Be Excellent To Each Other

It's the Christmas present for the motorsport enthusiast who has everything – a professional 'full motion' racing simulator.

Costing a fraction of the price of a full F1 car, the £120,000 simulator has "six degrees of freedom", enough to generate realistic g-Force simulation and, the maker claims, "100 per cent realistic steering feedback".

Known as the Hexatech, the simulator can be provided as a single- or three-seater and is, claim maker Cruden, "normally found in top secret Formula One factories and automotive research centres".

"Snooker rooms, swimming pools, gyms and cinemas have been done time and again. Now, enter the professional racing simulator," says Frank Kalff, Cruden's commercial director.

"Let's be clear," he claims. "This is not a video game linked to a steering wheel, race seat and pedals. Although easy to operate, this is the exact same equipment used by the top racing drivers and engineers to improve their racecraft and evaluate new tracks and car settings. Our simulator and the software it uses cannot be bought in a store."

According to Mr Kalff, the high-tech machinery will appeal to those who already have the snooker room, swimming pool, gym and cinema.

It is built to endure hundreds of thousands of "driving" miles a year and lasts 10 to 15 years without major overhaul.

"Driving a real Formula One car is not easy and getting fast and consistent laps in the simulator isn't either," said Mr Kalff.

"The simulator takes minutes to learn and enjoy but a lifetime to master, unlike most driving games which are conquered and then discarded before too long. The immense challenge of honing the same level of driving skill as a top racing driver is unbelievably addictive and satisfying."

Owners can choose between three 'wrap-around' 42-inch screens or stereo projectors to view their virtual world. Drivers can choose 24-hour endurance races and full championships, select different tracks and cars from Formula One, rally, NASCAR and sports car racing.

The immense challenge of honing the same level of driving skill as a top racing driver is unbelievably difficult and frustrating, and you will quickly return to Forza 3, which has added "fun".

Want.

It looks shit.
If you watch the lap counter at the bottom of the screen you can see how much they've sped up the 'gameplay'.
If that is used by any of the F1 teams I'll eat this fucking keyboard.

Want.

If you get one, can I come and play?

Bringing science to life in superior fashion is Cruden's in-house built graphics engine featuring software to significantly reduce motion blur as well as real-time CG shadowing and environment mapping.

If you are steriously interested in acquiring a Cruden simulator contact us.

I note a lack of F1 teams in their client list. Only car manufacturer is Mercedes

[...]is Cruden's in-house built graphics engine[...]

It shouldn't be too expensive if we all chip in a little bit.

Recent news fail

I think there's already about that much in the hosting kitty, actually.

I think there's already about that much in the hosting kitty, actually.

God no, SEGA hydraulics used to cost 10s of thousands. Daytona was probably £30k. If there was a hydraulic version of it.

Hmmm... what to spend this 120 grand I happen to have knocking about on? A moving chair, a couple of monitors and some crappy PC game... or a Ferrari F430. God, I just can't decide.

Well, no matter how shit it is, it'll be more entertaining than Forza.