VSL PODS x6 Simulator
The Holden VT Supercar Simulator
3 October 2024
VSL PODS x6 Simulator
The VSL PODS x6 was originally conceived as a sophisticated motion simulation system designed for military training. The vision was to install sets of pods in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, allowing military personnel to conduct joint driving exercises. These simulations could range from jeeps to tanks, enabling users in different cities to train together in a coordinated, virtual battlefield environment.
Dual Purpose Design
- Military Training: The primary goal was to create a realistic and immersive training environment for military personnel. The ability to simulate various vehicles and scenarios provided a versatile training tool.
- Public Entertainment: Beyond its military potential, the VSL PODS x6 was adapted for public entertainment. This impressive 10-meter diameter machine housed six individual pods, each simulator facing the centre with their own screens. The design ensured that participants could race each other in a fully immersive experience. Each pod offered simulations of V8 supercars, rally, dirt track, and truck racing, providing a diverse and engaging environment for all users.
Construction and Setup
- Initial Build: Initially built for Auckland Luge, the VSL PODS x6 was transported in sections and reassembled in two locations: three pods in one area and the remaining three in another. The setup was meticulous, taking several hours, followed by extensive testing and calibration to ensure all six pods were perfectly linked for synchronized racing.
- Rigorous Testing: Before the machine was moved to Auckland, rigorous testing was conducted. Teams of people raced, pushed, and challenged the machine to its limits, all in a controlled environment, ensuring its capabilities met the original design specifications. The adrenaline-fueled testing phase revealed that the machine could handle intense action, an important step before it became available to the public.
Challenges and Setbacks
- Business Partnership Issues: Unfortunately, the business partnership with Auckland Luge unravelled due to dishonest practices. This led to a gradual disassociation from the project, and the park eventually went bankrupt, later selling to new ownership.
- Dismantling and Uncertainty: The full set of six pods was dismantled, and their fate became uncertain. Today, only two of the VSL PODS x6 have resurfaced, having been rebuilt by a person in Christchurch who either purchased or was given them. The whereabouts of the other four pods remain unknown, a significant loss given the potential these simulators still hold.
Legacy and Potential
- Innovative Design: The VSL PODS x6 could have been a standout machine, both in the entertainment and training sectors, if circumstances had allowed its full potential to be realized. Its innovative design and dual-purpose capabilities showcased the potential for advanced simulation technology.
- Unrealized Potential: Despite the setbacks, the project highlighted the possibilities of creating immersive and interactive training and entertainment experiences. The remaining pods in Christchurch serve as a reminder of what could have been a groundbreaking achievement in simulation technology
Overall, the VSL PODS x6 was an ambitious project with significant potential. While it faced challenges and setbacks, its innovative design and dual-purpose capabilities remain a testament to the vision and ingenuity behind its creation.
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