Continental IceContact 8: The Ultimate Tire for Extreme Nordic Winters

Hanover, Germany, January 19, 2026. Continental introduces the new IceContact 8, a new studded winter tire designed for extreme winter conditions. Engineered for maximum traction, it combines exceptional grip and durability, keeping drivers in control on ice, snow, and slush. The IceContact 8 was developed to provide optimum winter performance, safety, and reliability throughout its lifespan, inspired by the proven performance of our VikingContact 8. The IceContact 8 is ideally suited to both conventionally and electrically powered compact cars, SUVs and hybrids and offers a broad range of fitments from 15” to 22”. The tire’s twin studded concept features two different stud types supporting acceleration, braking, and handling. One type bites into the surface supporting traction when accelerating and secure braking, while the other enhances dynamic handling. These features paired with an intelligent stud distribution, provide maximum grip. In addition to the twin-stud design, the larger, deeper tread blocks allow for a stronger, more stable base for the studs. This design reduces stud movement and stud loss while providing overall higher mileage. To further increase durability, Continental’s tire developers created a chemical bond between stud and rubber to reduce gaps and the risk of debris accumulation, thus supporting long-term structural integrity of the studded tire. The balance between robustness from the new V-shape tread pattern and the stud bonding technology ensures winter performance, safety, and reliability throughout the tire’s lifespan. The IceContact 8’s new tread pattern features an optimized sipe layout, inspired by the VikingContact 8, for stronger grip and stable handling. To ensure reliable performance across different winter conditions, the tread compound of the new IceContact 8 combines a special softener system with a new tailor-made, highly flexible polymer. This new high flexible polymer allows the tread compound to stay soft even in extreme cold. With the start of sales beginning in quarter two of 2026, the IceContact 8 will be available for the upcoming winter season.