Iconic Nardo Proving Ground Reopens After $40 Million Investment From Porsche

Porsche has announced the reopening of the Nardo Technical Center in Italy, following a renovation that lasted seven months and a total investment of 35 million euros ($39.5 million at current exchange rates).

Apart from having its famous track resurfaced, the renovated proving ground gained an innovative guardrail system that was developed by Porsche Engineering specifically for the high-speed testing needs of Nardo.

“With the modernization of the tracks, the strategic development of the Nardo Technical Center advances decisively,” says Malte Radmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nardo Technical Center and Managing Director of Porsche Engineering.

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“This proving ground has always been one-of-a-kind and is now more than ever a cornerstone of the Porsche development strategy and of the vehicle testing activities in the automotive industry as a whole.”

The Nardo Technical Center, which is operated by Porsche since 2012, features over 20 tracks and facilities on an area of more than 700 hectares (1730 acres). Founded in 1975, it features a unique 12.6km-long (7.8 miles) high-speed circular circuit that enables vehicle testing under extreme conditions.

“The goal is that our customers can test the mobility of the future,” said Antonio Gratis, Managing Director of the Nardo Technical Center. The testing facilities, which are used by 90 automotive companies among other, also offer the opportunity to test future technologies, such as fast-charging behavior of EVs, new driver assistance systems, connected services and autonomous driving.

“There are several more extensions and renewals planned for the future,” added Gratis. “In addition, we want to promote the growth of the entire local ecosystem with the further development.”