Nardò, is one of the most famous test tracks in the world. When it first opened its doors on 1st July 1975, the Nardò complex consisted of 3 test tracks and a building dedicated to the accommodation of teams of engineers and their cars. The original design was developed and built by Fiat.
Since that day, the objective of the Nardò track has always been the same: to enable all car brands to test their cars in real conditions, without having to resort to public roads. A tradition that continues to this day.
Since 2012, the Nardò track — now dubbed the Nardò Technical Center — has been owned by Porsche. Today, the number of tracks that make up this test center is much higher. There are more than 20 different circuits, capable of simulating the most adverse conditions that a car can be subjected to.
Noise tests.
Dirt tracks, bumpy tracks, bumpy tracks and layouts that test the integrity of the chassis and suspensions. There is even a FIA-approved circuit for sporting purposes.
Altogether, there are almost 700 hectares of land in southern Italy, far from the prying eyes of cameras.
The Nardò Technical Center is open 363 days a year, seven days a week, thanks to the excellent weather conditions in southern Italy. Apart from car builders, the only people who have access to the complex are farmers, who have been given permission to explore and cultivate the land adjacent to the circuits. It would be a waste of land otherwise. Farmers' access is through numerous tunnels that allow the circulation of agricultural machines without disturbing the course of the circuit tests.
The "ring" of the crown
Despite the numerous test tracks that make up the Nardò Technical Center, the jewel in the crown remains the circular track. A track with a total of 12.6 km in length and 4 km in diameter. Dimensions that allow it to be visible from space.
This track is made up of four high gradient tracks. In the outer lane it is possible to drive at 240 km/h with the steering wheel straight. This is only possible because the gradient of the track cancels out the centrifugal force to which the car is subjected.
The cars that passed through there
Due to its characteristics, the Nardò Technical Center has been the stage for the development of many cars over the years — most of them in a completely secret way, so there is no record. But in addition to development tests, this Italian track also served (and serves) for setting world records.
In this gallery you can meet some of them:
The Mercedes C111 was for many years the rolling laboratory of the German brand. We have an extensive article about him here at Ledger Automobile
It's not the only case in the world
There are more tracks with these characteristics in the world. A short time ago we detailed, with the support of Hyundai, these “mega structures” that belong to the Korean brand. Structures of surprising dimensions, to say the least!
14\u00ba Fact: The Hyundai i30 (2nd generation) was subjected to thousands of km\u2019s of tests (desert, road, ice) before going into production."},{" imageUrl_img":"https:\/\/www.razaoautomovel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/namyang-espac\u0327o-hyundai-portugal-4.jpg","caption": ""},{"imageUrl_img":"https:\/\/www.razaoautomovel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/namyang-espac\u0327o-hyundai-portugal-8-- 1400x788.jpg","caption":"It is in this wind tunnel, capable of simulating winds of 200km\/h that Hyundai tests the aerodynamics of its models with a view to reducing consumption and improved acoustic comfort."}]">
Namyang. One of Hyundai's most important test centers.
But there's more… In Germany, the Volkswagen Group owns the Ehra-Leissen complex — where Bugatti tests its cars. This test complex is located in a reserved airspace area and has the security level of a military infrastructure.
General Motors, in turn, owns Milford Proving Grounds. A complex with a circular track and a layout that imitates the most famous curves of the best circuits in the world. It takes several years for a GM employee to gain access to this complex.
There are more examples, but we finish with the Astazero Hällered, a test complex that belongs to a consortium formed by Volvo Cars, the Swedish government and other entities dedicated to the study of car safety.
The level of detail in this center is so great that Volvo simulated real blocks, such as those in Harlem, in New York City (USA).
This space simulates the streets of Harlem. Not even the facades of the buildings were forgotten.
We remind you that by 2020 Volvo wants to reach the goal of “zero fatal accidents” involving the brand's models. Will they make it? Commitment is not lacking.