For rev heads Brisbane Airport test track is the place to be

FOR weekend petrol heads wanting to put pedal to the metal, a new facility taking shape next to Brisbane Airport is set to be a major attraction.

WHERE can you drive at 240 km/h within eight kilometres of the city without being arrested by the traffic police?

Set to open in 2021, Brisbane Airport Corporation is currently seeking an operator for a 2.3 km performance track taking shape as part of the $85 million BNE Automall project. The automall also will include flagship dealerships, shops, cafes and conference facilities.

With a speed limit more than the takeoff speeds of jets that will soon be using the new Brisbane Airport runway, the track is set to unleash the inner rev head of scores of weekend drivers wanting to test out a new car or simply put the pedal to the metal for fun.

Designed by supercar champion Mark Skaife and design group iEDM the track will also incorporate a 4WD track and wet/dry skid pads.

A Brisbane Airport Corporation spokesperson said that in addition to allowing people to test drive new cars, the track also will be available for car launches, fleet day activities, driver training and car club functions.

Artist's impression of BNE Automall

“Brisbane Airport’s BNE Property division is currently running an expression of interest campaign to procure a track operator,” the spokesperson said.

“The track has been designed and simulated to a maximum vehicle speed of 240 km/h. Track usage will be coordinated by the appointed track operator.”

The launch of BNE Automall and the performance track comes amid major changes in how cars are sold in the digital age. AP Eagers chief executive Martin Ward, who is moving the headquarters of his 106-year-old car dealership to the automall, said customers now expected a experience beyond the standard showroom. “It is all about destination retailing and making it exciting,” said Mr Ward.

As a way to engage customers, people who buy a car from Eagers will receive a free car wash for the life of the vehicle at the new airport location.

“The old model would be that people would buy a car from you and you would maybe see them once a year for a service,” he says. “This is a way to engage them.”