Wheel Controller 3D

Wheel Controller 3D is a complete alternative to Unity's built-in WheelCollider, offering realistic vehicle behavior, full customization, and true 3D ground detection.

This asset is a part of NWH Physics World - a collection of inter-compatible vehicle simulation assets.

Key Features

  • 3D Ground Detection - Wheel has width and length, not just a single point. Ground detection occurs over the entire bottom half of the wheel for realistic behavior on curbs, rocks, and uneven terrain.
  • Familiar API - Almost identical to Unity's WheelCollider API, making it easy to swap and integrate with existing projects.
  • Advanced Friction Model - Modified Pacejka friction model with preset system using ScriptableObjects for easy surface switching.
  • Fully Customizable - Adjust spring, damper, friction curves, geometry, camber, caster, rim offset, and more through custom inspectors.
  • High Performance - Optimized with multi-threading support. Typically 0.03ms CPU time per wheel.
  • Runtime Adjustable - All parameters can be modified at runtime for dynamic vehicle behavior.
  • Dual-Speed Dampers - Realistic shock absorbers with separate slow/fast bump and rebound settings for precise suspension tuning.
  • Progressive Springs - Configurable spring progressiveness for comfort, balanced, or racing setups.
  • Handles Visuals - Automatically manages wheel rotation, position, steering angle, and camber.
  • Unity 6000 Compatible - Fully tested with Unity 6000 and URP.
  • Full C# Source Code - Complete source code included for maximum flexibility.

What's Different from Unity WheelCollider?

Wheel Controller 3D improves upon Unity's WheelCollider with:

  • True 3D contact detection instead of a single raycast point
  • Realistic handling on complex geometry (curbs, rocks, uneven terrain)
  • No more "stick wheels" that unrealistically climb vertical surfaces
  • Adjustable wheel width that affects ground contact
  • Dual-speed damper system for realistic shock absorber behavior
  • Progressive spring curves for racing/comfort tuning
  • Better integration with NWH Vehicle Physics 2 and other NWH assets

Physics Features

  • Suspension System with spring and damper simulation
    • Adjustable spring force and length with progressive spring curves
    • Dual-speed bump and rebound dampers (slow/fast coefficients)
    • Division velocities for smooth damper transitions
    • Fully physics-based with realistic compression and rebound behavior
  • Friction System powered by Pacejka Magic Formula
    • FrictionPreset ScriptableObjects with BCDE parameters
    • Easy surface switching (dry, wet, gravel, ice, racing slicks)
    • Load-sensitive grip modeling
    • Separate longitudinal and lateral friction curves
  • Ground Detection with two modes:
    • Sphere Cast: Fast single-cast mode (~0.02ms per wheel)
    • Multicast: High-accuracy mode with multiple detection points (~0.03-0.05ms)
  • Geometry Adjustments
    • Camber angle with optional camber curves
    • Rim offset for track width adjustment
    • Caster and toe through Transform rotation
    • Rolling resistance simulation

Documentation

  • Setup Guide - Complete step-by-step setup instructions
    • Vehicle model setup
    • Adding wheel controllers
    • Suspension configuration
    • Friction preset system
  • Friction Presets - Understanding and creating friction presets
  • FAQ - Frequently asked questions
  • Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions
  • Demos - Example scenes and vehicles
  • Changelog - Version history and updates
  • API Documentation - Complete API reference available in the navigation menu

Quick Start

  1. Import Wheel Controller 3D from Package Manager
  2. Add a Rigidbody to your vehicle model
  3. Create empty GameObjects at wheel positions
  4. Add WheelController components to these objects
  5. Parent your wheel meshes to the Rotating Container
  6. Add the CarController script (or use with NWH Vehicle Physics 2)
  7. Adjust suspension and friction settings
  8. Press Play!

For detailed instructions, see the Setup Guide.

Use Cases

Perfect for a wide variety of vehicles:

  • Cars - sedans, sports cars, supercars, racing cars
  • Trucks - pickups, delivery trucks, semi-trucks
  • Off-Road Vehicles - SUVs, ATVs, monster trucks, rock crawlers
  • Motorcycles - street bikes, dirt bikes, choppers
  • Tanks - tracked vehicles with multiple wheels
  • Multi-Axle Vehicles - 6x6, 8x8 configurations
  • Custom Vehicles - any wheeled vehicle type

Included with NWH Vehicle Physics 2

Wheel Controller 3D is included in NWH Vehicle Physics 2, a complete vehicle simulation package with powertrain, sound, effects, modules, and more.

Other NWH Assets

Requirements

  • Unity 6000 or newer
  • URP (Universal Render Pipeline) recommended
  • Works as standalone asset or with NWH Vehicle Physics 2

Support

For questions, problems, or suggestions:

Basic support is included with the asset. We typically respond within a few hours.