Internal combustion engine development and testing
Full-service ICE testing and development for a range of industries and sectors, from passenger vehicle to marine transportation.
Internationally renowned engine expertise
Engine efficiency was the expertise upon which the Ricardo group was founded, underpinning a track record in engine research, design, development and manufacturing dating back over 100 years.
Today, we remain pioneers in engine technology, offering full-service internal combustion engine (ICE) development and testing support for a wide range of industries and sectors, from passenger vehicle to marine transportation.
Our expert teams guide clients throughout the entire product lifecycle, helping them to incorporate the latest technological innovations in fuel economy and emission reductions, for example, whilst ensuring compliance with global standards and national legislative regimes.
Engine design and development expertise
Our teams can engineer any aspect of an engine from concept to production. A recent client project client involved the design a new family of engines predicted to deliver 10% more power and 5% better fuel economy than benchmarked competition.
Our team can help you analyse and select the right fuel for your unique application, and support your entire journey to market through strategic or technical planning and execution.
Modern hybrid powertrains are looking to hone every bit of efficiency available. Our team has the proven experience to engineer the most optimised engine for your application across any aspect of the hybridisation spectrum.
Within our engineering teams we are ready to assist you with selecting the right combination of powertrain, engine and after-treatment technology selection allied to a smart approach for re-calibration to get your product to market faster than the competition.
Furthermore, with colleagues across the Ricardo group who specialise in environmental policy, strategy and implementation, we are uniquely positioned to support readiness for a new emissions legislation challenge. Lean more about our EMLEG, our database of global exhaust emissions regulations and CO 2 emissions/fuel economy standards database: EMLEG database
Why choose Ricardo?
Latest technology
We apply the very latest technological advances towards cost-effective fuel economy improvements and emission reductions.
Proven track record
Ricardo has a long history of building innovative engine solutions dating back over 100 years.
Trusted by our clients
We support original equipment manufacturers and tier 1 suppliers throughout the entire product life cycle.
Global perspectives
From our technical centres located across the world, we bring direct experience of new techniques and emerging innovations.
Internal combustion engine testing
We have broad cross-sector capability in ICE testing supported by our highly-experienced technical experts.
All of our test solutions are created to be bespoke to each of our customer’s programme needs and delivered to their time scales with a deep understanding of the engineering objectives behind them.
Our full suite of Single Cylinder Research Engines are also available to support novel designs and new innovations through the development process, with a particular specialism in tests involving alternative or sustainable fuels.
Our testing capabilities
- Test 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.
- Base engine testing - understanding the mechanical performance to improve efficiency and develop new solutions.
- Performance and testing - improving fuel economy while achieving the emissions compliance.
- 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.
- Virtual testing and remote access supported.
ICE testing to support any platform
Experienced support
With such deep experience in ICE testing, we offer clients quicker test setup, expert support and monitoring, and faster results.
One-Stop-Shop
A central team will support you through all aspects of the test process, from scoping to analysis of results.
Remote access tools
Meaning our clients do not need to be present for all on-site testing, saving time and costs.
Small to large engines
With facilities to test engines of all size and purpose, our clients do not need to work with multiple suppliers.
Internal combustion engine development and testing Resources
