Nardò: 50 Years of Innovation
Nardò celebrates 50 years of innovation and speed in the heart of Salento, a cutting-edge center for automotive development.
What is the history of the Nardò Technical Center?
The Nardò Technical Center, located in the heart of Salento, is an automotive facility that has celebrated 50 years. Founded in 1975, it is now owned by Porsche Engineering and serves as a benchmark for the development and testing of sports, electric, and autonomous vehicles. Its circular track, 12.6 km long, is unique in Europe and allows for high-speed testing under controlled conditions.
What are the features of the track?
The Nardò track is designed to simulate real speeds, thanks to its perfectly round shape. This allows manufacturers to test their vehicles in a safe and controlled environment. Over the years, the track has hosted secret prototypes from prestigious brands like Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini, making it a place of great interest for car enthusiasts.
How has the center changed in recent years?
Since 2012, when Porsche acquired the center, significant investments have been made to modernize the facilities. Today, the Nardò Technical Center boasts over 20 different tracks, testing laboratories, and simulators, all dedicated to ensuring advanced testing for electric mobility and autonomous driving.
What types of tests are conducted at the center?
In addition to the circular track, the complex offers tracks for testing on slippery surfaces, tight curves, and simulated urban sections. These facilities allow for the study of the future of mobility, from electric engines to driverless cars, making the center a cutting-edge laboratory for automotive innovation.
Who frequents the Nardò Technical Center?
Every year, hundreds of engineers, technicians, and drivers visit the center to conduct tests. Many of these accesses are reserved, and testing occurs in total secrecy, adding to the allure of the place for visitors and car enthusiasts.
Which brands use the Nardò track?
Not only Porsche but also other brands like Toyota, Audi, Bugatti, and Hyundai utilize the track for their testing. This makes the Nardò Technical Center a crossroads of innovation, where visions of the future take shape on asphalt and speed.
How did Porsche celebrate the 50th anniversary?
Recently, Porsche held a special event to celebrate the center's 50 years, involving institutions, journalists, and industry representatives. During the event, the company highlighted the strategic importance of Nardò for research and development of tomorrow's technologies.
What is the vision of the center's manager?
Antonio Gratis, the center's manager, described Nardò as a place where technology and vision meet to advance mobility. This statement perfectly summarizes the value and vocation of the site.
What are the future challenges for the center?
Despite its success, the Nardò Technical Center faces challenges. A planned investment of 450 million euros for an expansion has been stalled by bureaucratic processes and local resistance. The area is environmentally sensitive, and any intervention must comply with very strict regulations.
What is the center's impact on the territory?
For tourists visiting Salento, discovering that one of the world's most advanced automotive facilities is located in the countryside of Nardò is a fascinating surprise. Although access is not open to the public, the economic and technological impact of the center is felt throughout the territory.
How does the center influence young people in Salento?
Porsche's presence has brought skills and qualified jobs to the region, creating new opportunities for young Salentines. Many of them now work at the facility in highly specialized technical and engineering roles.
What to expect when visiting Salento?
Visiting Salento means discovering not only landscapes and traditions but also coming into contact with a center that works every day on the future of the car. For 50 years, Nardò has been on the world map of engineering and speed.
