The simulator uses seven HD Christie projectors to display a virtual road and landscape on a 360 degrees series of large theater-style screens. The simulator also comprises a vehicle body with a reconfigurable interior system and multiple LCD screens which are used to mock up future interior electronic layouts.
For its first task, the simulator has been configured to match the interior of the Chevrolet Volt. GM however did not give any details on what systems it is currently testing, but it's likely they also comprise some of the technologies announced by OnStar.
The researcher inside the vehicle is taken by the simulator on a virtual trip, while at the same time he is being asked to perform tasks like accessing music from their mobile device or adjusting cabin temperature. The simulator is thus used to enhance the interior design of GM vehicles as well.
“Our research team is focused on developing interiors that allow customers to be connected while arriving safely at their desired destination,” said Tom Seder, GM R&D group lab manager. “Customers want a safer and simpler way to connect with the latest technologies and we are focused on developing solutions that will deliver on that.”
GM plans to use the simulator to test Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC vehicles in the near future as well.
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