As we reported in the last issue of L’Automobile, Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian is launching its latest creation: the Surpass performance tire. Nokian has not often been recognized as a performance tire specialist, especially since it discontinued its only line in that segment, the Z-Line, just a few months ago. This time, however, the company is going all-in on the category with the Surpass, a product designed primarily for the North American market.

To launch this tire in the presence of the media, two specific criteria were needed: a dry, warm location, and a venue where the product could be pushed to its limits. Nokian chose Las Vegas, more specifically, the stunning Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where NASCAR oval-track races are held. This complex also features dedicated test tracks for corporate events, and that’s where we found ourselves.

First, after the usual technical presentations, we had the chance to drive some sporty, though conventionally styled, cars on a fast yet demanding circuit. These Mercedes-Benz C-Class models and Polestar 2s — the former equipped with all-wheel drive, the latter powered solely by electricity — were, of course, fitted with the new Surpass tires. With the help of instructors (a must in such circumstances), we were able to push the cars to higher speeds, especially through sweeping corners and tight slalom sections, some of which was deliberately wet for the occasion. In fact, even though we had the opportunity to push the tires to their limits, we really had to go further to get them to squeal. Even then, the Surpass gave little indication of a potential loss of grip. A final section of the course served to test their traction under extreme braking.

In the second part of the event, Nokian reserved another closed circuit — the first section of which bore a curious resemblance to the layout of California’s Sears Point track — to run what is usually described as a “Time Attack.” The goal was to post the fastest possible lap time while also appreciating the grip and performance of the Surpass tire under extreme conditions. For this, each participant completed two solo laps behind the wheel of a speedy Toyota Supra — a vehicle highly representative of the segment Nokian is targeting with the Surpass. Once again, an instructor accompanied us, primarily to keep track of lap times. My first lap was somewhat botched due to a communication error with the instructor, but the second was one of the best in the group (at least, according to the instructor), as I was able to push the Supra to its limits, even using the curbs to handle the turns. What stuck with me, however, was the impressive grip (on dry pavement) of the Surpass — mounted on a very lightweight car that could have broken loose at any moment!

Being able to evaluate tires in such conditions is ideal for a journalist in the field, as it allows for a deeper understanding of the product and the ability to recommend it if needed. That will certainly be the case for Nokian’s new Surpass.