A key stage has been reached in the development of Northampton-based Mahle Powertrain Ltd’s (www.mahle-powertrain.com) Real Driving Emissions Centre with the delivery of a four-wheel-drive chassis dynamometer manufactured by Horiba UK (www.horiba.com/uk).

This will enable the RDEC to conduct fully certified vehicle emissions tests to all the latest international standards, including the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).

The Vulcan II XtraCold chassis dynamometer is part of a £7.5 million investment in the facility, enabling Mahle to test vehicles weighing up to five tonnes, with power ratings up to 450kW and capable of speeds up to 190kph.

The system has a climatic range of -40 to +60°C and can test front-drive, rear-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Mahle’s investment in the RDEC pre-empted the introduction of the WLTP, which is intended to make vehicle manufacturers test emissions based on the simulation of real-world driving conditions, with more time spent at higher speeds and loads, in addition to aggressive acceleration and braking phases.

The new dynamometer enables Mahle to work with vehicle OEMs to carry out fuel economy tests, performance mapping and quality testing in a wide range of simulated environments.

Chief test engineer Derek Wise said: “For UK-based manufacturers, it means that engines can be thoroughly tested to the highest standards without leaving the country.

“This will shorten lead times, reduce costs and help the UK to retain its reputation for automotive engineering excellence.”