With an eye toward the future, Bridgestone Americas Inc. announced plans to expand its Americas Technology Center campus in Akron with the addition of a new test track.
According to Bridgestone, its new vehicle dynamics test track along with the Advanced Tire Production Center, where the company will produce tires of the NTT IndyCar Series, are the latest investments to solidify its Akron research and development campus as home to all its research, product development, technology and core data systems.
“We’re excited to advance our leading-edge tire and technology development with the expansion of our testing capabilities in Akron,” says Nizar Trigui, chief technology officer and group president, solutions businesses, Bridgestone Americas. “As we continue to evolve our products and provide sustainable mobility solutions to our customers, we’re confident that this new tire test track will support enhanced product education and improve agility in engineering decision making for our product development process.”
Upon its completion, next summer, Bridgestone says the test track facility will feature multiple vehicle dynamics courses designed to simulate the rigors of real-world driving conditions. These include a long straightaway to assess lane change performance; an NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) course to test ride comfort and road noise; and a wet and dry weather handling course.
Bridgestone also said it will relight its iconic Firestone sign atop the ATPC on Nov. 19.
