Bently’s Sustainable Simulator

Bentley has just announced the creation of the Compact Full Spectrum Driving Simulator, which will be installed at its Dream Factory in Crewe, where every Bentley is handcrafted. The new driving simulator offers a more sustainable solution for vehicle testing and massively reduces the amount of real-world miles Bentley engineers cover during the process.

The simulator is able to accurately assess factors that can impact the driving experience such as ride comfort, cabin acoustics, and vibration, while also helping with seat development too. By simulating various road surfaces, including potholes and bumps, the simulator provides insights into vehicle response, significantly reducing the need for extensive real-world testing.

Situated at Bentley’s HQ, the technology is set to make a pretty big environmental impact, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 85 tons and saving up to 350 days of traditional road testing per vehicle prototype. Developed by the global simulator specialists, VI-grade, the Compact Full Spectrum Driving Simulator will play an important role in shaping Bentley’s future, particularly in the development of their forthcoming range of battery electric vehicles.

Dr Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering, Bentley Motors, said:
“Beyond its technical capabilities, the Dynamic Driving Simulator brings substantial sustainability benefits, reducing the need for both physical prototypes and extensive physical tests, the latter often involving cars and colleagues shipped to remote locations around the world. As our customers would expect, the system will also play a key part in defining the luxury experience associated with every Bentley car.”

Charlie Smith, Virtual Vehicle Engineer at Bentley Motors, added:
“The introduction of the first, all-encompassing ride frequency driving simulator at Bentley is a key moment for us. This state-of-the-art system represents a significant advancement in our virtual development capabilities and will allow us to refine core Bentley attributes in a dynamic, driver-in-the-loop virtual environment for the first time. It offers unprecedented precision, ensuring that every Bentley delivers the unparalleled luxury and performance our customers demand. This simulator is a strategic step towards accelerating our product development cycle, minimising reliance on physical prototypes and enhancing simulation capabilities.”