Technology – Testing

Technology / Testing

Engine development and testing

At the Engine Centre, the units are tested in a test zone, which cameras are monitoring for safety reasons.

he introduction of any new powertrains is one of the most challenging issues. In general, the preparation of a new engine design takes approximately four years and, in addition to design work, involves a large number of tests – from computer simulations and the testing of the first prototypes on test benches in the Engine Centre to car driving tests. Specific tests are also performed on individual engine components. At the same time, it is always true that the procedure is clearly defined, and tests are clearly specified by the test catalogue. These include, for example, a 500-hour polycyclic brake station test and a 100,000 km driving test. Before every test, ŠKODA AUTO technicians measure the engines in detail and record the data. At the end of the test, the unit is dismantled and remeasured with subsequent parameter evaluations. Flawless testing is a basic prerequisite to release the unit into series production. The demanding testing aims to achieve ideal engine behaviour under all conditions and, of course, verify its service life and stability of parameters (including emission ones) in the long-term operation. If the engine meets all the parameters, the legislation-required homologation and emission tests follow.