Development and Validation of LMGT3 Vehicle Simulation Models Using Canopy: Application to Lamborghini Huracán Evo2 and Mercedes-AMG GT3

Simulation has become a central tool in motorsport engineering, supporting vehicle development, setup optimization, and performance analysis. In endurance racing, where cars operate under diverse track and environmental conditions, accurate simulation models provide a structured way to predict vehicle behavior and assist engineering decisions. This thesis, carried out during my internship at Iron Lynx as a Data and Simulation Engineer, focuses on the development and validation of two LMGT3 vehicle models within the Canopy simulation environment: the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 and the Mercedes-AMG GT3. The objective was to create reliable simulation representations of both platforms and to identify the parameters with the greatest influence on model fidelity. The work began with the construction of the models by integrating available chassis, suspension, aerodynamic, tire, and powertrain data. Each model was iteratively calibrated using telemetry from FIA WEC and ELMS events. The process involved parameter adjustments, comparison of simulation outputs against measured data, and step-by-step refinement to improve alignment with real vehicle behavior. Particular attention was given to determining which subsystems and parameters contribute most significantly to simulation accuracy. In this context, suspension geometry, aerodynamic mapping, and powertrain modeling were identified as critical aspects requiring careful definition and validation to ensure reliable correlation with telemetry data. The thesis presents a structured methodology for vehicle model development and validation in Canopy, applied to two LMGT3 cars. It emphasizes the importance of parameter sensitivity in achieving model fidelity and establishes a framework for future simulation activities within the team’s engineering department.