Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) and mobility technology company Magna have unveiled one of Europe’s most advanced driving simulators.
The facility sits inside the new Advanced Driving Simulation Center on the university’s Campus Inffeldgasse. Researchers say the system delivers an unusually realistic driving experience.
The simulator allows engineers to test vehicles long before physical prototypes exist.
TU Graz's driving simulator. Image: TU Graz official website.
Teams can fine-tune chassis, tyres, and advanced driver assistance systems under controlled conditions.
Magna funded the acquisition and installation of the simulator. TU Graz will cover the ongoing operational costs.
University leaders described the centre as a significant step for Austria’s automotive research landscape.
Mobility innovation hub
TU Graz Rector Horst Bischof said the project builds on decades of collaboration with Magna. He added that the facility strengthened Austria’s position as a mobility innovation hub.
Researchers designed the simulator to close a long-standing gap in vehicle development. That gap lies between mathematical modelling and real human perception.
According to Arno Eichberger, who oversees scientific operations, the simulator produces results that closely match real-world driving conditions. He explained that test drivers now experience vehicle behaviour as they would on an actual road. This includes subtle feedback that traditional simulators often miss.
Engineers can evaluate how humans react to changes in suspension, steering, or tyres. That insight helps teams validate digital models earlier in development.
The system also reduces reliance on costly physical testing. Developers can run multiple scenarios quickly and safely. That approach saves time while improving result quality.
Speeding vehicle development
Magna plans to use the centre for projects with international car makers. The company sees strong value in early-phase development work.
According to Severin Stadler, head of R&D at Magna, the simulator enables chassis and tyre tuning long before prototypes exist.
TU Graz Rector Horst Bischof inside the driving simulator cockpit. Image: Lunghammer – TU Graz.
He said that this shortened development cycles and freed up room for experimentation. Engineers can test extreme scenarios without physical risk. They can also compare multiple vehicle setups in rapid succession. This approach supports faster decision-making across programs.
The simulator also supports different vehicle types. Engineers can adapt it for compact cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles. That flexibility makes the facility useful across a wide range of projects.
ADAS to autonomy
The simulator plays a key role in advanced driver assistance system development. Its high bandwidth allows it to reproduce vibrations above 100 hertz. Drivers can feel small bumps, lane markings, and traction changes. This matters especially for electric vehicles. Without engine noise, passengers notice vibrations more easily.
Eichberger noted that realistic vibration feedback helped engineers refine ride comfort and noise behaviour.
The system also integrates virtual reality. Photorealistic traffic environments allow drivers to test displays and assistance features in context. Engineers can simulate rare or dangerous situations safely.
The simulator operates with extremely low latency. System response times reach three to four milliseconds. This reduces motion sickness and improves realism. Six movable struts give the cockpit full freedom of motion. The platform replicates acceleration, braking, pitching, and cornering precisely.
Together, these features make the Advanced Driving Simulation Center a powerful tool. Researchers believe it will shape future vehicle development, from assisted driving to autonomous systems.