Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has officially inaugurated the Eric Platford Testway at its global headquarters and manufacturing plant in Goodwood. The facility, a major addition to the Chichester-based site, was opened on 16 September 2026 by the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Gary Shipton, DL.
The new facility is designed to enhance the marque’s testing capabilities as it continues its transition toward a fully electric future. A centrepiece of the development is a high-tech aeroacoustic laboratory, which uses high-pressure air jets on a movable gantry to simulate wind noise at speeds exceeding the UK’s 70mph national limit. This allows engineers to refine cabin acoustics in a controlled environment without vehicles needing to leave the secure site.
Advanced Testing Tracks
The Testway consists of four parallel lanes, each 90 metres in length. These lanes feature eight distinct road surfaces designed to put the chassis and suspension of new models through rigorous “noise, vibration, and harshness” (NVH) assessments. The surfaces include cobblestones, simulated railway tracks, a concrete “washboard” section, and twisted ramps.
The development is a key component of a wider £300 million investment to expand the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood.
Historical Namesake
The facility is named in honour of Eric Platford (1883–1938), a pivotal figure in the early history of the company. Platford joined Henry Royce in 1903 and became the firm’s first Chief Test Driver. He was renowned for his technical expertise and played a critical role in some of the marque’s most significant early achievements.
Notably, Platford oversaw the engine installation and preparation for the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919, where Alcock and Brown flew a Vickers Vimy powered by Rolls-Royce Eagle engines. His legacy of precision and “experimental” testing remains a cornerstone of the company’s engineering philosophy at its Chichester headquarters.
The opening of the Eric Platford Testway marks a significant milestone in the manufacturer’s long-term commitment to its West Sussex operations.
