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SpendenLMS presented a simulator built from a damaged Audi R8 LMS GT3 chassis at the 2026 Sim Racing Expo in Frankfurt. The three-year project combines parts from eight cars, projects a 4K, 60fps image onto the windscreen and raises money for Herzkind e.V. at events.
SpendenLMS brought a simulator built inside a damaged Audi R8 LMS GT3 chassis to the 2026 Sim Racing Expo in Frankfurt, turning a real race car into a place to experience virtual racing. The team told Wccftech the conversion took around three years and used parts from eight cars; money received for taking it to events is partly donated to Herzkind e.V., which supports people and families affected by congenital heart conditions.
The project uses the Audi’s retained steering wheel and dashboard where possible, with modifications and custom electronics allowing components to communicate with the simulation. The original pedals were also adapted rather than replaced with a standard sim-racing pedal set: the team added sensors and microcontrollers so the controls could work with the software. Custom 3D-printed components were used in the centre column.
Space inside the cockpit ruled out conventional monitors, according to the account of the exhibit. Instead, a projector displays the game on the car’s blacked-out windscreen. The team described the projection system as 4K at 60 frames per second. Speakers positioned inside the car use the cockpit to amplify the sound, adding to the experience without requiring a headset.
The simulator was assembled from the damaged Audi chassis and usable components recovered from eight different cars. The team’s aim, as described to Wccftech at the expo, was to let visitors experience sitting inside a genuine racing car—something most people would not otherwise get to do. The project was presented at the CONSPIT stand.
A real Audi R8 LMS GT3, rebuilt for virtual racing.
SpendenLMS transformed a damaged race-car chassis into a working simulator. Visitors can climb into a genuine Audi cockpit, drive with adapted original controls, and help support a heart charity through event appearances.
A simulator shaped around the car
The build puts the simulation inside the race car’s original environment, instead of recreating that environment around a conventional rig.
Real Audi surroundings
The damaged Audi R8 LMS GT3 chassis became a place to sit and drive, giving visitors a genuine racing-car interior to explore.
Hardware adapted
The steering wheel, dashboard and pedals were modified to communicate with the simulation. Pedal sensors and microcontrollers enabled software input.
Windscreen projection
With little room for monitors, a projector displays the game across the blacked-out windscreen. Speakers inside the car add sound without a headset.
Eight cars brought together over three years
SpendenLMS told Wccftech the conversion took around three years and used reusable parts recovered from eight cars.
Making components from the Audi’s original cockpit work with simulation software called for modifications and custom electronics. The report does not identify the game, exact sensors, or projector model.
At a glance
Bars are visual markers for reported project details, not performance comparisons.
From salvage to the starting grid
A chain of practical choices makes a simulation fit the tight, distinctive space of a race-car cockpit.
Reuse the chassis
Start with the damaged Audi and usable components from donor cars.
Connect controls
Modify the wheel, dashboard and pedals to work with the simulation.
Use the windscreen
Put the game image where monitors cannot fit: across the blacked-out glass.
Bring it to events
Let visitors try a real cockpit converted for virtual racing.
The team said some money received for event appearances is donated to Herzkind e.V., which supports people and families affected by congenital heart conditions.
A distinctive cockpit, with details still to come
The reported story explains the concept and its charitable intent. It is not a full technical specification or independent performance test.
What the account describes
- ✓Displayed at Sim Racing Expo 2026 in Frankfurt, at the CONSPIT stand.
- ✓Built inside a damaged Audi R8 LMS GT3 chassis using parts from eight cars.
- ✓Team-described windscreen projection at 4K and 60 frames per second.
- ✓Some event income is said to support Herzkind e.V.
What remains unknown
- ?The donation amount, share of proceeds, total raised, and number of events.
- ?The game or simulation software, projector model, and exact electronics.
- ?Whether 4K at 60 fps applies to every event configuration.
- ?No motion system is reported; Wccftech noted less motion and haptic feedback than some equipped rigs.
“The project took around three years to build and combined parts from eight different cars.”
SpendenLMS team · Speaking to Wccftech at Sim Racing Expo 2026
A Race Car Rebuilt for Public Use
The build gives a damaged race-car chassis a new purpose while making a working simulator around the car’s original environment. Visitors can sit in a real Audi racing cockpit and use adapted original controls, rather than simply viewing the vehicle or trying a conventional simulator rig. That combination of salvaged hardware and custom electronics also shows one way simulation equipment can be fitted into a space that was not designed for standard monitors or pedals.
The charitable element adds a practical purpose beyond the demonstration. The team said that some money from taking the simulator to events goes to Herzkind e.V. The amount, share of event proceeds and total raised were not specified, so the contribution’s scale cannot be assessed from the available details.
The setup is not presented as a replacement for high-end motion simulators. Wccftech’s account noted that it lacks the range of motion and haptic effects available on some fully equipped rigs. Its appeal instead lies in the physical race-car cockpit, the projection across the windscreen and the chance to try a distinctive build in person.
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Three Years and Eight Donor Cars
The simulator appeared at a trade-show floor devoted to equipment intended to make virtual racing feel closer to driving. The project reverses that familiar approach: rather than placing realistic controls and displays around a seated player, it places the simulation inside a real racing car. That is the central feature of the exhibit, not a claim that the experience reproduces every sensation of a race car on track.
According to the team’s account to Wccftech, the conversion took about three years and brought together reusable parts from eight cars. The steering wheel, dashboard and pedals required work to connect them to the simulation, while projection addressed the limited space and unusual shape of the cockpit. The available report does not identify the software or game being run, nor does it give technical details about the projector beyond the stated resolution and frame rate.
“The project took around three years to build and combined parts from eight different cars.”
— SpendenLMS team, speaking to Wccftech at the Sim Racing Expo
Event Income and Hardware Details
The available account does not say how much money has been donated, what portion of event income is contributed, or how many events the simulator has attended. It also does not provide independent confirmation of the donation figures. The team’s stated charitable contribution is therefore clear in general terms, but its financial scale remains unknown.
Other technical and operational details are also unreported, including the simulation software, projector model, exact sensors and electronics, and whether the display runs at 4K and 60 frames per second in every event configuration. The report describes the setup and the team’s explanation; it does not provide a full specification or controlled performance testing.
Further Event Appearances Ahead
The team’s stated approach is to take the simulator to events, where visitors can try the cockpit and some of the proceeds can support Herzkind e.V. The available report does not give a schedule for future appearances, name a next venue or say whether the build will be modified further.
For now, the project’s next public milestone depends on where SpendenLMS brings it after the Frankfurt expo. Any future information about event dates, donations or technical changes would help clarify how widely the simulator will be available and the scale of its charitable activity.
Source: Wccftech
Key Questions
What is the SpendenLMS simulator?
It is a racing simulator built inside a damaged Audi R8 LMS GT3 chassis, displayed at the 2026 Sim Racing Expo in Frankfurt.
How was the simulator built?
The team told Wccftech the project took around three years and used salvageable parts from eight cars. It adapted the Audi’s steering wheel, dashboard and pedals to work with simulation software.
How does the display work inside the car?
A projector displays the game on the blacked-out windscreen. The team described the system as 4K at 60 frames per second; conventional monitors were not used.
Does the simulator raise money for charity?
The team said some money from event appearances is donated to Herzkind e.V., which supports people and families affected by congenital heart conditions. The donation amount and share of proceeds were not reported.
Is it a motion simulator?
The account describes a cockpit, projected display and interior speakers, but does not report a motion system. Wccftech said the build does not provide the range of motion and haptic effects found in some fully equipped simulator rigs.
Source: Wccftech
