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Fast feedback: PDR for 2015 Corvette

<b>CORVETTE STINGRAY GOES HIGH-TECH:</b> The next high-performance Stingray is due in showrooms towards the end of 2015 - and will come with a top-end performance data recorder. <i>Image: Chevrolet</i>
<b>CORVETTE STINGRAY GOES HIGH-TECH:</b> The next high-performance Stingray is due in showrooms towards the end of 2015 - and will come with a top-end performance data recorder. <i>Image: Chevrolet</i>
LAS VEGAS, California – Chevrolet has announced what it claims is an "industry first" performance-data recorder for use in its 2015 Corvette Stingray.

The fully integrated system, Chev says, allows users to record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays, of driving experiences on - or off - the track.

The automaker revealed the system at a consumer electronics show in Las Vegas on Saturday (Jan 4 2014).

'RECORD - AND SHARE'

Tadge Juechter, the Corvette project's chief engineer, said: "The PDR combines the ability to record and share drive videos with the power of a professional motorsport telemetry system.

VIDEO: How it works, what it does

"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 analyse their laps in incredible detail and find opportunities to improve their times."

The PDR was developed with Cosworth, the British motorsports engineering company that supplies Corvette Racing with data acquisition and telemetry electronics systems. It will be available from the start of 2015 Corvette production towards the end of 2014.

Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The PDR system has three major components, each integrated into the Corvette Stingray's cabin.

• A high-definition camera mounted in the windscreen trim to records the driver's view. Audio is recorded through a microphone in the cabin.

• A self-contained telemetry recorder that uses a dedicated GPS receiver that is five times faster than a normal satnav so allows precise positioning and corner traces.

The recorder is also hard-wired into the Stingray's controller to access vehicle information, ranging from engine speed and gear to braking force and steering-wheel angle.

• A dedicated SD-card slot in the glove box to record and transfer video and vehicle data. Recording time depends on the capacity of the memory card but an 8GB card can record about 200 minutes, a 32GB 800 minutes – more than 13 hours of driving time.

FOUR TRACKING MODES

The PDR can record video with three data overlay options, each rendered in real time:

• Track Mode – the maximum level of data on the screen, including speed, rpm, g-force, a location-based map, lap time.
• Sport Mode – fewer details on the overlay but includes key data such as speed and g-force
• Touring Mode – simply records and displays video and audio of the drive with no data overlay
• Performance Mode – records performance metrics, such as 0-100km/h acceleration, 1/4-mile speed and elapsed time, and 0-160-0 runs.

The video can be viewed on the Stingray's 20cm colour touchscreen when the car is parked or downloaded to a computer for editing and sharing.

For users who want a more in-depth understanding of their performance, the PDR data can be opened in the included "Cosworth Toolbox" software which combines Cosworth's professional motorsport data analysis with an easy-to-use graphic interface.

CORNER TRACES, TOO

The Cosworth Toolbox application overlays recorded laps on a Bing-enabled satellite map of the track and compares 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 lap times.

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