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Vamos is an automotive simulation framework with an emphasis on thorough physical modeling and good C++ design. Vamos includes a real-time, first-person, 3D driving application.

Contributions of code, ideas, images, models, sounds, etc. are welcome.

Thorough physical modeling

Vamos models most major systems of a car. The drivetrain includes a simulation of the engine, clutch, transmission and a limited-slip differential. Tires and suspension are also modeled. Tire grip changes with heat and wear. Cars have aerodynamic drag and downforce which are reduced in another car's slipstream.

Good C++ Design

The geometry, track, car and world modules are in their own namespaces. Care has been taken to avoid cyclic dependencies. Standard Library components like strings, vectors and maps are favored over arrays. Some of the modules and classes have aged more gracefully than others. If you see a design area that needs improvement, feel free to pitch in.

Requirements

Python >= 3.2 is required for the main application, but not for building the libraries.

A joystick is highly recommended but not required. If a joystick is present, Vamos will use it. If not you can drive with keys or with the mouse, but you may find it harder to control.

An accelerated video card is required. If you don't get a frame rate well above 20 frames/second, the simulation will not work correctly. Vamos currently uses OpenGL, the OpenGL Utility Library (GLU), and the OpenGL Utility Toolkit (GLUT) for graphics. These libraries and headers must be present to compile Vamos. Vamos uses SDL for event handling and OpenAL for sound.

Also, you will need a C++ compiler. Any recent GCC release should do.

Timeline and Road Map

Want to know where Vamos came from and where it's going? Check out the timeline and roadmap.

Vamos is Free Software

I wouldn't be writing code today if not for the efforts of the Free Software Foundation and Free Software developers everywhere. Vamos is available for you to use, modify and redistribute under the terms of the GNU General Public License.

Other Free Software Simulations

Check out these other free sims.

VDrift
A cross-platform, open source driving simulation made with drift racing in mind. It has fantastic graphics and some Vamos code under the hood.
T1 Car Racing Simulation
A good-looking and fun-to-drive simulation.
FlightGear
A beautiful flight simulator.
Car World
A good driving simulator with easy-to-put-together tracks.
TORCS - The Open Race Car Simulator
A driving simulation with simulated drivers.
GRacer,
A first-person simulator with a variety of cars.
RARS - Robot Auto Racing Simulator.
A third-person simulator with lots of real-world tracks.