Going for a spin in GM's 360-degree simulator

GM was an early adopter of simulator technology beginning in the 1960s.

Since then, GM has had five generations of simulators. The current 360-degree unit has been in use for eight years.

Improvements have been made along the way to the current simulator. Better graphics and response times to inputs are among the performance upgrades.

Visuals have been upgraded with a 5-terabyte-per-second image generator with 4K resolution allowing for response to steering and pedal force inputs to take place within 50 milliseconds.

Previously, the system featured a 2-terabyte-per-second image generator and input response within 70 milliseconds.

The current unit originally had a fixed platform, but a moving one was added to simulate roll, pitch and yaw motions.

The Super Cruise system found in the Cadillac CT6 has been tested and developed using the simulator.

Additionally, the Electronic Precision Shift system from the GMC Terrain was validated on the simulator.

During simulations, people in the control room keep track of what test subjects say, their facial expressions and biometrics to determine how they feel about the experience.

Being a test subject in GM's 360-degree simulator is equivalent to a Big Brother experience.

Click or scroll through to see more of GM's 360-degree simulator.