Mercedes-AMG to install VI-grade’s DiM250 driving simulator

Mercedes-AMG, the performance and sports car brand of Mercedes Benz, is to utilize VI-grade’s dynamic driving simulation technology to virtually optimize the dynamic behavior of its passenger vehicles.

DiM250 (driver-in-motion) was designed by VI-grade and engineered and manufactured by Saginomiya. The driving simulator, equipped with an AMG car cockpit, will be installed at the Mercedes-AMG site in Affalterbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, in the second half of 2018.

To reproduce vehicle movements and accelerations, the DiM solution takes a different path into driving simulation and is based on a patented, revolutionary design that has nine actuators. The resulting 9 degrees of freedom configuration enables it to go beyond the basic six actuators design of a simple hexapod, providing a larger workspace while maintaining high stiffness. This leads to a system suitable for low as well as for high frequencies. The DiM platform therefore enables the user to investigate both vehicle dynamics and ride and comfort on the same motion platform.

The DiM250 configuration provides a more extensive workspace than the standard DiM150 configuration, guaranteeing an improved driving experience, still within the compact dimensions that characterize all DiM driving simulators.

“One of the main aspects that led to our decision to adopt the driving simulator DiM250 was that our driver was able to reproduce almost the same lap time on the simulator as in reality. We will use DiM250 primarily for vehicle dynamics applications, therefore evaluating and optimizing the performance of our cars not only on proving grounds and racing circuits, but also on the simulator earlier in the process”, said Tobias Moers, CEO, Mercedes-AMG.

“We are extremely excited to report the installation of our new DiM250 driving simulation technology at Mercedes-AMG”, said Juergen Fett, managing director, VI-grade. “We are looking forward to a continuous collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, which has successfully used our VI- grade software solutions for several years already.”