This U.P. Facility Uses Strange Cars For a Crucial Purpose

We've got plenty of snow here in Michigan! We might as well put it to good use.

Each winter Michigan's automakers head "Up North" to test new model vehicles before they hit the public market. Have you ever seen one of these secret vehicles actually on the road though? I have!

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You'll know you're next to a new test model vehicle by its manufacturer license plate and the distinct camouflage wrap which is meant to conceal the body lines of the new vehicle.

Each year these camouflaged vehicles fill the streets of downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan because:

It's Winter Test Time!

Located 30 minutes outside of Sault Ste. Marie in Brimley, Michigan you'll find the Smithers Winter Test Center which is,

a world-class facility ideal for winter testing and conducting performance evaluations on vehicles, tires and components under the special challenges of extreme cold and hazardous road conditions.

Over 800 acres are filled with courses of varying inclines and surface types (snow, ice, wet, dry) exist to test the true extent of the vehicles rugged abilities. What better place to do that than Michigan's Upper Peninsula?

Consequently, Smithers also manages an 898-acre tire proving grounds outside of San Antonio, Texas to test vehicles in a hotter and drier climate. Adds Smithers,

Engineering concepts and theories will always remain just that until tested in real world conditions...Smithers winter test track facility can fulfill an almost unlimited array of cold weather testing needs.