Continental releases new studded winter tire IceContact 8
The studded winter tire Continental IceContact 3 was introduced in 2019 and performed well in tests, although, for example, last season, testers said that there are stronger competitors in terms of ice traction. In 2026, Continental is releasing a next-generation model called IceContact 8, which, according to the manufacturer, significantly surpasses its predecessor in terms of performance on icy surfaces.
To optimize ice performance, Continental's developers used a dual-studding technology, which means that the tread features two types of anti-skid studs that increase both longitudinal and lateral traction, improving both acceleration and braking efficiency, as well as resistance to lateral slippage when cornering.
The Stud Anchoring Technology has also been applied, which creates a chemical bond between the studs and the tread, reducing voids and preventing dirt accumulation, making the studs more securely held in place and "becoming one with the tire".
"We are very proud of this technology," says Per Lindér, product manager at Continental's Swedish division. "The durability of the stud attachment increases fourfold compared to standard studded tires, which means they always stay in place and work effectively from the first to the last mile, which is very important, considering the significant cost of a set of new winter tires."
The design of the new tire is an evolution of the friction model Continental VikingContact 8, which won several tests last year, and Lindér notes that "we are incredibly excited to see how IceContact 8 will perform in tests. Our expectations are very high, as this is a truly fantastic tire."
The new Continentals have a V-shaped tread pattern with enlarged blocks, whose design has been refined to reduce stud movement and the risk of their falling out, as well as to increase the tire's lifespan, and the company emphasizes that the tires have optimal driving qualities throughout their entire life cycle.
A special plasticizer and a new highly elastic polymer have been added to the rubber compound, which allows the tires to retain their softness and effectiveness even at extremely low temperatures. "As a result, the tires guarantee stable traction and predictable handling in any winter conditions — even on the coldest days," Continental points out.
The new Continentals meet the A+ standard of the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom), which sets stricter requirements for road wear for studded tires. All studded tires for passenger cars produced from January 1, 2027, will have to meet these new standards, and the standard will also apply in Norway.
"By creating IceContact 8, we have improved the balance between high ice traction and reduced road wear, which means increased road safety without unnecessary strain on the infrastructure," Lindér noted, adding that in recent years, winter conditions in Scandinavian countries have changed significantly, and temperatures often fluctuate around zero, and dry pavement can quickly turn into slippery ice. For this reason, as the Continental representative says, the requirements for winter tires are also changing, which are increasingly used on asphalt in winter months.
Continental IceContact 8 will be released on the market in the second quarter of 2026 in sizes with diameters from 15 to 22 inches and will be designed for both gasoline-powered vehicles and electric and hybrid cars.