Nissan builds new off-road test track in Japan

The Japanese firm has just put the finishing touches on its all new “Motagi” 4x4 test track that’s located in Tochigi Prefecture in Japan. The track, that was designed to replicate different real-world driving conditions from across the globe covers an area of 2,3 hectares and according to Nissan, its one of the largest in Japan. Now, wouldn’t it be nice if Nissan released an impressive video of a SUV enduring various tests on the track instead of these static pics? -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release

PRESS RELEASE: NISSAN COMPLETES NEW EXTREME OFF-ROAD TEST TRACK

- Built to enhance development of four-wheel drive technology -

TOKYO (March 15, 2007) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, today announced it has completed construction of its new extreme off-road track at its Motegi test facility in Tochigi Prefecture.

Covering a 2.3-hectare site, the track is among the largest in Japan. The track was designed to replicate different real-world driving conditions from across the world. The new facility includes a rocky section to deliver the same extreme conditions encountered on a rough mountain terrain, a desert road and a 30-degree incline slope.

The track will allow Nissan’s vehicle-dynamics engineers to conduct repeated off-road performance and endurance tests of four-wheel drive vehicles – such as the Safari (Patrol) and X-TRAIL – under the hardest conditions in a safe and controlled environment. The new facility will contribute significantly to the development of new off-road technologies and help improve the performance, quality, endurance and reliability of Nissan’s new 4WD models under development.

In addition to Motegi, Nissan conducts research and development at three test facilities in Japan (Tochigi, Oppama and Rikubetsu) and in Arizona, U.S.

Motegi Test Facility
Address: 555 Oaza-Ayuta, Motegi-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture
Area: About 127 hectares (26 times the area of Tokyo Dome)
Features: High-speed circuit, hill climb, flooded road and off-road test track.

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