In the standardised WLTP cycle that means a reduction in CO 2 emissions of almost 3g per kilometre,” explains Hubáček. “Even though the new FABIA is bigger than its predecessor and its front area has increased by about 3 %, we managed to reduce its drag by almost 10 %.
Every airbag in the car is tested roughly the same number of times, which results in a huge number of tests that are done at temperatures ranging from -35 ☌ to 90 ☌,” Sirgely explains.Įxcellent aerodynamics help cut fuel consumption and thus also CO 2 emissions. “During static tests we activate the passenger’s airbag around 300 times, for example. Various parts are also tested: special skids test the durability and strength of restraint systems the optimal working of airbags is tested for all the different types of crash test dummy and various types of collision are tested. Thanks to our modernised Crash Lab at Úhelnice we can put several dozen cars through tough crash tests at every phase of development. “Development and physical testing takes place from the prototype to the first series. There are around a thousand simulations for each crash test. In classic crash tests this ratio is even bigger and continues to increase, he says. But for every test of that kind there are around 140 virtual simulations that help us get the parts right before the test proper,” Sirgely explains. “When developing the FABIA we shot impactors at the car and its parts over 200 times. The goal is to ensure the car is pliant in a collision with a person. Right from the start, computer simulations are used to design the surface parts of the body, like the bumper cover and bonnet, for example, which are then tested using dummies or “impactors”.
#Virtual crash 3 in crash test series
The “towing dyno” is just one of the tools used by ŠKODA to make new car testing more effective.įor this reason, the car and its various parts are subjected to a series of impact and crash tests. But at the same time, the car’s body must ensure that any collision with pedestrians results in the least possible harm to them,” he says, pointing out how complex and often seemingly contradictory the requirements are. “We are developing a car whose load-bearing part is supposed to be as strong and stiff as possible so that it protects the car occupants in tandem with the perfectly calibrated restraint systems. According to Sirgely, even the basic development of the safety structure of a car and its entire body is a challenge.