Honda Will Build $124 Million Wind Tunnel in Ohio

Honda Motor Co. plans to break ground in late summer for a $124 million wind tunnel at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) in East Liberty, Ohio.

The multifunctional aeroacoustic facility will be able to test scale models, fullsize vehicles and race cars for aerodynamics and wind noise at wind speeds as great as 192 mph. The installation will feature an interchangeable belt system with five belts for production vehicles and a single wide belt for high-performance vehicles.

Honda acquired the 4,500-acre TRC from the state of Ohio in 1988. It operates as an independent research and test facility with strong ties to Ohio State University’s College of Engineering. The new wind tunnel will have space for four confidential bays for non-Honda users, the company says.