TEST: i40 put through Nurburgring paces
Hyundai are set to conduct more accelerated durability tests after officially opening their brand-new £5.5million European Test Centre at the Nurburgring, Germany.
The purpose-built 3,622sq/m vehicle testing facility boosts the brand’s research and development operations in Europe and provides a full-time presence at the iconic circuit.
It will allow Hyundai to further evaluate and develop the durability and driving dynamics of their vehicles more effectively and more often.
Completed in less than 15months, the unique glass and steel building accommodates workshops, office spaces and hospitality areas over four floors.
Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “The Nurburgring is a unique challenge for any vehicle, so it is the perfect location for our new facility.
“The new European Test Centre is a natural extension of our Technical Centre in Russelsheim, and enables Hyundai Motor to more quickly and more accurately test the reliability and drivability of our vehicles.
“The emotional appeal of being ‘tested at Nurburgring’ will also help to further build the brand’s reputation across Europe.”
Each car taking part in Hyundai tests laps the Nurburgring 480 times in both dry and wet conditions, simulating 100,000miles of rigorous driving in six weeks.
Throughout each lap, data parameters are continually monitored, assessing steering input and vehicle course, suspension movement and ride and handling characteristics.
The results are given directly to the vehicle development team based at the circuit, enabling Hyundai’s engineers to quickly make changes and tailor cars’ characteristics to the demands of European drivers.
