BMW Puts Actual Cars On Virtual Tracks To Bring Mixed-Reality Driving

Driving simulators can be incredibly beneficial to first-time learners, professionals, and racecar drivers. With advancements in technology, some can even make you feel as if you were right there on the road. Though, as immersive as these experiences can feel, they can’t quite compare with the practice that driving on a real road can give.
 
That’s where BMW’s newest M Mixed Reality experience steps in. The technology blends the lines between reality and the digital world by placing real-life cars on virtual racetracks.

How that works is that drivers are sat behind the wheel of real cars—in this case, BMW’s M2—with virtual-reality headgear placed over their eyes. And yes, that does sound like a recipe for disaster. Despite that, they are able to see a digital version of the road they are driving.
 
Drivers are guided on a simple track with a voice speaking to them to give directions. BMW has also incorporated Mario Kart-style “coins” for users to drive through. Unfortunately, these don’t unlock Koopa shells to aim at your opponents or strap a rocket onto your car for an added boost. Instead, they just give you extra time to complete your race.

Now, what is the purpose of all of this? BMW cites this as a tool for drivers in learning, first responders, and racers. Racing simulators are often a boon because they can overlay the racing line over real-world tracks, and point out throttle or breaking points along corners.
 
Even so, that disconnect between simulators and the real world can hinder those learning to drive or training to race. BMW solves this by putting both together. The company even likens the model to turning cars into video game controllers.

The M Mixed Reality is still in its prototype stage, but luckily for all the speed demons out there, you might get a chance to experience it for yourself some day.
 
 
 
[via Car and Driver and Auto Engineering, images via BMW]