Re: Ultimate Quattro tire?

["Eric T. Axelson" <Eric.T.Axelson-1@tc.umn.edu>]

Doug Miller wrote:
> 
> I saw a Quattro in a parking lot the other day that had a very aggressive
> set of studded snow tires on it. The brand was "H......  in a name that was
> over 12 letters long and had lots of K's and A's. I was so fascinated with
> the tread pattern and quantity of studs, that I completely forgot the name.
> Does anybody know what they were?  How about a source?  I parked the A6 on
> a slope today and the slight jar as it settled against the park pin broke
> the tires loose and I slid downhill in a most embarrasing fashion.  Please
> reply to my email.  Thanks in advance,
> 
> Doug Miller
> dmiller@iea.com
> 97A6Q Wagon, 93 LandCruiser w/diff locks (and well used skidplates), 71
> LeMans Sport V8 Convertible. Cannondale Super V 900 Comp.

It is a tire from Finland called Hakapelleta, that is not the exact
spelling, but will at least get a bit of recognition from your local
tire guys. It is pronounced like you are trying to get flem out of the
back of your throat. There are sold here in Minnesota by Twin City Tire
(612.866.2588). 

I have them on my 87 Wagon (2wd) and they are the best tires I have ever
had for ice, snow, and rain. I must state that I am not a big
performance driver, mostly a-b. They have been on the car for 12,000 and
they look like they are brand new. My wife being the judge- she would
rather drive the wagon in the snow, than our 86 quattro. She wants the
quattro on the dry days for the entrance ramps.

They are not life regular snow tires being they are long-life and quite
on clear road- I have been silent mentioning this tire for i do not have
the ability to comment on how they handle as a performance tire. The
"fins" certainly have me convinced that they know how to build a tire.

Also, I have no stock in the company or represent them in any way.

Eric T. Axelson