HORSE expands cutting-edge powertrain testing services in Brazil

HORSE, a division of HORSE Powertrain Limited and a leader in innovative and low emissions powertrain systems, has announced that its cutting-edge engine and emissions services at its Curitiba plant in Brazil is now capable to support third-party automotive manufacturers. This facility will provide previously exclusive testing services to South American automotive brands.

As one of the first of its kind in South America, the Curitiba testing facility features state-of-the-art equipment, laboratories, and workshops to meet the exacting automotive demands of the region. It provides specialised services including base calibration, durability testing, emissions testing for engines, and management of the Conformity of Production (COP) process.

Wesley Palma, Plant Director at HORSE Curitiba, said: “It is hugely exciting to be opening the doors to our state-of-the-art testing facility in Curitiba. Featuring the latest engine dynamometers, emissions laboratories, homologation facilities and a team of dedicated engineers and technicians, this leading site provides a valuable resource for our clients across the region. Curitiba’s capability creates unrivalled opportunities to deliver tailored and efficient solutions for the specific demands of our customers in South American markets.”

Cutting edge facilities

The Curitiba test facility features a number of cutting-edge technologies that allow HORSE to develop and homologate powertrains locally for critical South American markets.

There are three engine test benches that use the latest equipment from established specialists each used for base engine calibration. Running in two-shift operations, the trio of benches have a combined capacity to run at 6,500 hours a year.

Despite HORSE’s Curitiba plant being situated at an altitude of 920 metres, the engine testing area features an advanced pressurized chamber that allows technicians to simulate conditions at various heights, down to and including sea level.

HORSE also has access to extensive test tracks and driving routes, allowing it to conduct powertrain evaluation under the widest variety of driving conditions and environments.

Emissions testing

Alongside this is a chassis dynamometer bench that is used for emission calibration development and final emissions homologation. Running on a four-shift cycle, this system has the capability to carry out testing for 4,500 hours a year.

The chassis dynamometer facility also features a chemical laboratory that can measure and analyse aldehyde emissions that are a by-product of the ethanol fuel commonly used across the region. Crucially, the facility also meets the exacting ISO 17025 standards for testing and calibration laboratories.

HORSE’s facility houses a vehicle evaporative test chamber for the complete detection and elimination of fuel vapour from development powertrains. Able to accommodate an entire vehicle, it allows engineers to evaluate the complete fuel system in operation.

CO2 testing can also be carried out, both under laboratory conditions and during on-road driving situations.Using a Portable Emissions Measurement System -PEMS- that is attached to the vehicle and exhaust emission data in a real-world driving senario.

Combined with the extensive bench testing, it allows engineers to ensure powertrains can be tested and homologated under the latest Real Driving Emissions (RDE) standards.

João Dias, Head of R&D Center at HORSE Brazil, said: “The Brazilian market has one of most rigorous criteria for testing emissions and fuel consumption in the world, including evaporative tests. We’re proud to now offer the market testing solutions that meet these standards, guaranteeing high quality and sustainable mobility.”

HORSE: a leader in Innovative Power Solutions

HORSE was created to provide highly efficient, low-emission engines, transmissions and technologies to meet the varying power generation needs around the world. HORSE is a truly global company, with eight production plants across seven countries, three R&D centres and a head office based in Madrid, Spain. The company produces 3.2 million units per year for its customers around the world.