Photo credit: Porsche
Nardò Technical Center marks its 50th anniversary today, celebrating five decades of pioneering vehicle testing and development. Located in southern Italy, the 700-hectare proving ground opened on July 1, 1975, under Fiat ownership and quickly gained acclaim for its 12.6-kilometer circular high-speed ring. Now operated by Porsche Engineering, Nardò offers year-round services spanning high-speed endurance, complex handling, ADAS validation and autonomous driving testing across 20 tracks and facilities, including a 6.2-kilometer handling course and advanced simulation technologies.
“We are honored to celebrate this special anniversary and feel a deep sense of responsibility for what NTC represents,” said Antonio Gratis, managing director of Nardò Technical Center. “This is not just a test center—it’s a place where technology and purpose come together to move mobility forward and where the next chapters of innovation are already being written.”
Photo credit: Porsche
Acquired by the Porsche Group in 2012, the center underwent major investments in infrastructure, modernization and digitalization, integrating real and virtual workflows into Porsche Engineering’s global network. In 2021, Nardò launched a lithium-ion battery testing facility with robust charging infrastructure, strengthening its role in electric vehicle validation. Two years later, it established a software unit in nearby Lecce to enhance capabilities in simulation and digital innovation.
Beyond its technical achievements, Nardò contributes approximately €20 million annually to the Salento economy. Through partnerships with local universities and technical schools and a dual education system, the center cultivates high-level talent and future-ready skills in southern Italy.
