6 Of The World's Most Amazing Racing Simulators

1. VRX iMotion: £18,000

Canadian manufacturer VRX provides an alternative to the high priced simulators with its not-quite-as-high priced iMotion system. A three-screen display, motion mimicking system and high quality audio make it similar to the costly models. In exchange, the simulator offers a less accurate look and feel of a real race car. The advantages to owning this system are the ability to upgrade and add components to the stainless steel tube chassis and use the powerful computer to play other PC games.

2. VGT-Pro Carbon: £40,000

Virtual GT is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of the VGT-Pro Carbon. This model offers hundreds of options to the buyer including large screen displays, trim packages, pedals, wheels, shifters and almost everything at the driver’s control. The hardware is motion controlled and synced with programmes like iRacing and rFactor 2. The VGT team includes delivery and setup, and buyers can add the option to undergo a full day of training on their new machine.

3. CXC Motion Pro II: £48,000

The US-made Motion Pro II is perhaps the most versatile simulator a large pile of money can buy. Drivers can use five different steering wheels and three different shifter setups while driving one of over 1000 different cars. The software has 40 racetracks loaded with more to come, and owners can race one another in real time from the same room or online worldwide. The motion system in this simulator only moves the driver a small amount, but recreates the feeling of larger movements with accelerated movement technology.

4. Hexatech Racing Simulator: £80,550

Amsterdam based company Cruden has been developing professional racing simulators for over 20 years. Its most popular system to date, the Hexatech simulator, features a completely suspended cockpit with advanced motion feedback. With its six electric actuators, the car moves in all directions and rotations to give the ultimate realistic feel of G-forces on the driver. The best part of the system is buyers can use their own software or the software provided by Cruden. The latter enables the user to set up an operator station to choose test modes and track performance.

5. Full Size F1-Style Car: £90,000

FMCG International manufactures this sleek simulator complete with an F1 replica car with Pirelli tyres and Brembo brake callipers. The software runs off a powerful computer with a three-panel display and digital surround sound. UK shoppers can purchase one from Costco, choose their paint colour, and have the entire set up delivered and installed as part of the price. Its major downfall may be a deal breaker for some enthusiasts: the entire rig is stationary. It’s very nice to look at but gives no physical feedback to the driver.

6. Ferrari F1: £3.6m

While most details of F1 team simulators remain secret, we do know they come with a steep price tag and look crazy cool. Ferrari commissioned this simulator in 2008 to help train its young drivers and refresh veterans. The system completely engulfs the driver in the racing mode with a full realistic cockpit, driver controls, curved screen and moving platform. The Ferrari team maintains that it feels forced to use simulator technology because of strict track practice regulations.