Bentley Motors has launched its latest innovation, the Compact Full Spectrum Driving Simulator, housed at the company’s renowned Dream Factory in Crewe. This state-of-the-art simulator represents a leap forward in the development of luxury vehicles, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional road testing. By significantly reducing the need for real-world mileage, Bentley anticipates a drastic cut in CO2 emissions—approximately 85 tons per vehicle prototype—and a reduction in development time by up to 350 days.
The simulator is designed to meticulously evaluate factors such as ride comfort, cabin acoustics, and vibration, and will support ongoing seat development. It is capable of simulating various road conditions, including potholes and bumps, thus providing engineers with a detailed and early insight into vehicle dynamics without the reliance on physical prototypes. This advancement not only streamlines the testing process but also enhances the precision of the final product.
Developed in collaboration with VI-grade in Italy, a leader in global simulation technology, this compact system is set to play a crucial role in the development of Bentley’s upcoming range of battery electric vehicles. Dr. Matthias Rabe, a member of the Board for Engineering at Bentley Motors, emphasized the dual benefits of the simulator: its high technical capacity and substantial sustainability advantages. The system minimizes the need for physical prototypes and extensive real-world testing, which typically requires shipping cars and staff to various global locations.
Charlie Smith, a Virtual Vehicle Engineer at Bentley Motors, highlighted the significance of introducing the all-encompassing ride frequency driving simulator. This breakthrough in virtual development capabilities allows Bentley to refine its core attributes through a dynamic, driver-in-the-loop virtual environment, ensuring that each vehicle meets the high standards of luxury and performance expected by their customers. The simulator marks a strategic step in accelerating Bentley’s product development cycle, reducing dependency on physical prototypes, and enhancing overall simulation capabilities.
