The Hidden Gems of Automotive Innovation: Exploring the Detroit Area Test Tracks

When it comes to the automotive industry, Detroit has long been hailed as the Motor City, a hub of innovation and ingenuity. But beyond the bustling production lines and iconic assembly plants, there lies a world of hidden gems – the test tracks that have played a crucial role in shaping the cars we drive today. Join us on a journey through the Detroit Area Test Tracks as we uncover the secrets behind these hallowed grounds of automotive engineering.

1. Ford Proving Grounds, Dearborn

The Ford Proving Grounds in Dearborn is a mecca for car enthusiasts and engineers alike. Covering a vast area of over 2,800 acres, this test track has witnessed the birth of numerous iconic vehicles, from the Model T to the Mustang. With its diverse terrains and meticulously designed road courses, the Ford Proving Grounds provides a real-world testing environment for all aspects of vehicle performance, safety, and durability.

Detroit Area Test Tracks (Images of America)

by Michael W. R. Davis (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	45655 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	131 pages

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2. General Motors Milford Proving Ground, Milford

Located in Milford, a short drive from Detroit, the General Motors Milford Proving Ground is an automotive enthusiast's dream. Spanning over 4,000 acres, this test track is a playground for prototype vehicles and cutting-edge technologies. From high-speed ovals to off-road courses, the Milford Proving Ground offers a diverse range of testing environments to ensure that every GM vehicle meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

3. Chrysler Proving Grounds, Chelsea

The Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea have witnessed countless automotive innovations over the years. Nestled on 3,850 acres of picturesque Michigan countryside, this test track facility boasts a wide array of tracks and facilities designed to push the limits of what vehicles can achieve. From the rigorous durability tests to extreme weather simulations, the Chrysler Proving Grounds serve as a vital proving ground for every vehicle bearing the Chrysler badge.

4. American Center for Mobility, Ypsilanti

Stepping into the future of automotive technology, the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti is a state-of-the-art test track dedicated to advancing the development of autonomous vehicles. This sprawling 500-acre facility replicates real-world scenarios to put self-driving cars through their paces, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of our rapidly evolving transportation landscape.

5. MIRA USA, Plymouth

Last but not least, MIRA USA in Plymouth goes beyond traditional vehicle testing. This cutting-edge facility specializes in advanced engineering and development services, offering a diverse range of capabilities to shape the future of mobility. From emission testing to aerodynamic exploration, MIRA USA provides comprehensive solutions for manufacturers, innovators, and entrepreneurs alike.

The Detroit Area Test Tracks embody the spirit of innovation and progress that has defined the American automotive industry for decades. From the iconic Ford Proving Grounds to the futuristic American Center for Mobility, these hidden gems have contributed to the development of some of the world's most iconic vehicles. As we explore the rich history and promising future of these test tracks, it becomes clear that they are more than mere proving grounds – they are the birthplaces of automotive dreams.

Detroit Area Test Tracks (Images of America)

by Michael W. R. Davis (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	45655 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	131 pages

FREE

Join author Michael W. R. Davis as he retraces the history of what went on behind the scenes of testing automotive tracks in Detroit, Michigan.

The catastrophic failure of a new but unproven copper-cooled Chevrolet in 1923 led the General Motors Corporation to buy back the 100 cars it had sold to the public and recall another 400 in company and dealer hands. As a result, in 1924 General Motors started building the industry's first scientific proving ground to test new vehicle designs before they were released for production and sale. Before this, all automakers tested new cars haphazardly on public roads and within limited engineering laboratories. Better known by the public as test tracks, the proving grounds became a source of curiosity for decades about the secrets they might hold. Detroit Area Test Tracks goes behind the test track walls to show how the facilities evolved and what typically takes place inside.