Pursuing Severe Cold Scenarios in Intense Freezing Trials
In the heart of Hokkaido, Japan, lies the Shibetsu Proving Ground, a critical testing site for Toyota vehicles. This facility, home to a dedicated team of test drivers, strives to make ever-better cars in extreme winter conditions.
Mitsuyoshi Shiozaki, a local of Shibetsu and tester for the RAV4, tackles steep, snowy inclines at the proving ground. His counterpart, Takaaki Suzuki of the Shibetsu Vehicle Testing Section, oversees the "Deep Snow Plow" test for the Land Cruiser.
The "Deep Snow Plow" test involves ramming a 2.5-tonne Land Cruiser 300 into 50-60 cm walls of snow to ensure the car can handle such conditions without damage to the bumper or radiator. The testing season starts in December, but they're lucky if they get 20 good days for water tests due to the limited chances.
SX Hiroshi Shiratori, who conducts these tests alongside Otomo, explains that when fresh snow gets mixed in, the ice becomes brittle, making the assessment overly lenient. To ensure the ice isn't melted by sunlight, they wait until sunset to start testing.
Shiratori also mentions that the Shibetsu Proving Ground tests cars on a 20% incline covered in slick snow, which is almost vertical from the driver's seat. The Shibetsu Vehicle Testing Section's Takumi Otomo replicates "worst-case" icing conditions by circling a set test course for approximately four hours in a sub-zero environment.
At the Shibetsu Proving Ground, vehicles undergo rigorous trials to ensure reliability in harsh winter conditions, including temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius (-22°F). The facility tests critical vehicle functions like cold starts, traction, stability, and durability under snow and ice to ensure Toyota vehicles perform reliably and safely in severe winter climates.
During water tests, they control the conditions to make sure they get the worst possible conditions. The Shibetsu Proving Ground also replicates the harshest ice-buildup conditions to ensure car doors do not stick when snow gets lodged in the gaps.
Visiting the Shibetsu Proving Ground for the first time, Toyota Times discovered one surprise after another. The testing follows strict rules, which means that water tests are suspended if it snows. Toyota's test drivers at Shibetsu include Hisashi Yabuki and Akihiro Osaka, who are profiled in the Advanced Technical Skills Institute Division.
The Shibetsu Proving Ground is essential for testing cars' capabilities to handle snow-covered terrain, such as side streets off major roads that can be buried under knee-deep snow. It's a testament to Toyota's commitment to safety and reliability, ensuring their vehicles can withstand the harshest winter conditions.
- The Shibetsu Proving Ground's rigorous testing ensures the reliability and safety of Toyota vehicles, not just in extreme winter conditions, but also on everyday roads covered in snow, like side streets off major roads.
- The Shibetsu Vehicle Testing Section, responsible for tests like the "Deep Snow Plow," keeps a close eye on finance and automotive concerns, making sure the cars can handle snow and ice without damage to the bumper or radiator, impacting both the lifestyle of drivers and the industry's reputation.
- Car-maintenance is a crucial part of the testing process at the Shibetsu Proving Ground, as they replicate the harshest ice-buildup conditions to ensure car doors do not stick when snow gets lodged in the gaps, improving overall function and user experience.
