Mashing the accelerator on a Mercedes C300, I fly toward the wet pavement on a racetrack in Las Vegas. I push the brake hard and whip the wheel just feet from the corner. Tires squeal and water flies as I quickly jump back on the gas, pushing the car around the tight turn and holding on for dear life.
“Go, full throttle!” yells the race instructor from the passenger seat. A huge grin spreads across my face. It’s my first time driving on a racetrack and I feel like I’m breaking every rule of driving. But no, on a racetrack, there are no speed limits.
I’m here to try a new tire from Nokian Tyres, the Surpass AS01. And while this tire isn’t exactly for the racetrack, its ability to claw at the pavement blows my mind. Which, to be fair, may be a little too easy to do.
In short: The Nokian Tyres Surpass AS01 is an ultra-high-performance tire that aims to also give drivers comfort, safety, and durability. It manages incredible traction even on a wet racetrack, yet has a 55,000-mile warranty. Nokian positions the tire as an everyday driver for high-performance vehicles and EVs at a value price. And while my test was limited, I was shocked at its ability to corner, brake, and accelerate under very aggressive driving.
- Price range: $190-420
- Available rim sizes: 16" to 21"
Pros
- Excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces
- Low rolling resistance
- Long tread life compared with competition
Cons
- Not as grippy as some UHP tires
Nokian Tyres Surpass AS01 Review


Driving the Nokian Surpass AS01


The Unknowns
