GM to cut powertrain development time and costs with new Detroit lab

General Motors has opened an advanced engine testing facility in Detroit, Michigan, which the carmaker claims will allow it to speed up powertrain development times and save more than $200 million per year. According to GM, the new facility is the largest of its kind in the world and it will operate 24 hours per day.

There are more than 120 test cells for engines and transmissions located within the site, which is set up to test all kinds of engines, be it petrol, diesel or hybrid, in all kinds of weather. Engineers can heat ambient temperatures to more than 50 degrees Celsius or cool them to below zero, reducing the time needed for outdoor extreme weather testing and leading to quicker development cycles for future models, reports Automotive News.

Despite being located in Detroit, GM’s global operations will also benefit as the plant is wired to directly to facilities all around the world. This means that engineers in other countries can access data and monitor tests in real time.