The new investment enables the Center to build three new dynamic engine test benches, one climatic test bench, one NVH test bench and one chassis Dyno. The five new test benches complement the 15 test benches that are already in place. They allow for a virtual simulation of the entire vehicle, therefore substantially reducing the development time and engine tuning of future engine programs.

The climatic test bench will allow for a simulation of temperatures ranging from -40 C° up to 70 C° and altitude variation up to 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). The NVH test bench will be used during the design and development phase of new engines and will help to minimize engine noise and vibrations. The chassis dyno will be operational in the second half of 2011 and will allow for emission tests on vehicles.

In view of the ongoing powertrain offensive at GM and Opel, the center is currently operating at full capacity. By the end of 2011, the 15 existing test benches will be fully utilized on two shifts with the option of a third shift in fully automated mode. Ultimately, the Center will feature 20 test benches, one chassis dyno and several laboratories dedicated to the development and optimization of engines components.

Diesel engines will continue to play an important role in the industry, and the investment is an expression of GM’s and Opel’s commitment to further develop and optimize this technology. Our close collaboration with both suppliers and local institutions such as the co-located Politecnico University, is a major asset for our center and well recognized within GM.

—Pierpaolo Antonioli, managing director of the engineering center

The GM Engineering Center in Turin was established in 2005 with 80 employees. In September 2008 the Center moved into its new Politecnico facility, making GM the first automotive company to become a physical part of a university campus. The collaboration brings strength to engineering research and development. The center currently engineers and develops diesel engines, controls and advanced propulsion systems. The Engineering Center now employees more than 460 people.