By the end of October, the asphalting of the high-speed oval track at the Zalaegerszeg automotive test track will be completed, with its full operation set for May next year, according to Managing Director of AVL ZalaZONE Proving Ground Ltd Zoltán Hamar.
He detailed that the 4,400-metre track, which includes two parabolic turns angled at 47 degrees, is designed for speeds of 200 km/h, though vehicles can reach up to 250 km/h. In addition to high-speed trials, it will be suitable for stress testing of braking systems, suspensions, and cooling systems.
Regarding the ongoing works, the CEO noted that only two machinery chains in the world are capable of asphalting at a 47-degree slope, with one currently in use at Zalaegerszeg.
Hamar recalled that the 250-hectare ZalaZONE test track began construction in 2017 and opened its first elements in 2019, with full capacity reached in 2022.
The facility’s 10 different test elements include three specifically designed for testing autonomous vehicles, and an off-road environment has been developed in cooperation with the neighbouring Rheinmetall armoured vehicle factory.
Unique to this location is a combined urban and rural simulation area, a motorway section found nowhere else in Europe, vehicle dynamics surfaces, brake tracks, dry and wet handling tracks, inclines with varying gradients, and sections designed for noise testing of vehicles and tyres.
The nearest similar facility to the Zala test track is located in northern Germany, but once the oval track is completed, Zalaegerszeg will offer the broadest range of testing possibilities for clients in Europe, the CEO pointed out.
In response to a question from the press, he added that every European car manufacturer, along with numerous suppliers, use the Zalaegerszeg test track for projects both large and small.
Related articles:
