HIGH-TECH SIMULATORS: THE PATH TO ZERO PROTOTYPES - AUTOLINE AFTER HOURS 632

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline After Hours delves into the revolutionary world of simulation-driven vehicle development with Michael Hoffmann of VI-grade. The core argument presented is that advanced driving simulators can significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the need for physical prototypes. Hoffmann highlights how VI-grade's technology integrates realistic motion, visuals, and sound to provide engineers with an accurate driving experience, enabling rapid A-to-B comparisons for components like suspension and tires. This approach drastically cuts development time and costs, with one OEM reporting a 30% reduction. The discussion also touches upon the evolution from CAD and CAE to driver-in-the-loop simulation, emphasizing the human experience as crucial for final design decisions. The latter half of the show shifts to the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, with Don Sherman providing insights into its hybrid powertrain, all-wheel-drive capabilities, and its positioning as a "Swiss army knife" within the Corvette lineup, extending performance and all-weather usability. Sherman also speculates on the future of the Corvette brand as a standalone entity, potentially including an SUV and a high-horsepower hybrid 'Zora' model.