The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu  Experiences Hurricanes and Blizzards in Climatic Wind Tunnel

Before the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Turbo makes it's way to Jeff Gordon Chevrolet in Wilmington North Carolina, engineers subject it to extreme conditions in a climatic wind tunnel that can simulate hurricanes, blizzards, and 140-degree heat.


The facility allows engineers to test vehicles like the new Malibu Turbo in extreme climates year round without ever leaving Warren, Michigan.

By replicating various conditions, the climatic wind tunnel has influenced the design of Malibu Turbo details like its cooling system and how well the AC will work in places with high heat and humidity, like the Gulf Coast.

Temperatures inside the climatic wind tunnel can range from -40 degrees up to 140 degrees, and the facility can simulate dry or humid ambient air or produce rain and snow. An in floor dynamometer allows testing at speeds up to 155 mph or while under a load such as towing or climbing a mountain pass.

The Malibu Turbo’s engine intake system was tested in blizzard-like conditions to ensure water and snow was not ingested while allowing plenty of air in for the turbocharged engine. Likewise, the Chevrolet’s engine and transmission cooling systems were tested in extreme heat situations to make sure they could handle different driving conditions.

According to GM, the climatic wind tunnel saves the company the time and money necessary to ship cars and people to remote locations, and lets the engineers gain complete control over the environmental conditions. After tests with the climatic wind tunnel are complete, engineers take the vehicles to actual harsh environments to verify their results.

Come drive the All New Chevy Malibu at Jeff Gordon Chevrolet in Wilmington, North Carolina or shop on line 24 hours a day at JeffGordonChevy.com