- Building: Flr 802 Test track
- Developer: CC
- Occupant: CC
- Building area: approximately 50,000 m² of paved surface area
- Project costs: incl. infrastructure | 18.1 million euros
- Constructed: 08/2021 – 07/2023
The Bosch vehicle testing facility in Flat Rock, Michigan in the U.S. has been in operation since the early 1980s. The long-standing facility most recently underwent extensive modernization in 2008. Naturally, there have been some developments over the years; the vehicles and programs tested on the track have changed As a result, the testing functions of the track needed to be updated, and the introduction of new functions became necessary, as well. The basis for all these changes was a master plan developed by GR/PPR and CC/ETM-NA.
The testing center comprises a total of 132 hectares, including a driving dynamics area with a 30-degree banked turn. This refurbishment project focused on the ABS and ESP test tracks. These tracks are made up of two adjacent lanes measuring 750 meters in length. They also include sections of track with different surfaces. Broadly speaking, the refurbishment involved improving safety and updating the functions of the track to meet the changing needs of test vehicles. Vehicle sizes have changed over time, as well, which meant that the refurbishment also made accommodations for larger vehicles.
The ABS section facilitates brake measurement testing for passenger cars, motorcycles, pickups, and medium-weight trucks.
The surfaces represent a wide range of testing conditions specific to Bosch, allowing the tests to meet the validation requirements of both Bosch and its customers. The ESP section allows for the testing of stability control systems; the testing conditions on this track include the types of road surfaces that would generally be found in a wintry climate. Both sections have access control systems, long driveways, and a cutting-edge irrigation system that wets the surfaces as needed.