Here’s A Great Look At Some Secret Ford Testing Facilities: Video

Hands-on testing is a crucial phase of vehicle development, and Ford operates several specialized centers to push its vehicles to the limit in various conditions. Access to these facilities is rare, but the YouTube channel What’s Inside? recently had the chance to take a look inside some of Ford’s lesser-known testing sites.

There’s a lot more to vehicle validation testing than just taking them for a spin out on a test track. For example, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is all-electric, must undergo cold weather tests because it may perform differently than its gasoline-powered counterparts. The video shows a Mustang Mach-E parked in a cold chamber, which allows vehicle designers and engineers to observe how it behaves in below-freezing environments, from battery life to the simple act of opening its doors. These facilities can also provide the perfect backdrop for wintry photoshoots.

There’s also a freezing wind tunnel, which tests vehicles in below-zero temps on a dyno. Ford also has access to the world’s largest air tunnel, which is critical for the development of EVs, allowing engineers to test the aerodynamic prowess of their vehicles. The turbine is absolutely massive, too – large enough for a fully grown man to walk through its channels.

Ford also has a virtual racing simulator. This enables designers and engineers to test vehicles in a safe, virtual setting with a controlled response. Despite the computer generated graphics displayed on its “windows,” it’s easy to forget that it’s a simulation and not the real deal.

Of course, Ford also has a number of real-life proving grounds. The automaker is able to put vehicles through the equivalent of 10 years of wear in as little as three months, test-driving them around courses that simulate everything from mundane everyday driving conditions to extreme off-road situations. The vehicles are all autonomous with remote monitoring, lapping the courses for 24 hours a day, and providing valuable data on their longevity. Of course, human drivers can take control where necessary, guiding various Ford vehicles through the course to test them out.