Internal combustion engine testing and development

Full-service ICE testing and development for a range of industries and sectors, from passenger vehicle to marine transportation.

Book a consultation with our ICE testing experts

We have broad cross-sector capability in ICE testing supported by our highly-experienced technical experts. All our test solutions are created to be bespoke to each of our customer’s programme needs and delivered to their time scales with a deeper understanding of the engineering objectives behind them.

Book a consultation

We provide a comprehensive engine testing capability including:

  • Test development facilities for products ranging from 5cc model aero engines to multi megawatt power generation units
  • Regenerative AC motoring facilities for highly transient response and vehicle simulation
  • Engine durability, demonstrating and improving reliability and reducing warranty risk – 24/7 availability typically provides 130 to 140 hours testing per week dependent on the robustness of the engine build level and service requirements
  • Base engine testing - understanding the mechanical performance to improve efficiency and develop and evaluate new solutions
  • Performance and emissions testing - enhancing performance and improving fuel economy while achieving the desired emissions compliance
  • Extensive and detailed instrumentation capability with climatic cells and chiller units for thermal shocking, tilting cells for oil circuit development and programmable systems for automated testing
  • Specialist precision micro instrumentation for in-depth studies in inaccessible locations
  • Automated test systems using advanced optimization techniques such as design of experiments, automated mapping and vehicle calibration on test bed for improved data quality and reduced development times
  • Advanced techniques for benchmarking of production engines with closed ECUs
  • Failure mode analysis
  • Validating and homologating new products
  • Developing the NVH signature and brand image
  • Benchmarking studies of competitor products

Ricardo is historically an ICE engines company and testing of internal combustion engines is a core capability. We use customisable test rigs for power unit and driveline system testing covering small to large propulsion systems at our state-of-the-art testing and development facilities.

Our ICE testing services are offered across all market sectors. We have supported an impressive range of OEM and Tier 1 clients. We work with customers with a wide variety of vehicle and energy platforms.

We support in the development of passenger vehicle and personal transportation, to large engine applications for marine and off-highway, to high-performance and motorsport applications.

Ice Large Engine Testing

ICE testing to support almost any platform

Expert test capability and experienced team

With our roots firmly embedded in ICE, we have the capability and experience in ICE testing which means our customers do not need to invest and develop their own capability in turn providing quicker test setup, with higher quality and faster delivery.

Test capability for small to large engines

We have the capability to test the complete product range of engines providing a one-stop shop, which means our customers do not need to work with multiple suppliers.

Supporting the full product development cycle

We provide an end to end service and support all aspects of the development process, from initial R&D testing to homologation of product. This deep understanding of internal combustion technology across the full product life cycle enables us to deliver high quality, holistic solutions to our customers.

Advanced test capability

Our integrated capabilities enable us to test future powertrain systems. This enables us to test new fuels, hybrid systems and novel engines.

Remote access tools

We were one of the first to offer virtual certification for testing. We continue to offer this service alongside virtual testing and virtual witnessing agent. This means that our customers don’t need to travel to the testing site and be present for all testing, saving time and cost and in turn reducing CO2 travel emissions.

Internal combustion engine testing and development

Markets

This service is offered within the following sectors.

Learn more about ICE testing

Ice Large Engine Testing

Marine engine remote certification testing

Read case study
ACCELERATING EV ADOPTION0

Panel: Accelerating EV adoption

Read insight
Shoreham Technical Centre From Above Thumbnail

Ricardo celebrates opening of state-of-the-art hydrogen test facility in Shoreham

Read press release

Internal combustion engine testing and development Resources

Organisations with flexible strategies will capitalise on powertrain opportunities

Read blog

Is there a future for fuels on the road to 2035?

Read blog

Ricardo delivers first virtual remote certification testing for a marine engine

Read article

Meet the experts

Tim Bassett

Tim Bassett

Head of Test

Read my story

Book an appointment