rings, a redesigned mold shape, and a significantly larger rim protector.
“The new tread profile enhances limit handling and helps prevent separation between the tread and the shoulder area, improving structural integrity during aggressive driving. The performance bead rings ensure a tighter, more secure fit onto the rim, preventing slippage or twisting under load especially during sudden maneuvers, and improving both dry and wet handling response. The updated mold dimensioning supports more efficient water evacuation, enhancing wet performance. Additionally, the larger rim protector offers extra durability by shielding the wheel from curb and impact damage, making the tire more robust in extreme use,” Lepistö concludes.
The new Powerproof 2 also features Nokian Tyres’ exclusive Aramid Strong Sidewalls. Available in sizes 17 inches and up, these specially reinforced sidewalls enhance durability, allowing the tire to withstand everyday driving impacts. The sidewall structure is reinforced with exceptionally strong aramid fibers, providing extra protection against sudden impacts and cuts that could otherwise easily interrupt a trip.
Nokian Tyres has also paid special attention to sound insulation to enhance driving comfort. As tires roll on the road, their impact with the surface can create noise peaks that disturb the driving experience. The Nokian Tyres SilentDrive™ Technology efficiently absorbs these peaks, resulting in lower interior noise and a more relaxed, less fatiguing ride. The technology will be available in a limited selection of Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 sizes.
Relentlessly tested. Independently verified.
All Nokian Tyres products undergo rigorous testing in both controlled and real-world conditions to ensure top-tier safety, durability, and performance. High-speed and wet performance testing is carried out at Nokian Tyres’ own test centers in Finland and Spain, including the Hakka Ring in Santa Cruz de la Zarza. Additional performance testing is conducted across Spain, Finland, and Germany. To ensure excellent wear resistance and real-world reliability, the development process includes professional taxi testing, as well as convoy testing. Every test is designed to push the tire to its limits, so drivers never have to.
In addition to internal testing, Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 was tested by the independent TÜV SÜD organization in a comprehensive Benchmark Test affirming its standing as a premium tire choice. Earlier this year, TÜV SÜD subjected Powerproof 2 to rigorous comparative evaluations against four leading competitors, examining critical criteria such as braking and handling on wet and dry surfaces. Meeting TÜV SÜD’s demanding benchmark standards confirms that Powerproof 2 stands firmly among the leading performers in its class. This external verification complements Nokian Tyres’ own extensive internal testing and provides transparent, third-party proof of the tire’s quality and reliability.*
Nokian Tyres Powerproof 2 – The cool performer
- Master the wet: Top-tier wet grip, braking, and aquaplaning resistance keep you safe when the skies open up.
- Control you can feel: Exceptional dry and wet handling with precise steering. Built for confident driving at all speeds.
- Tough where it counts: Robust construction and Aramid Strong Sidewalls offer long-lasting durability and protection.
- Comfort without compromise: Reduced noise and refined comfort turn high-performance driving into a smooth experience.
Main innovations:
Dual Zone Safety. Three integrated technologies designed to handle two key challenges: high-speed driving and sudden wet conditions. It combines advanced tread design, rubber compound, and internal structure to give drivers both precision and protection.
Twin Force Tread. Precise dry handling and enhanced wet performance. Confident handling, durable performance, and strong wet safety. Two functional, specifically engineered main zones provide precise dry handling and enhanced grip in wet conditions.
Hydro Grip compound. A high-performance rubber blend to enhance grip and braking on both wet and dry roads, while its wear-resistant and low rolling properties ensure long-lasting durability and improved energy efficiency.
Power Lock Core. High-speed stability and precise handling. The robust structure combines a new tread profile, performance-optimized bead rings, and a stronger rim protector offering control, durability, and safety even in extreme conditions.
Aramid Strong Sidewalls. Increased toughness and durability. The extremely strong fibers in the tire’s sidewall provide more durability and protection for demanding driving situations. The fiber makes the tire more resistant to impacts and cuts that could otherwise easily damage it. Comes with select sizes.
A seamless fit for EVs
Nokian Tyres has designed and tested tires with electric cars in mind for more than 10 years. As proof of compatibility for EVs, Nokian Tyres offers an ELECTRIC FIT™ symbol for its Nokian Tyres® branded premium tires. The symbol found on the sidewall indicates that Nokian Tyres® tires can be equally fitted on internal combustion engines and electric cars providing safe and high-quality product performance regardless of the car’s powertrain.
At your service – Nokian Tyres Consumer promises
To make tire purchasing less stressful, Nokian Tyres offers consumers various guarantees and services. This gives consumers the perfect opportunity to explore Nokian Tyres’ premium performance totally risk-free. The selected tires are offered with a Satisfaction Promise, and in case of an accidental puncture, a Tire Guarantee.
Further information:
Nokian Tyres plc,
PR Marketing Manager Zuzana Seidl
tel. +420603578866, [email protected]
Regional Product Manager Martin Drazik
tel. +420735747556, [email protected]
*Tested by TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH in June- September 2025 by order of Nokian Tyres. Tire Size:225/40 R18 92Y XL, Test vehicles: Skoda Superb 2.0TDI, VW Golf VIII GTI, VW e-Golf Mk. VII. Test locations: Nokian Tyres Hakka Ring (E), ATP Papenburg (D), TÜV SÜD PS Garching (D), Neubiberg (D). Report No 713377496.. Compared to 4 premium competitors: BRIDGESTONE POTENZA SPORT, HANKOOK VENTUS EVO K137, MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 5 AND PIRELLI PZERO PZ5. TÜV SÜD is an independent organization providing testing, inspection and certification worldwide.
