The BMW Track Trainer is a modified BMW 330i that can negotiate a race track autonomously at the limit of traction. It was conceived as a driver training tool that allows a new student to experience the ideal race line from the driver's seat.[1] The vehicle is a research project from BMW Group Research and Technology (BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH).

BMW Track Trainer

Race tracks

edit

Track Trainer has raced autonomously at Valencia, Hockenheimring, Lausitzring, Zandvoort, Nordschleife,[2] and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.[3]

Media coverage

edit

Track Trainer was covered by Top Gear in a segment during the 2007 season[4] and The Car Show on the third episode of the 2011 season.

Technology

edit

Track Trainer uses a combination of GPS and INS data to create a precision position estimate of the vehicle states in real-time. Vehicle control is commanded to an ideal line recorded by a manually driven reference lap.[5]

References

edit
  1. ^ "BMW Track Trainer". 8 September 2011.
  2. ^ BMW Tracktrainer - Nürburgring Nordschleife
  3. ^ BMW Press Event Poster
  4. ^ Videos: Robot Track Trainer BMW 3-series In Action
  5. ^ BMW Press Event Poster