Magna, Multimatic Partner with U-Ontario on Expanded Wind Tunnel

Two Canadian suppliers are partnering with the University of Ontario and Canadian government offices to turn the university's wind tunnel into the world's most advanced facility of its kind.

Magna International and Multimatic Motorsports are contributing funds and technology to the $4 million expansion at the U-Ontario’s Institute of Technology. When the facility becomes operational in two years, it will become the world’s most comprehensive aerodynamic and thermal test center, according to UOIT.

The upgrade will include a “moving ground plane” that acts as a road moving beneath a vehicle. The system simulates the aerodynamic forces against moving vehicles and measures physical characteristics in real-world conditions.

The research and testing facility currently has chambers and other equipment and technology for climatic, structural durability and life-cycle testing. The wind tunnel can create wind speeds up to 186 mph with temperatures that range from -40°F to 140°F. Solar arrays and storm generators can create a wide range of weather conditions.​​​​​