Joan Lunden Behind Closed Doors: GM Proving Grounds

Concept meets reality when Joan hits the General Motors Proving Ground, the highly restricted area for test-driving these concept cars. In this final stage of testing, Joan endures an intense, nerve-racking driving course where emergency maneuvers, skids, tire blowouts and braking are put to the test. Then Joan takes the ultimate test in nerves and control when she test-drives a Corvette, reaching speeds of 150 miles an hour, and discovers that there can be no room for error at this level of driving.

[@BrianHuntsbarger]

The Aztec looks better with the cover on it

[@n8wrl]

This is so cool. My dad was director in the 80's and early 90's. They should air this again!

[@hillbillyinpa2317]

I was lucky enough to work there in the mid 90's for a couple of years. North South straightaway was my favorite road although it was highly restricted. Best line in the driving manual said that "side by side comparisons are permissible" as long as safety allowed it.
I participated a bit in the C5 convertible testing and once found myself on the circle track shown in this video. Kind of dumb in retrospect to be in a worn out hand built taped up car at 143 mph with the top down. No roll bar, no ambulance, no closed track, but what the heck, opportunities like that don't come along often.
MPG was like Disneyland for a car guy. Some great people there, but higher than average number of intolerable people.

[@TracksideViews]

I’d like to see how NASCAR drivers would do in the skill tests.

[@charlesh7962]

Joan ur one lucky lady, u get to do and go to cool places. Please be safe. Much love ur adoring fans :) lol

[@u.s.militia7682]

If most people knew what held a wheel on a vehicle I bet they wouldn’t even ride in one.

[@Alexscott100]

When was this video taken?

[@u.s.militia7682]

1999

[@r3rd698]

lol 1999