UTAC has expanded its winter testing facility in Finnish Lapland with the launch of three new test tracks. Situated 1100  kilometres north of Helsinki and 300 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle, the Ivalo site is the northernmost winter proving  ground in the world, offering manufacturers a unique environment to push vehicle performance to the limit in extreme cold conditions.

Three new tracks at UTAC Ivalo, Finland
The latest additions to the Mellatracks proving ground include a 600 m x 40 m Snow Flat, designed for precise assessments  of tyre performance and brake and traction systems; a 200m diameter snow and ice circle for refining handling, steering, and  transmission performance; and a 1 750 m long snow handling track, which enables engineers to conduct detailed, subjective  evaluations of tyre performance and vehicle dynamics.

Janne Seurujärvi, Vice President – Finland at UTAC said. “At UTAC Ivalo, we combine challenging Arctic conditions with  controlled indoor environments, ensuring manufacturers can innovate and test year-round with unparalleled precision.”

Unlike traditional winter testing facilities limited to seasonal operation, UTAC Ivalo is equipped to offer sub-zero testing conditions throughout the year. With 100 kilometres of outdoor tracks and an additional 1.2 kilometres of indoor tracks, the  facilities enable vehicle and system evaluations in highly controlled environments, regardless of external weather conditions.

The Ivalo proving grounds are also designed with customer convenience in mind. Located just a 10-minute drive from Ivalo  Airport, they offer seamless access for manufacturers and engineers bringing vehicles and equipment to the site.