by Ferrari’s New Test Track
Ferrari has opened a second test track near its factory in Maranello. This track, known as E-Vortex, features banked sections and special surfaces for testing ride comfort. It is located next to the 54-year-old Fiorano track, which continues to operate.
Fewer Prototypes on the Roads
Previously, in Ferrari’s hometown of Maranello, car prototypes could often be seen on the roads. However, now that the Italian manufacturer has completed construction of the new test track directly opposite its famous headquarters, such sightings may become rare.
Rapid Construction and Features
The new E-Vortex track was built in just four months on a small plot of land measuring 44,670 square yards, which is located behind the fence from the existing Pista di Fiorano track, created by Ferrari on the site of former farmland in the early 1970s.
While Fiorano is excellent for high-speed dynamic tests, it lacks the variety of surfaces found at other brands’ test tracks and is often overloaded. The new track provides the company’s test drivers with more opportunities to work on a closed circuit and allows for the simulation of various conditions.
More Than Just Corners and Straights
The length of E-Vortex is 1.17 miles, while Fiorano is 1.89 miles. The new track is divided into separate zones: banked curves at both ends, a longitudinal slope, a central straight, and several inner turns for checking dynamic behavior. Additionally, it features special road surfaces for testing parameters such as noise, vibrations, harshness, durability, and ride comfort.
Facilities for Efficient Work
A 1,200-square-yard workshop is also located on the track premises, allowing for certain checks and work to be carried out on-site, without the need to spend time returning to the main factory.
Accelerating Development
Ferrari plans to gradually shift testing from public roads to the track, which will allow engineers to more objectively evaluate car behavior and do so faster. Since the journey to some test routes takes an hour, the new track could accelerate the development of new sports cars and the brand’s future electric vehicles.
Impact on the Town
The company also notes that the new track will help reduce traffic in the town, which may be beneficial for local residents but will be a downside for the thousands of fans who travel to Maranello each year hoping to see Ferrari prototypes in action.
This move by Ferrari reflects the growing demands of car testing, especially considering future electric models that require different conditions to verify their performance. The use of modern tracks like E-Vortex allows the company to remain competitive in the market while ensuring the safety and comfort of local residents.
