Prodrive invests £5 million to accelerate development of alternative-fuel powertrains and IC engines

A new advanced Powertrain Development Centre (PDC) to develop alternative-fuel powertrains and internal combustion engines has been opened by Prodrive.

Located at the Banbury headquarters of the world leading motorsport and advanced technology business, the purpose-built facility represents a £5 million investment and was constructed over a period of six months.

Its installation reinforces Prodrive’s ability to develop the next generation of electric, hybrid and internal combustion engines for road and competition applications, while also strengthening the expertise and services that it offers existing motorsport and technology clients.

Core to the new Powertrain Development Centre is a 660 kW transient dyno, one of the most powerful of its kind in the UK, which with temperature, humidity and pressure-controlled induction air can replicate all running conditions, while also providing cooling for engines and electric vehicle (EV) batteries and motors. The ability to simulate exact running conditions means the dyno is particularly suited to durability and performance testing, as well as emission simulation and development.

Able to handle engine outputs of up to 880hp, the dyno is located on an easily-adjustable, modular grid system. This ensures that Prodrive can efficiently tailor it to the layout of any powertrain including the ability to test a full four-wheel-drive electric/hybrid drivetrain.

Complementing the transient dyno cell is a dedicated engine build room, fitted out by Dura, which can accommodate the assembly of up to 12 units. This capability, coupled with the PDC being adjacent to the main workshop, enhances Prodrive’s ability to build complete vehicles and cater for niche OEM projects requiring circa 200-300 units in short timeframes.

Should demand dictate, there is scope to double the size of the PDC. Prodrive has future-proofed the facility with the potential to add another identical dyno and engine build room, all without extending the existing building.

The creation of the PDC has been supported by OxLEP (Oxford Local Enterprise Partnership) via the government’s Local Growth Fund. The official backing recognises the relationship that Prodrive has established with the local community, being one of the region’s largest and most high-profile employers. The launch of the PDC is expected to support 25 jobs in the area.

Arthur Shaw, chief powertrain engineer at Prodrive, said:

The PDC marks a massive step forward in terms of our engine development capability and complements our existing skills in the design and development of all types of powertrain. The high specification of our new dyno means we are in the best position to calibrate units, allowing

our customers to enjoy potential savings in terms of cost and time in comparison to physical testing on the road or track. Additionally, with the new facility bringing the differing stages of our powertrain development all under one roof – spanning the build of the engine right through to its installation in a chassis – there are further efficiency benefits that can be passed on to customers.

It’s one of the biggest investments that Prodrive has ever made, but with our motorsport operations continuing to grow at a pace and increasing enquiries for the development of complex electric vehicle and hybrid technology, now is the optimum time for us to introduce our Powertrain Development Centre – he continued. The significant expenditure underlines how committed we are to developing future powertrains and enhancing our service, enabling us to offer clients one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the UK.

Source: Prodrive

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