A Nissan GT-R with a PS4 controller
Gaming equipment now controls a real-life racing car. By
discovery and development’’ programme that puts gamers into real-life motorsport.
The GT-R/C is built around a standard-spec V6-powered 2011 R35 – which dates from the same year Mardenborough won the GT Academy.
On Mardenborough’s fastest lap (1:17:47), the GT-R/C averaged 122kmh and reached a top speed of 211kmh. The ‘‘driven’’ average for the 2.6km loop circuit is around 134kmh.
The GT-R/C is fitted with four robots that operate the steering, transmission, brakes and throttle. Six computers mounted in the boot update the controls at up to 100 times per second. The steering position is measured to one part in 65,000.
The unmodified PS DualShock4 controller connects to a microcomputer which interprets the joystick and button signals and transmits them to the GT-R/C’s onboard systems. The wireless operation has a primary control range of one kilometre.
To help Mardenborough judge the vehicle’s speed through the corners, a Racelogic VBox Motorsport sensor was installed to relay speed data to a LCD display in the helicopter cockpit.
The GT-R/C is also fitted with two independent safety systems, operating on different radio frequencies, which allow two additional operators to apply full ABS braking and cut the engine in the event of the main operator losing control of the vehicle.
In 2018, the Nissan GT-R /C will be used in a tour of primary and secondary schools in the UK to promote future careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects.