424 Simulator
As we continue our progress to break the Nürburgring lap record, we have identified the development of a driving simulator as one of our crucial steps. While purchasing a shelf driving simulator was an option, most lack one key aspect: full driver customisability. Unlike most simulators for existing motorsport series, our 424 hypercar requires the cockpit in a much more compact package. Since weight reduction is paramount for our lap record attempt, having the ability to customise the real car to multiple drivers would add unnecessary weight, especially since there will be only one set driver. Every detail, from the seat position to driver controls, including the pedals and steering wheel, is tailored precisely to the driver outside the car using this simulator. These fixed dimensions are later transferred into the final car design.
Why Do We Need It?
The 424 Simulator provides a physical setup to find the correct measurements and adjustments for the driver.
A static simulator is more cost-effective and still provides 80% to 90% of what we need compared to a full-motion and haptic driving simulator.
It also gives us quick access whenever we need to do quick tests, rather than organising a trip, which takes time and money.
Design phase
It is a compact portable rig with a chassis made of laser cut aluminium plates. We have performed some stress analysis to ensure the necessary stiffness. No display needed, the driver is equipped with a Virtual Reality headset to get a fully immersive experience.
Custom STeering WHeel
The real 424 car will feature a custom steering wheel that contains only the steering wheel and nothing else. Unlike conventional steering wheels in the major motorsport series, 424 will not require paddle shifters as it is fully electric and will have no buttons. This is because the lap record attempt is a single lap, not a full race, so there will be little to no driver communication required. A separate button board will include basic functions such as vehicle start and emergency communication, which is not necessary for the simulator.
Wheel Frame
Method: Multi Jet Fusion
Material: Nylon PA 12
Wheel Grips
Method: Multi Jet Fusion
Material: TPU
Assembly phase
The assembling of this driving simulator is also the perfect time to build and test a first prototype of our exclusive steering wheel.
3D printed steering wheel
Steering wheel with "handcrafted" grips
We have used "racket grips" on this first prototype for cost reason. In the real car, the steering wheel will have 3D printed bonded grips as described above.
Main components of the rig:
VR headset: Meta Quest 3
Seat: Tillet B6
Wheelbase: Simucube 2 Pro 25Nm
Pedals: Heusinkveld Ultimate Black
PC system unit: 32GB RAM, Intel i9 CPU, Nvidia RTX 4080 Super GPU
Total cost of the simulator: about 8K£
What Is It Used For?
Skill Development: The simulator allows the drivers to practice and refine their skills in driving 424 without requiring real-world resources or risks.
Vehicle Setup Development: Provides a platform for testing the car and its setup, allowing the driver to give invaluable feedback which we can use to optimise the setup of the car
Vehicle Design Development: We can specify the wheel, seat, and pedal positions so the driver can be comfortable and at the correct eye level and FOV.
Marketing Tool: With this simulator, we create nice videos of fast laps around the Nürburgring track that we share on social media then (see below). We can also invite influential people to drive the car and promote the PERRINN 424 project.