Automotive Engineering Trip Section

Cadets and faculty associated with the ME492 Powertrains and Vehicle Dynamics course conducted a trip section to the Consumer Reports Vehicle Test Center (CRVTC) in Colchester, CT. The visit was hosted by Jennifer Stockton, Director of the CRVTC. Consumer Reports is “an expert, independent, nonprofit [501c3] organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves.” The CRVTC evaluates approximately 80 vehicles a year. Each evaluation is comprised of over 50 individual tests and assessments on automotive engineering metrics ranging from acceleration and braking to lighting and cargo space. After visiting test areas and hearing briefs by subject matter experts on accident avoidance technologies, tires, and performance data acquisition, the visit culminated with a demonstration of dynamic, demanding vehicle testing on the race track inspired circuit course.