Google Earth exposes automakers' secret test tracks around the world
The blokes over at AutoExpress took a cue from the ApocalX crew and decided to use the magic of satellites to scour the globe in search of automaker's secret test tracks. Using some inside information and one of our favorite time wasters, Google Earth, they were able to capture ten tracks used by some of the premier companies on the planet, including Ferrari, Pirelli, Bosch, Pininfarina, Ford and Volkswagen.
Above and below, you can see the Fiat test facility and the DCX track. Care to guess which one is which?
Click 'read' for all ten images.
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Anthony Gentavoe 8:16AM (12/15/2006)
There's a bunch more, but too bad they are in poor GE resolution areas, like Ford's hot weather facility in Yucca, AZ. Not exactly secret, though. I seem to recall last time I was in Yucca, there were a few trailers with people living in them just outside the fences...which you could easily see through.
Reply
maximus 5:22PM (12/14/2006)
what? No secrets? Jeez people. I have shot commercials at most of these Tracks. Hello the google map view says proving grounds!
Reply
Matt Dell 5:29PM (12/14/2006)
I once flew over the Chrysler one in Arizona. At first I was like, "Man, those NASCAR tracks are HUGE!"
But yeah, that was before I knew anything about cars. Or motorsports.
Reply
Evan Brom 5:45PM (12/14/2006)
The old GM grounds in mesa AZ looks pretty cool http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Mesa,+AZ&ie=UTF8&z=14&ll=33.326656,-111.600924&spn=0.053142,0.10849&t=k&om=1&iwloc=addr
Reply
C\\\'est Raoul 11:46PM (12/14/2006)
Haha! Obviously, looking at the fields, the Fiat one is at the top: i.e US manufacturer have dumb round ones while Euro have smart fancy ones. But that's unfair (and not true), both types of tracks have their own use. The DCX one (bottom) is perfect for testing long term reliabity, tires etc.. Cies must have the 2.
Reply
ssgtakeo 6:07PM (12/14/2006)
Yeah that tells me everything I need to know about the mentality of Chrysler. Of course one could say, philosophically they're constantly going around in circles.
Reply
D Man 6:19PM (12/14/2006)
I think BMW uses Nissan's test facility in AZ. I hear that one is pretty nice.
Reply
Adam 6:30PM (12/14/2006)
That VW one looks like it's monstrous.
Reply
Jimmy 8:06PM (12/14/2006)
Wow... check out the VW one! But I bet it's gotta be that long to test the Veyron...
Reply
Carguy 6:38PM (12/14/2006)
Trust Chrysler to have a test track with no decent corners. That explains a lot.
Reply
Andrew 6:47PM (12/14/2006)
#5 - I believe BMW does it´s testing at the Nürburgring - where they have a permanent base for testing. I am almost sure I saw a program on TV where BMW said they test ALL of their vehicles on that track!
Reply
Chris 6:59PM (12/14/2006)
Ford has another test facility in Romeo Michigan which much bigger than the Dearborn one. One intersting note is the old runways in the center of the Dearborn track for the Ford Tri-Motor planes.
Reply
Jim 7:45PM (12/14/2006)
Without a doubt, that is NOT Chryslers Arizona Proving Ground. I have no idea whose it is.
Reply
wibble 8:37PM (12/14/2006)
#8. BMW does have its own test track complex near Aschheim, Germany and an additional facility near/at Miramas, France. But yes BMW also have a testing support facility near the Nürburgring.
Reply
Edsel 7:59AM (12/15/2006)
Check out the vintage bomb craters in a field next to VW's test track.
Reply
Bruce Lee 9:29PM (12/14/2006)
To no#10 Jim, that is Chryslers proving grounds in Wittman AZ, it's been Chryslers before the DCX days.
Reply
Frank 10:16PM (12/14/2006)
2. I once flew over the Chrysler one in Arizona. At first I was like, "Man, those NASCAR tracks are HUGE!"
7. Trust Chrysler to have a test track with no decent corners. That explains a lot.
----------------
Sorry to hit you with the truth guys but that is Chrysler's *second* test track proving grounds. The first is in Chelsea MI. It has plenty of corners, and everything else. As a matter of fact it was so renowned after it was built that FOREIGN makers who did not have a big presence in the US would rent time at the facility to test their vehicles (Gasp! the horror of using facilities of the those "inferior" Americans).
Reply
Jim 11:13PM (12/14/2006)
I know it isn't Chryslers APG, I've worked there since it opened in 1985. UAW Local 509. Totally different layout.
Reply
EC 7:56AM (12/15/2006)
That's not DCX proving grounds in Wittman, it's Ford's proving grounds. Used to be Volvo, then purchased by Ford. The DCX proving grounds is north of there about 5 miles. Look to the east side of the highway.
Reply
Frank 8:31AM (12/15/2006)
#16 Raoul is right. Both types of tracks have their own use. Auto makers should have both. And Chrysler (as well as Ford and GM) have both types: one for handling/emergency manuvers(sp)and one for testing long term reliabity, tires .
Don't you guys get it? Autoblog is manipulating you by showing you two different track layouts and saying "which one is American?". They are baiting you into saying "wow dumb Americans go round in circles, huh huh huh". And you are taking the bait.
Reply