BMW Z4 vs. Porsche Cayman S Animations

Mechanical Simulation once again collaborated with Motor Trend for the August 2006 issue of Motor Trend Magazine. This issue pits the BMW Z4 M Coupe against the Porsche Cayman S in a series of vehicle tests.

In contrast to the earlier simulation of the 2006 Ford Mustang vs. the Chevrolet Concept Camaro featured in the May 2006 issue of Motor Trend, this new set of animations is based on actual GPS and accelerometer data obtained from Motor Trend's vehicle tests. Mechanical Simulation was able to use this data to overlay the two vehicles in three-dimensional animations of the tests.

The vehicles ran through three tests used by Motor Trend for their regular testing process: a slalom, a figure-8 race, and acceleration.

In the table below, you can view the tests three ways. Click Image under the test name for a static image of the test, taken from the animator. If you have a Windows PC and permission to download EXE files, click SurfAnim for the full, self-contained animation. It's spectacular! You can zoom, fly around, see slow motion and other effects as described in the SurfAnim hints. If you do not have a Windows PC, you can view a low-res QuickTime movie made for some of the animations. (Of course, QuickTime must be installed to view the QuickTime movies.)