Applus+ IDIADA launches winter tire testing and modeling service with UTAC Ivalo
Applus+ IDIADA is combining physical winter tire testing with Magic Formula and FTire digital twin models to help engineers validate vehicle control systems in snow and ice.
- 15 kN
- 0.1% full scale
- 4,800 Hz
What Happened
Applus+ IDIADA has launched a winter tire testing and characterization service that pairs physical testing with modeling. The service combines on-site low-mu testing with Magic Formula tire model parameterization and FTire digital twins from a single test campaign. This approach supports electronic chassis control system validation, tire benchmarking, and vehicle dynamics development while reducing physical testing costs. Part of the work is delivered with UTAC Ivalo Proving Ground in Finland, inside the Arctic Circle.
15 kN
0.1% full-scale accuracy; 4,800 Hz sampling rate
Applus+ IDIADA provides Magic Formula (MF) models calibrated specifically for winter conditions, with validated parameter sets across multiple speed ranges and friction levels. These models deliver detailed lateral and longitudinal force characteristics that enable direct tire-to-tire comparisons. They are designed to support tire benchmarking and procurement decisions.
For FTire digital twins, the company uses a cross-validation approach that combines complementary measurements on snow and ice to characterize changes in tire grip. The additional data allows the FTire model to extrapolate overall tire behavior across challenging conditions. FTire digital twins enable performance prediction across operating conditions that may not have been physically tested.
- Electronic chassis control system development: validate AEB, ESC, and traction control on snow and ice
- Tire benchmarking and competitive analysis: compare tires via MF models and FTire predictions
- Vehicle dynamics development: tune suspension and handling with accurate tire models
- Driving simulator integration: create realistic winter tire behavior for training and early concept evaluation
Applus+ IDIADA has established a technical partnership with UTAC Ivalo proving ground in Finland to extend winter testing capabilities. The collaboration provides access to controlled winter proving grounds for whole-vehicle validation, complementing IDIADA's component-level tire characterization. The integration of advanced modeling technology with Applus+ IDIADA's physical testing infrastructure provides a comprehensive toolset for winter tire development.
Previously from Applus+ IDIADA
Applus+ IDIADA has been expanding its engineering services. In June 2026, it began offering end-to-end homologation services for Level 2+ driver assistance under UN Regulation 171. In April 2026, it launched an AI-powered CAE integration service that cuts simulation time from days to seconds.
- Applus+ IDIADA Expands Homologation Services for Level 2+ Systems Under UN R171
- Applus+ IDIADA launches AI-powered CAE integration service, slashing simulation time from days to seconds
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Applus+ IDIADA's official releases.
Why this matters
Engineers developing vehicles and tires can now simulate winter tire behavior with digital twins, reducing the need for costly physical testing. The service supports validation of safety systems like ABS and traction control on ice and snow, and helps tire buyers benchmark products. It also gives customers access to Arctic-circle proving grounds through the UTAC Ivalo partnership.
Terms in This Story
- Magic Formula
- A mathematical tire model used to calculate tire forces and moments as a function of slip, commonly used in vehicle dynamics simulation.
- FTire
- A tire simulation model that represents the tire as a flexible ring, used for high-fidelity vehicle dynamics and comfort analysis.
- Digital twin
- A virtual replica of a physical object or system that can be used for simulation, analysis, and testing.
- Low-mu testing
- Testing on surfaces with low friction, such as snow, ice, or wet roads, to evaluate vehicle and tire behavior.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.