Rolls-Royce has launched the Eric Platford testing facility at its Goodwood headquarters. The site features an aero-acoustic laboratory equipped with a movable gantry and high-pressure air jets, allowing engineers to simulate driving conditions exceeding the UK speed limit of 112 km/h without moving the vehicle.
This setup enables the company to assess wind noise, vibrations, and suspension performance under high-speed conditions typical of markets like Germany. By testing prototypes in this controlled environment, Rolls-Royce aims to identify potential interior noises and structural issues before vehicles are delivered to customers.
Beyond the laboratory, the facility includes a 90-meter-long section with four parallel lanes covering eight different road surfaces. These surfaces replicate various conditions, including cobblestones, railway tracks, concrete waves, and twisted ramps, to evaluate chassis integrity and overall ride quality.
Engineers also conduct tests on a smooth asphalt track, performing both constant and variable speed runs. Additionally, the site features designated U-turn areas to simulate roundabout maneuvers. Despite these advanced indoor capabilities, the company continues to perform road tests on a 13-kilometer public route near Goodwood.
The facility is named after Eric Platford, the first chief test driver for Rolls-Royce, whose work with the brand dates back over a century. This new infrastructure serves to refine the final assembly of the company's handcrafted automobiles.
