Vehicle Proving Ground

MIRA’s proving ground is one the largest, most comprehensively specified and truly independent automotive proving grounds in the world. Located in the Midlands, at the heart of the UK Automotive cluster, MIRA offers every kind of global driving challenge from one location in complete safety and security.

Only from the air can you appreciate the sheer scale of MIRA’s 750 acre proving ground. To drive around every leg of each of the 24 circuits you travel over 95km, which is why MIRA is widely regarded as the benchmark vehicle development facility worldwide. Each part of the proving ground has its own role to play. These can be broken down into nine broad areas.

1. Performance Circuits – allow sustained high-speed, autobahn simulation and rapid mileage accumulation
2. Dry Handling Areas – consistent high friction levels provide excellent traction and high lateral adhesion necessary for vehicle dynamics and driver development
3. Wet Handling Circuits – extensive low friction circuits for tyre, braking/ABS, stability control and driver development
4. Ride & Handling Surfaces – crucial for refinement & interior comfort development
5. Durability Surfaces – produce accelerated durability cycles, carefully correlated with in-territory road-load data and manufacturer derived schedules
6. Special Features – test for overall robustness, customer abuse and niche market scenarios
7. ISO Noise Test – supports exterior noise certification and vehicle homologation
8. Cross-country and Off-Road circuits – provide loose surfaces and high mobility challenges specifically for, 4x4 and military vehicles
9. Intelligent Transport Systems / Telematics - In collaboration with innovITS and TRL, MIRA has developed a city circuit called ADVANCE. An extensive network of roads, traffic islands and controlled intersections replicates most European/US urban environments, enabling the telecommunications, automotive and electronics industries, as well as highways authorities to trial ITS solutions in a safe highly controlled environment

This world class combination of industry-standard and unique tracks is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Next to the proving ground is MIRA’s expanding technology park, which provides a wide range of modern workshop and office facilities for lease and hire.  These give MIRA's customers immediate access to the circuits for the efficient execution of their test programmes.