Bmw opens its latest Aerodynamic Test Center

The German carmaker BMW is opening its latest Aerodynamic Test Center (ATC) as the main element in its commemoration of its Technology Day today. The center will be utilized for making more efficient and more sporting cars of the future.

The external profile of the facility reflects the high-tech activities going on inside. The facility is basically a wind tunnel that can spew air up to 186mph (300km/h), but it’s really more than that and BMW aims at using its special features to produce better vehicles. The ATC is capable of testing aerodynamics in different kinds of real-world driving situations without the need of building a complete road-worthy test vehicle. The result is faster development time, lowered costs and aids engineers get a closer look before doing anything actually.
Read Article

pennfootball - 6/24/2009 11:49:56 AM

+2 Boost

Umm Having a "wind Tunnel" does not mean you are better than every other car make that has one...Even GM has an "advanced" wind tunnel like this. One NASCAR uses is actually better then the ones they use in Formula 1 because it can roll the wheels over 200 miles an hour.

dhkss2002 - 6/24/2009 3:30:34 AM

0 Boost

Good, hopefully they'll use this to develop their crappy F1 car. I'm sure this wind tunnel wasn't used to develop the 5 series GT. The wind will only end up running away from that monstrosity. It's easily the ugliest design since the hunchback Panamera.

Just kidding, congratulations BMW, but the comment on the Panamera still stands.

bfghemicuda - 6/24/2009 9:38:42 PM

+1 Boost

Really is not anything that advanced for today. Good idea though. Wind tunnels were used back in the late 1960s for Nascar. Thats how the Superbird and Daytonas from Plymouth and Dodge were created. Gave them a huge edge over the competition.