Take a look at Audi's new Vehicle Safety Center

Audi, the brand of the four rings known for its commitment to automotive safety, has made another move with the opening of its new and advanced Vehicle Safety Center (VSC) in the impressive incampus technology park in Ingolstadt, Germany. This facility features cutting-edge technology and represents an investment of approximately €100 million.

Oliver Hoffmann, Head of Technical Development at Audi, highlighted that “Safety is a top priority for Audi, and this center is clear proof of that commitment.” This innovative VSC is designed not only to meet current requirements but also to flexibly adapt to future demands, thus demonstrating Audi’s vision of leading the industry in terms of safety.

State-of-the-Art Facilities for Passive Safety

Audi’s new Vehicle Safety Center stands as a technological gem in the city of Ingolstadt. With an investment of €100 million and three years of construction, the facility covers an area of 130 by 110 metres and a height of 20 metres. These enormous dimensions allow for a greater variety of crash tests compared with previous facilities.

It also features an integrated crash track that offers a clear area of columns spaced 50 by 50 metres, and the opposing running tracks have a total length of 250 metres, enabling tests at speeds exceeding the usual requirements we are accustomed to seeing. In addition, the ability to collide two vehicles at a 90-degree angle provides a broader and more realistic perspective of possible road collision scenarios.

A standout and novel feature is a 100-tonne moving block on the crash track, which can move and rotate, allowing a highly efficient process for a variety of impact tests. This is complemented by the possibility of carrying out collisions at a right angle between two vehicles, providing a complete view of safety in every direction.

Cutting-edge technology for a safer future

Audi’s VSC is equipped with the latest available technology. It features state-of-the-art high-speed cameras and low-consumption LED lighting systems that make the testing team’s work easier. In addition, a dummy laboratory, component test benches, workshops and offices complete the setup, ensuring that every detail is meticulously evaluated.

The facility is also home to more than 60 dummies for crash tests of various types, from 18-month-old babies to adults weighing 102 kg. These THOR dummies are equipped with up to 150 sensors to obtain precise data during testing.

Digitalisation and machine learning also play a crucial role in Audi’s safety research. Every month, Audi specialists run tens of thousands of crash simulations before building the first prototype. This has led to the development of increasingly intelligent algorithms and the use of machine learning to improve the safety of Audi vehicles.

A history of commitment to Passive Safety

Audi’s commitment to passive safety has deep roots reaching back more than 80 years. From the first rollover tests of the DKW F7 to the opening of the first crash test hall in Ingolstadt in 1970, Audi has been a pioneer in protecting vehicle occupants and road users.

The introduction of the procon-ten safety restraint system in 1986 and the evolution of airbags stand out as examples of Audi’s continuous innovation in automotive safety. Over the last 25 years, the brand has focused its efforts on digitalisation and machine learning, leading to the creation of safer and more reliable vehicles.

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