Test tracks are essential tools in the development of vehicles, vehicle systems and automotive components. Test facilities are limited in our country, which causes a significant setback in the advanced development of cars in the Indian market. The answer to these advanced testing is National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX). The NATRAX facility in Indore features a full fledge proving ground for new products, homologation and research and development.
Now the facility gets a new 11.3km long test track spanning over 1,000 acres of land and claims to be Asia’s longest High-Speed Test Track. The entire facility is within 2,300 acres of land and ranks fifth in the world. Recently, the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Prakash Javadekar, inaugurated the new facility under the ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Global OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are likely to benefit from the new high-speed test track. Such OEMs will also use the way for testing and development. Currently, global OEMs use the test tracks abroad for prototyping. Brands such as FCA, Volkswagen, Renault, Peugeot etc., will benefit from the new facility at Pithampur Indore.
At the NATRAX test facility, OEMs can test acceleration, constant speed, top speed, emission tests, high-speed handling and stability. The track is also useful for emission testing in using real-world dynamics. Test vehicles at the track can reportedly achieve speeds of up to 375 kmph on the turns. In addition to this, OEMs of premium cars can also test cars at maximum speeds to tweak steering dynamics, high-performance suspension and uprated braking systems.
The facility is also centrally located in Madhya Pradesh which will allow OEMs from all over the country. The NATRAX test facility also features Powertrain Lab, Vehicle Dynamic Lab, Battery Test Systems, CAD/CAE lab and Vehicle Instrumentation Lab. The track also offers services such as Crash Barrier Testing, Proving Ground Consultancy, Construction Equipment Testing etc.
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