Mercedes Opens World's Most Advanced Wind Tunnel in Germany

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has opened a €230 million aeroacoustic wind tunnel at its tech center in Sindelfingen, Germany capable of generating wind at speeds up to 265km/h.

Its engineering and construction lasted five years, and Mercedes claims that it is the most advanced wind tunnel in the world. It was created to have as low background noise levels as possible and can simulate multiple roadway types.

The air is sucked into the system, volumetrically measured, and then directed to the blower to be accelerated. The system is sound insulated so that Mercedes can measure the wind noise inside and outside of the car. The cars rest on a 12m turn table so that they can be turned to be tested at any angle.

"The inauguration of the new aeroacoustic wind tunnel demonstrates once again that the heart of the automotive industry beats in Sindelfingen," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Daimler chairman.