Chevrolet has announced the launch of a Performance Data Recorder (PDR) for the MY2015 Corvette Stingray. Developed in conjunction with Cosworth, the PDR will enable owners of the sports car to view telemetry in order to improve their own driving experience.
The two companies have already worked extensively together, with Cosworth providing Corvette Racing with data acquisition and telemetry equipment for over a decade. Cosworth has drawn on this experience to develop the PDR, billed as an ‘easy to use, factory-installed performance data system’.
The system works around three major components, which are all seamlessly integrated into the Corvette Stingray’s interior. Mounted within the windshield header trim is a 720p, high-definition camera, which records the driver’s point-of-view through the windshield, and is accompanied by a dedicated microphone in the cabin to record audio. Accompanying this, is a self-contained data acquisition recorder. The system uses a dedicated GPS receiver that operates at 5Hz, five times faster than the in-dash navigation system, for more precise positioning and corner traces. The recorder is also hard-wired into the Stingray’s Controller Area Network (CAN) to access vehicle information, ranging from engine speed and transmission-gear selection to braking force and steering wheel angle. Finally, the system features a dedicated SD-card slot in the glove box for recording and transferring video and vehicle data.
“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 software users can analyze their laps in incredible detail, and find opportunities to improve their driving and lap times.”
The Cosworth Toolbox application included with the PDR, overlays recorded laps on a Bing-enabled satellite map of the track, and features an easy-to-use interface to compare selected laps in detail, for any requested point on the drive. Comparisons include corner traces, vehicle speed, and cornering force to help drivers improve their driving consistency, and ultimately lap times.
