Corvette & Cosworth Introduce Industry's First Performance Data Recorder Telemetry System

Chevrolet used the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to introduce what it says is an industry first for the 2015 Corvette, a factory equipped Performance Data Recorder that integrates video, audio and motorsport inspired telemetry recording to improve driver technique and lap times. Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer, said in a statement, “The Performance Data Recorder combines the ability to record and share drive videos with the power of a professional-level motorsports telemetry system. 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.” The PDR will be available when the 2015 Corvette goes on sale in the third quarter of 2014 and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The PDR, system was developed with Cosworth, the British engineering company that already supplies the factory Corvette Racing team’s data acquisition and telemetry system. The PDR system has three major components, a 720P HD video camera mounted in the windshield header trim that gives a driver’s point-of-view, a self-contained telemetry recorder that uses a dedicated GPS receiver operating at 5 hz. That’s five times faster than a typical navigation system and allows for more precise locating and corner traces. The recorder also is connected to the Corvette’s Controller Area Network, or CAN, giving it access to vehicle information including engine speed, transmission performance, braking forces and steering wheel angle. The third component is a dedicated SD card slot in the glove box for recording and transferring video and data. An 8 gigabyte card will be able to record about 200 minutes and a 32 gig card will store up to 13 hours of driving time. A dedicated microphone records audio.

In addition to Touring Mode, which simply records and displays video and audio of the drive, there area three data overlay options for the display, rendered in real time:

• Track Mode – shows the maximum level of data on the screen, including speed, rpm, g-force, a location-based map, lap time and more.
• Sport Mode – shows fewer details on the overlay but includes key data including speed and g-force
• Performance Mode – records performance metrics, such as 0 to 60 mph acceleration, 1/4-mile speed and elapsed time, and 0-100-0 mph runs.

The finished video can be downloaded to a computer for editing and sharing. PDR videos can also be viewed on the Stingray’s 8″ color touchscreen when the car is parked.

If drivers want to dig deeper into their performance, the package comes with “Cosworth Toolbox” software, that combines Cosworth’s professional-level motorsport data analysis with an easy-to-use graphic interface.

For users who want a more in-depth understanding of their performance, the PDR vehicle data can be opened in the included “Cosworth Toolbox” software, Cosworth’s professional-level motorsport data analysis tool. The application overlays recorded laps on a Bing-enabled satellite map of the track. Then it compares actual corner traces, vehicle speed and cornering forces from selected laps to help drivers improve their speed through corners and overall lap times.

“The ability to review laps between track sessions can identify immediate adjustments for quicker laps in the next session,” said Juechter. “It’s like having a 32-GB crew chief trackside providing you with real-time feedback to improve your driving skills.”