Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) recently spent $2.5 million to upgrade the climatic test cell at its Chrysler Technology Center (CTC) in Auburn Hills, MI, with a new "4x4" dynomometer. The "front dyno" able to handle loads of up to 350 hp while the "rear dyno" can manage up to 650 hp. The cell also received a "significant upgrade" in ductwork and exhaust capabilities to handle high-output engines such as the 2016 Ram 2500’s 6.7-liter Cummins diesel. FCA added that the "drive cell" housing its new 4x4 dyno can be chilled to 40 below zero and generate wind speeds up to 100 mph; creating blizzard-like conditions in order to evaluate how a vehicle performs when dense snow clogs its air intakes. All photos courtesy of FCA.
