Chevrolet has announced an industry-first Performance Data Recorder (PDR) for its 2015 Corvette Stingray.
The factory-installed PDR is a fully integrated system that allows users to record high-definition (HD) video, with telemetry overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track.
"The Performance Data Recorder combines the ability to record and share drive videos with the power of a professional-level motorsports telemetry system," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "Drivers can easily record and share their experiences driving down the Tail of the Dragon or lapping Road Atlanta. In addition, with the included telemetry software, users can analyze their laps in incredible detail and find opportunities to improve their driving and lap times."
Cosworth, a British motorsports engineering company, which supplies the Corvette Racing team's data acquisition and telemetry electronics system, has developed the PDR. The automaker announced that the PDR will be available with the start of regular 2015 Corvette production towards the later part of Q3 2014.
The PDR system includes three major components, which are integrated in the Corvette Stingray. First component is the 720p, high-definition camera, which is mounted within the windshield header trim. The camera records the driver's point-of-view through the windshield. Audio is recorded using a dedicated microphone in the car's cabin.
The second is a self-contained telemetry recorder. The PDR uses a dedicated GPS receiver that operates at 5 hertz, which is five times faster than the in-dash navigation system and allows more precise positioning and corner traces. The telemetry recorder is also hard wired in the car's Controller Area Network (CAN) to access vehicle information, which ranges from engine speed and transmission gear selection to braking force and steering wheel angle.
The third and the final component of the PDR system features a dedicated SD card slot in the glove box, which is used for recording and transferring video and vehicle data. The recording time of the data depends on the capacity of the memory card. However, an 8GB card can record an estimated 200 minutes and a 32GB card can store up to around 800 minutes of data, which is equivalent to over 13 hours of driving.
Moreover, users of the PDR have the option to record real-time video with a few data overlay options. The Track Mode shows the maximum level of data on the screen, which includes speed, rpm, g-force, a location-based map, lap time and more.
The Sport Mode depicts fewer details but key data such as speed and g-force.
The Performance Mode records performance data such as 0 to 60 mph acceleration, 1/4-mile speed and elapsed time and 0-100-0 mph runs.
The PDR also has a Touring Mode that just records and displays video and audio of the drive but does not record any data overlay.
Users can view the video on the Corvette Stingray's 8-inch color touchscreen when the car is parked. Customers can also download data to a computer for further editing and sharing.
Customers can also get an in-depth understanding of their performance as the PDR vehicle data can be opened in the included "Cosworth Toolbox" software, which syndicates Cosworth's "professional-level motorsport data analysis with an easy-to-use graphic interface."
