Testing the dynamic properties of vehicles and their behaviour at high speeds plays a crucial role in the automotive industry. It is not just about the number displayed on the speedometer – manufacturers need to verify how a vehicle responds to sudden changes of direction, high-speed cornering, braking, and acceleration. Stability, handling, occupant safety, and tire-to-road contact are key parameters that directly influence driving comfort and real-world safety.
The high-speed oval at the AUREL Proving Ground – The heart of dynamic testing
The high-speed oval at the AUREL Proving Ground represents one of the key testing areas, specifically designed for evaluating the dynamic performance of vehicles. Thanks to its integration with other testing sections. Such as the dynamic surface and the low-friction surface – it provides a comprehensive environment where engineers can verify vehicle responses under real-world conditions as well as in extreme driving situations.
Ideal technical parameters for demanding testing
The oval features a range of technical parameters that make it an ideal environment for high-speed stability and handling tests:
- Oval length: 1.1 km
- Three lanes along the entire circuit: Enable testing of various driving scenarios as well as multiple vehicles simultaneously.
- Banked corners with an 8% incline: Simulate real road conditions and support high-speed driving behaviour evaluation.
- Corner radius: 68 m on the inner lane.
- Straight section length: 240 m – ideal for measuring acceleration and stability during transition into cornering.
- Four-meter safety zone around the outer lane: Enhances overall test safety.
These parameters enable design engineers and test specialists to thoroughly assess how a vehicle behaves during sudden changes of direction and under high dynamic loads. Stability control systems, chassis components, and steering mechanisms are subjected to demanding tests, verifying their real-world performance and component reliability in practice.
The connection of the high-speed oval with the dynamic surface significantly expands the testing possibilities. Its seamless integration with both the oval and the ADAS track allows engineers to evaluate steering precision and vehicle controllability, lane changes, evasive manoeuvres, as well as responses during acceleration and braking. An important feature is also the low-friction surface made of polished basalt paving with an integrated watering system. It simulates wet and icy road conditions and is used to test braking and stability systems, as well as overall vehicle behaviour on slippery surfaces.
Typical tests on the oval and adjacent areas
Thanks to the interconnected sections, development teams can carry out comprehensive test sequences without interrupting the scenario or relocating the vehicle. Typical tests include:
- High-speed stability testing: Verification of vehicle behaviour at the limits of its speed capabilities.
- Cornering performance: Assessment of steering response, body roll, and force distribution in banked turns.
- Lane changes and evasive manoeuvres: Simulation of critical situations and sudden directional changes.
- Noise and vibration measurements: Evaluation of acoustic comfort during dynamic driving.
- Fuel or energy consumption testing: Analysis of energy efficiency under extreme operating conditions.
The AUREL Proving Ground provides an ideal environment not only for passenger cars, but also for heavy-duty vehicles, motorcycles, electric and hybrid vehicles, and autonomous cars. The variable track configuration enables testing across all vehicle segments. As a result, relevant and reliable data can be obtained for every category – from compact urban vehicles to heavy truck combinations.
Contribution to comprehensive vehicle development and validation
The high-speed oval at the AUREL Proving Ground, in synergy with the adjacent testing sections, represents an efficient tool for evaluating vehicle dynamics. Thanks to its carefully designed parameters and high level of safety, it enables thorough assessment of vehicle behaviour across a wide range of scenarios. The data obtained supports manufacturers in optimizing steering systems, chassis components, and driver assistance technologies, ultimately enhancing the overall safety and quality of vehicles brought to market.
Would you like to ensure that your vehicles perform reliably even in the most demanding driving situations? Put them to the test. Safely, under control, and at full performance – at the AUREL Proving Ground.
