The Nürburgring is not only considered to be the measure of all things among racing drivers - the longest permanent race track in the world is also the perfect course for long-term tests of series vehicles. That is why the Hyundai Motor Group (with the sister brands Hyundai and Kia) is now opening its own test center at the Nürburgring. The spacious complex with a modern glass facade is located directly on the racetrack and offers 3.600 square meters of space for workshops, offices and a visitor area. The system is operated by the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC), which is headquartered in Rüsselsheim. Hyundai and Kia have been developing their models for the European market there since 2003. The research and development center has been testing series vehicles on the Nürburgring for a long time. With the new system, for which the group has invested 6,6 million euros, these tests can now be significantly expanded.
"We are proud to test our vehicles on this legendary and extremely demanding race track," said Seung Wook Yang, President of HMETC. "Hyundai and Kia vehicles are known throughout Europe for their high quality and comprehensive manufacturer warranties. The tests on the Nürburgring make a significant contribution to ensuring that top quality. In addition, they help us tailor our vehicles to the exacting demands of European motorists. However, the insights that we gain here are not only relevant to Europe, they also feed into the work of our central research and development center in Korea. "
The 21 kilometers long Nordschleife of the Nürburgring With its 73 curves, gradients of up to 17 percent and a height difference of around 300 meters, it is ideal for the most demanding tests. This includes, above all, the "accelerated endurance test", in which 480 laps are driven through the "green hell" within a few weeks, as the traditional racetrack is also called. With these 10.000 kilometers, you can simulate a mileage that corresponds to 150.000 to 180.000 kilometers in everyday use. Each of these tests performs a variety of measurements that provide valuable parameters. Added to this are the observations and assessments of the experienced test pilots. Further tests are aimed specifically at dynamic tests of engine, steering, suspension, handling and driveability. The new test center allows engineers to evaluate the collected data in real-time and make modifications during test cycles.