VI-grade Launches Major Update of Real-Time Software Suites
Udine, Italy, November 12th, 2025 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the release of the 2026.1 versions of its flagship software products: VI-CarRealTime, VI-DriveSim, VI-NVHSim and VI-WorldSim. The new 2026.1 software suite is now available for download in the reserved area of the VI-grade website, offering immediate access to a host of new capabilities and performance improvements across the full VI-grade ecosystem. This major release reinforces the company’s commitment to accelerating virtual prototype development and delivering realistic, immersive simulation experiences.
VI-CarRealTime
VI-CarRealTime 2026.1 enables users to gain faster, more accurate insight into vehicle behavior from concept to validation. The new Static Lap Time solver improves simulation precision through advanced tire modeling, helping engineers optimize performance earlier in the design process. Enhanced model management using a flexible JSON-based override system makes it easier to adapt, reuse, and share models across teams and projects. Expanded powertrain and actuator capabilities allow engineers to replicate real-world behaviors such as turbo lag or variable speed limits, leading to more realistic virtual prototypes. The upgraded Investigation Mode simplifies analysis through automated reporting and discrete optimization, reducing manual effort and improving decision-making speed. Additionally, enhanced FMU export now supports live visualization and state saving, allowing smoother integration into broader development workflows.
VI-DriveSim
VI-DriveSim 2026.1 streamlines simulator operation and integration, enabling users to move from setup to testing more efficiently. The new direct support for MdynamiX steering and STEP Lab damper rigs minimizes configuration time and ensures more reliable hardware-in-the-loop performance. Engineers can now create and manage SimWB projects directly from the DriveSim interface, eliminating extra steps and potential setup errors.
A new standalone API service allows remote control and automation of simulation tasks, supporting distributed engineering teams. Updated telemetry dashboards and enhanced data logging improve clarity and traceability, while full compatibility with modern Linux environments ensures stable performance in professional simulation centers. Motion cueing preferences and parameter variations are now fully traceable, giving users greater confidence in test reproducibility.
VI-NVHSim
With VI-NVHSim 2026.1, users experience a more intuitive and powerful workflow for sound and vibration analysis. New human perception–based weighting standards make it easier to evaluate comfort and compliance, translating complex data into meaningful insights. Extended offline filtering and speed-based event triggers simplify setup and tuning, saving time during complex NVH investigations.
The redesigned VI-SimSound interface unifies installation and enhances usability, allowing users to focus on creative sound design instead of configuration details. Realistic effects like wall proximity reflections and expanded sound design integrations (including Bose and QNX LiveAMP) help engineers deliver immersive, production-quality auditory experiences earlier in development.
VI-WorldSim
VI-WorldSim 2026.1 enhances realism and creative flexibility in immersive driving environments. The new solid-state LiDAR and configurable radar models let users replicate advanced ADAS and autonomous systems more accurately, while high-fidelity lighting and animated occupants heighten realism for driver-in-the-loop testing.
Engineers can now build and validate custom environments directly within the ModKit, independent of third-party tools, accelerating scenario creation for testing and training. Expanded Python SDK examples and ROS2 bindings make integration with existing automation and data pipelines easier than ever, empowering teams to connect simulation seamlessly with real-world development workflows.
The 2026.1 software suite strengthens VI-grade’s commitment to a connected, human-centric simulation ecosystem. Together, these tools enable engineers to model, test, and refine every aspect of vehicle performance from handling and NVH to immersive driver experience faster, more accurately, and with greater collaboration across the entire development cycle.
The VI-grade 2026.1 software release, along with a comprehensive list of new features and enhancements, is now available for download. Registered users can access it by logging into the reserved area of the VI-grade website.
VI-CarRealTime
VI-CarRealTime 2026.1 enables users to gain faster, more accurate insight into vehicle behavior from concept to validation. The new Static Lap Time solver improves simulation precision through advanced tire modeling, helping engineers optimize performance earlier in the design process. Enhanced model management using a flexible JSON-based override system makes it easier to adapt, reuse, and share models across teams and projects. Expanded powertrain and actuator capabilities allow engineers to replicate real-world behaviors such as turbo lag or variable speed limits, leading to more realistic virtual prototypes. The upgraded Investigation Mode simplifies analysis through automated reporting and discrete optimization, reducing manual effort and improving decision-making speed. Additionally, enhanced FMU export now supports live visualization and state saving, allowing smoother integration into broader development workflows.
VI-DriveSim
VI-DriveSim 2026.1 streamlines simulator operation and integration, enabling users to move from setup to testing more efficiently. The new direct support for MdynamiX steering and STEP Lab damper rigs minimizes configuration time and ensures more reliable hardware-in-the-loop performance. Engineers can now create and manage SimWB projects directly from the DriveSim interface, eliminating extra steps and potential setup errors.
A new standalone API service allows remote control and automation of simulation tasks, supporting distributed engineering teams. Updated telemetry dashboards and enhanced data logging improve clarity and traceability, while full compatibility with modern Linux environments ensures stable performance in professional simulation centers. Motion cueing preferences and parameter variations are now fully traceable, giving users greater confidence in test reproducibility.
VI-NVHSim
With VI-NVHSim 2026.1, users experience a more intuitive and powerful workflow for sound and vibration analysis. New human perception–based weighting standards make it easier to evaluate comfort and compliance, translating complex data into meaningful insights. Extended offline filtering and speed-based event triggers simplify setup and tuning, saving time during complex NVH investigations.
The redesigned VI-SimSound interface unifies installation and enhances usability, allowing users to focus on creative sound design instead of configuration details. Realistic effects like wall proximity reflections and expanded sound design integrations (including Bose and QNX LiveAMP) help engineers deliver immersive, production-quality auditory experiences earlier in development.
VI-WorldSim
VI-WorldSim 2026.1 enhances realism and creative flexibility in immersive driving environments. The new solid-state LiDAR and configurable radar models let users replicate advanced ADAS and autonomous systems more accurately, while high-fidelity lighting and animated occupants heighten realism for driver-in-the-loop testing.
Engineers can now build and validate custom environments directly within the ModKit, independent of third-party tools, accelerating scenario creation for testing and training. Expanded Python SDK examples and ROS2 bindings make integration with existing automation and data pipelines easier than ever, empowering teams to connect simulation seamlessly with real-world development workflows.
The 2026.1 software suite strengthens VI-grade’s commitment to a connected, human-centric simulation ecosystem. Together, these tools enable engineers to model, test, and refine every aspect of vehicle performance from handling and NVH to immersive driver experience faster, more accurately, and with greater collaboration across the entire development cycle.
The VI-grade 2026.1 software release, along with a comprehensive list of new features and enhancements, is now available for download. Registered users can access it by logging into the reserved area of the VI-grade website.
German version available here