This 56-foot-diameter pod sits on a tiltable turntable resting on tracks that can move in both axes, like a huge CNC router; but it's not a manufacturing device, it's Lexus' insanely complex new driving simulator, billed as the world's most advanced. Full 360-degree projections inside the dome provide a convincingly immersive environment, and as the dome pitches and yaws the driver inside can be fooled into thinking he's turning, braking and accelerating at speeds of up to 186 miles per hour!

This highly advanced simulator allows Lexus to conduct ongoing testing to learn about driver behaviors and reaction times, to engineer active safety features that will help protect people on the road like never before.

Not only does Lexus test for traditional traffic incidents, but they also conduct testing that determines driver response while distracted by technology such as text messaging, navigation systems and car warnings and displays. Testing is also conducted on drowsy driving and poor visibility. Simulation of driving scenarios allows the engineers to analyze driver reactions before an accident to determine what technology could assist in helping to prevent future accidents.

Lexus has other videos on their site which are sadly unembeddable, but we highly recommend you hit this link and click through to see their "Digital crash-testing" vid.