VirtualGT Personal Racing Simulator

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INTRO:

Tired of watching?
Don't just sit there, race!

It is tempting to spend a minute or two just thinking about your choices—high performance sports cars, street machines or rally racers, the world's most challenging tracks—but you came to drive. Choices made, you start the engine and ease out onto the track. With a thousand horsepower at your command, speed comes easy. Easier, it would seem, than finding the prefect line through turn one.

On the virtual track, the rush you get is real. Very real.

VirtualGT delivers an authentic professional racing experience in the comfort and safety of your home or office. Each hand-crafted VirtualGT features a Sparco racing seat, a rugged, force feedback steering wheel, 5-channel audio system, strategically placed vibration transducers and a high quality video display.

Keep pushing, and don't forget to breathe.

VirtualGT delivers every nuance of today's best race simulation software. Stunning visuals. Penetrating audio. Heart-pounding authenticity. It is the ultimate personal racing simulator, totally self-contained with no external devices or special wiring. Push your driving skills to the limit. Then push again, with a different car, a different track, or different driving conditions.



ENGINEERING:

Is it virtual or reality?

VirtualGT has been engineered to deliver a highly realistic race simulation. Extraordinary measures have been taken in design and production to make you feel as if you are—in fact—behind the wheel of a world-class race car.

Software. After extensive testing, we selected Gran Turismo™ 3: A-spec (GT3) race simulation software running on the Sony PlayStation 2 platform. GT3 provides highly detailed renderings of cars and tracks, with superior modeling of car behavior. These qualities work hand-in-hand with VirtualGT's electronic and physical effects to invoke a sense of realism and control never before achieved in a personal racing simulator.

Video.
Depending on the model you choose, a 27" to 32" display provides a superrealistic view of the amazing GT3 car and track graphics. Turn markers and track-side details make it easy to set up braking and turn-in points. After a few laps, tunnel vision sets in, the real world disappears, and all you see is track ahead.

Steering Wheel.
A custom force-feedback leather-wrapped steering wheel is intimately linked to the simulation software. You feel every apron and undulation in the track. You sense steering forces associated with understeer, oversteer, loss of traction and more.

Shifters.
Precision paddle shifters are located on each side of the wheel for fingertip access to the correct gear. The most used controls are placed on the center of the wheel.

Seat.
The Sparco racing seat supports your body in the correct racing attitude, ready to handle all the virtual G-force your mind conjures up. Yes, you will lean into the corners.

Ergonomics. One size does not fit all. VirtualGT's pedals travel up to 9" fore and aft, as does the racing seat. The dashboard assembly moves up to 6" horizontally and 2" vertically. The steering wheel angle/height adjusts 3" vertically and the telescoping steering column adjusts 1-1/2" in and out.

Power.
A 9-channel, 400 Watt amplifier powers the audio and vibration systems.

Audio.
The 5-channel audio system includes four miniature 2-way satellite speakers capable of extremely accurate sound reproduction (100W total) plus an 8" carbon-fiber subwoofer (100W) in a tuned, vented enclosure directly under the seat. Adding to the realism, SRS® surround processing expands the GT3 sound track all around you.

Vibration.
The power amplifier drives four vibration transducers at 50 Watts per channel (200W total). They are strategically located at four points of contact between car and driver... feet, hands, buttocks and back. The 100 Watt subwoofer contributes to audio realism and enhances the overall vibration effect.

Chassis.
Constructed of 1/2" 9-ply Russian Birch, Virtual GT's chassis is incredibly strong, light-weight and built to last a lifetime. Chassis components are hand finished with two coats of sanding sealer and two coats of high-gloss lacquer. Components are fastened into a rigid assembly with 1/4-20 Allen drive socket head screws and flanged insert nuts. These fasteners will not strip or pull out so you can repeatedly tighten all fittings without reservation. Special T-Handle and standard Allen drivers are provided for your use. No other tools are required.

Pedals.
Adjustable pedals provide smooth control of braking and acceleration.

Modular construction.
VirtualGT breaks down into five UPS shippable modules. Assembly takes about one hour, slightly longer with the help of a pit crew. All assembly tools and hardware are included. VirtualGT fits through a standard 26" door opening with body panels removed. Built-in dolly wheels make it easy to move.



SPECS:

*Like all modern race cars, VirtualGT makes extensive use of electronics. Multiple microprocessors create the illusion that you are going fast. Very fast.
*The loudspeaker system is capable of extreme high fidelity to enable hours of racing without ear fatigue. SRS signal processing extends the sound field in all directions, putting you in the race.
*Four vibration transducers 200 watts of dedicated power couple to the chassis in strategic locations. They transmit energy as directly as possible to feet, hands and body.
*Ten race simulation memories store complex game commands, reducing car and track selection from more than 30 button presses to only one. Six audio setup memories store audio and vibration levels. Use factory presets or store your favorite setups for every performance level and condition.
*A form-fitting Sparco racing seat supports your body in the correct racing attitude, ready to handle all the virtual G-force *your mind conjures up. You will lean into the corners, comfortably.
Combined with a wheel vibration transducer, the force-feedback steering wheel provides resistance to steering and transmits the engine and chassis vibrations you would expect from a high performance race car with a 1000 HP engine and rigid, tube frame chassis.
*Spring-loaded feet at the four corners of the chassis provide self-leveling on any surface. These suspension components add to the sense of motion when racing and the feeling of compliant mass associated with entering and exiting the vehicle.
*Electronic controls simplify operation for new drivers and streamline operation for experienced drivers. You can override factory defaults with your own settings and restore them anytime with special key combinations.



DETAIL:

Attention To Detail Wins Races

Take a closer look at some of the design details that make VirtualGT the world's finest personal racing simulator.

Construction
VirtualGT is constructed from 77 pieces of 1/2" thick 9-ply Baltic Birch plywood. Pieces are joined with alloy steel 1/4-20 socket head cap screws, steel washers, and flanged insert nuts. Many components are adjustable so you can set up your VGT to exactly match your body size and driving preferences. Some components are removable using the supplied tools so VGT can be shipped by UPS and fit through a 26" door.

The Importance of Audio
The custom audio system, designed specifically for VirtualGT, is one of the key factors that separates VirtualGT from all other simulators. With over 400 Watts of power delivered to 4 satellite speakers, 1 subwoofer, and 4 vibration transducers, VGT faithfully recreates the intense sound and vibration of a high powered race car. The result is total immersion, unlike anything you have ever experienced before. The sense of speed and energy will raise your heart rate. You may even break a sweat!

Full Suspension
VirtualGT is equipped with a unique 4-corner independent suspension. Custom machined spring-loaded feet support your VGT solidly on any floor surface. These feet impart the quality of "compliant mass." Floating above the floor and reacting to even subtle body motion, VirtualGT feels like a real vehicle rather than a stationary platform. A spring kit is provided with each VGT, allowing you to fine tune your suspension.


Left Dash Functionality

Game Setup Memories
Ten buttons recall favorite cars and tracks, bypassing a tedious process of 30+ game console button presses. Store your favorites or use factory defaults.

Power
Press once to turn VirtualGT on and load software in the normal manner. Press twice to turn on VirtualGT and automatically bypass the startup presentation. You are ready to race in less than 60 seconds.

Fan
Turns on forced air ventilation. Air flow cools your hands and face, a necessary feature for long practice sessions or head-to-head competition with other VGTs.

Kill 1
Press in conjunction with Kill 2 to power down the system. Both buttons must be pressed simultaneously to avoid accidental shutdown.

Game Controls
Duplicates required functions from the game controller and places them in a convenient and logical arrangement.


Right Dash Functionality

Kill 2
Press this button in conjunction with Kill 1 to power down the game. Both buttons must be pressed at the same time to avoid accidental shutdown.

Subwoofer
Adjust the subwoofer crossover frequency to suit the engine sound of various cars. Adjust the subwoofer level.

Headset Levels
Comm Level adjusts the volume of the intercom audio between headsets.
Game Level adjusts the volume of the game audio in the headset.
Turn Comm Level up and Game Level down for driver to pit communication.
Turn Game Level up and Comm Level down for silent late night racing without disturbing others.

Audio Setup Memories
Stores up to six of your favorite configurations of the controls below. Recall these stored setups with the touch of a button. Comes with six factory default setups to get started immediately.

Vibration Controls
Set levels for pedal, steering wheel, and seat vibration. Master level controls all vibration levels at the same time. Turn the vibration enhancer on or off.

Speakers
Adjust front-to-rear balance and speaker volume according to your preference.

Mute
Press this button to kill ALL audio and vibration while the game is still running. Use the headset for late night racing.



IN THE PIT WITH TEAM VGT:

Why Paul Stary HAD to design VirtualGT.

VirtualGT feeds my need for speed.
— Paul Stary

As long as I can remember, my passion in life has been centered around audio and automobiles. I started building my own speakers and electronics at 14.

When I turned 16, I relished the new-found power and freedom of driving. I was allowed to drive Mom's red Plymouth Belvedere, but wasn't satisfied with its performance or its audio system.

Over the next few years, I worked in a few upgrades—Fury cam, dual 4-barrel carbs, side flow glass-packed mufflers—and I cranked up the transmission pressure to the max.

I often removed the back seat to accommodate my custom bookshelf speakers, 4-track stereo tape recorder, and Dynaco tube preamp and amplifier, running from a home-built 12VDC to 120VAC inverter. In 1962, if you wanted home stereo sound in your car, you had to put in a home stereo!

It was never enough, and thus began my life-long pursuit of high performance cars and audio. It was a passion so strong I was willing to suffer my father's wrath when he inevitably discovered each change I had made to my mother's car, and I blew up lots of transistors trying to keep that inverter running.

Over the years, my quest for the ultimate car audio performance led to the founding of AudioMobile, one of the early pioneers in high-end car audio. During that period, I owned several Euro performance cars, some highly modified. They all had awesome sound systems.

Eventually, I sold AudioMobile and started designing and installing home theater systems. I began driving more sedate cars. But when I saw the special edition F-body Pontiac Firehawk in Car & Driver, I had to have one.

I installed a nitrous oxide system, boosting its performance into the super-car realm. Capable of sub 4 second 0-60s, this car could get me into trouble fast when adrenaline overrode my common sense. Seven years later, I lost control at high speed and totalled the car.

Before the crash, my son gave me the best Christmas present ever... a racing simulator chassis he built out of 2x4's, a junk yard seat, steering wheel, pedals, and PlayStation game console.

With it, I could enjoy the newly released Gran Turismo 2 racing game in a more realistic way than clamping a steering wheel to the edge of a table.

I couldn't get enough and it wasn't long before I started to modify this simple setup, using my knowledge of audio and electronics, eventually upgrading the experience into a heart-throbbing adrenaline rush.

Surprisingly, a few hours in this crude simulator reduced my desire to drive fast on the highway. It seemed to really satisfy my need for speed. It didn't save me from destroying the Firehawk, but it has given me thousands of hours of racing fun.

Friends and acquaintances seemed as excited as I was about this simulator and I realized that other automotive enthusiasts would want a personal racing simulator like mine. Now, after years of development, VirtualGT is a reality.

While I look forward to worldwide sales, the most satisfying aspect is watching each new VGT driver express their excitement. After a few laps, they quickly shout out to be heard over the intense sound field, "This is awesome!", trying not to loose their concentration as they head down the straight at 200 MPH.

VirtualGT has become the perfect vehicle to express my passion for automobiles and electronics. It's design integrates all my interests, experience, and talents into a single product that excites me just as much to use as it does to build. Does life get any better than this?

VirtualGT was engineered by Paul Stary, credited by insiders as one of the founders of high-end car audio.