Hot environment testing (HET) and hot-altitude testing (HAT) are a core part of LRW’s testing services. Ensuring new vehicles perform in all environmental conditions – including extreme heat and altitude is a critical part of creating all prototypes. Testing usually occurs outside of the UK, in Europe, to fully test performance in different ambient pressures.

Why environmental testing?

• To ensure any new powertrain or variant is fully tested in hot, high and cold environments
• To understand the normal parameters as a standard part of the calibration testing process
• Testing in the field can be more effective than that using a climatic chamber as a broader range of road conditions, temperatures and pressures can be tested - which are not easily simulated
• Locations such as Granada are ideal as it is possible to efficiently test at sea level and altitude in one location

How we tested

The trip objectives were for the vehicles to be taken through the LRW standard test and validation plan to ensure that the diagnostics are stable in the following environments:

• At 35 degrees and above
• At ambient conditions
• At high altitude

By changing one variable at a time, the team can identify how the engine performs in different temperatures and at high altitudes, where there will be less oxygen, lower ambient pressure and air density.

The trip test team

The testing team was made up of two senior engineers - Steven Higginson, Director, and Kristof Pawluc plus the ‘two Michaels - calibration engineers Michael Leech and Michael Horsnell:

‘Kris and I are hardened test trip guys, but it is still pretty epic to be driving luxury cars through such awesome scenery. It was the first LRW field trip for the Michaels, so it was brilliant to be able to introduce them to our field testing best practice - we were also delighted to discover that Michael H spoke fluent Spanish!’

So, any learnings for the LRW field-test newbies? The team were delighted with the trip and ‘the Michaels’ relished the field excursion but there was one learning, as Steven explains:

‘Whilst it’s around 35 degrees at the base of the mountains, it is very cold at the top. I looked ‘round when we reached the summit to see a slightly blue Michael Leech in t-shirt and shorts. I think the guys will now always remember to take a jumper!’

Trip outcome

The diagnostics performed as expected and were stable in all conditions. Calibration updates were delivered to the OEM client to ensure robust diagnostics in hot and high conditions.

Next up?

Cold testing season in January when the team typically head to Austria or Sweden, so the team will definitely need a jumper for that one!

Need support with environmental testing?

Get in touch with the team at [email protected].