Nardo

Overview

The Nardo Technical Center Circuit, located in Apulia, Italy at coordinates 40.3187°N, 17.8266°E, is one of the world's most unique automotive testing facilities. This remarkable circuit is famous for its perfect circular high-speed ring track measuring 12.6 kilometers (7.8 miles) in circumference. Owned by Porsche Engineering Group since 2012, the Nardo Technical Center spans over 700 hectares and serves as a premier proving ground for vehicle manufacturers worldwide. Its distinctive design and specialized facilities make it an essential destination for automotive performance testing, research, and development.

Technical Specifications and Track Features

The Nardo Technical Center's main attraction is its circular high-speed ring, which features four lanes with a total width of 16 meters. The track is banked at a specific angle that neutralizes lateral forces at 240 km/h (149 mph), allowing vehicles to travel in a straight line without steering input at this speed. This engineering marvel enables manufacturers to conduct sustained high-speed testing safely. Beyond the main ring, the facility houses over 20 different tracks and testing areas, including a 6.2-kilometer handling course that simulates various road conditions, a low-friction circuit for stability control testing, and specialized surfaces for noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) evaluation. The center also features off-road sections with varying grades and surfaces to test SUVs and all-terrain vehicles.

Facilities and Specialized Areas

The Nardo Technical Center offers comprehensive facilities to support automotive testing operations. The complex includes workshops equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, climate-controlled testing chambers that can simulate extreme temperature conditions from -40°C to +60°C, and specialized areas for durability testing. The center houses state-of-the-art data acquisition systems, allowing engineers to monitor and analyze vehicle performance in real-time. Security is paramount at Nardo, with restricted access ensuring manufacturers can test prototype vehicles away from public view and industrial espionage. The facility also features administrative buildings, meeting spaces, and accommodations for engineering teams conducting extended testing programs, making it a self-contained automotive development ecosystem.

History

The Nardo Technical Center was originally constructed in 1975 by Fiat Group as the "Centro Sperimentale Nardo" to provide Italian manufacturers with a dedicated testing facility. The circuit gained international recognition when it hosted numerous speed record attempts, including Volkswagen's 24-hour endurance record in 2001 with their W12 concept car averaging 322.89 km/h. In 2012, Porsche Engineering Group acquired the facility from Italian firm Prototipo SpA, investing significantly in modernizing the infrastructure and expanding its capabilities. Throughout its history, Nardo has served as the testing ground for countless production vehicles and concept cars from major global manufacturers. The facility continues to evolve with automotive technology, recently adding infrastructure for electric vehicle testing and autonomous driving systems, cementing its position as one of the world's premier automotive development centers.