Chevy Corvette Stingray goes high-tech with Performance Data Recorder
Sun, 05 Jan 2014
If the Chevrolet Corvette isn't the first vehicle that comes to mind when you think of technological innovation – there is, after all, something resolutely old-school about even the latest Stingray – it might be time to recalibrate your viewpoint.
Announced today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is the new Corvette Performance Data Recorder. Developed with Cosworth, the system incorporates a high-definition 720p video camera in the windshield header, a microphone in the cabin and a GPS receiver that tracks the vehicle's location five times faster than the navigation system.
The system allows drivers to record their pedal-to-the-metal romps behind the wheel of their Stingray, overlay the footage with telemetry data (in Track, Sport, Touring or Performance mode) and save it to the SD card in the glove box. They can then review it by the side of the road or track on the Corvette's eight-inch dashboard display, or load it onto their computer to share with other enthusiasts and analyze with the Cosworth Toolbox software.
The system will be made available on 2015 Corvettes starting later this year, with pricing yet to be announced. If you like what you see so far, you can delve into all the details in the press release and videos below, and be sure to check out the gallery of screen captures above.
Fast Feedback: Corvette Performance Data Recorder
• Industry-first system features integrated video, audio, and motorsport-inspired telemetry recording capability
• HD-quality videos can be reviewed in-car (when parked), or downloaded to a personal computer for sharing via social media
• Data can be uploaded to Cosworth Toolbox telemetry software, similar to that used by Corvette Racing, to improve driver's techniques and lap times
LAS VEGAS – At the Consumer Electronics Show today, Chevrolet announced an all-new, industry-first Performance Data Recorder will be available on the 2015 Corvette Stingray. The fully integrated system enables users to record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays, of their drive 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." The Performance Data Recorder (PDR) system was developed with Cosworth, the British motorsports-engineering company that also supplies the Corvette Racing team's data acquisition and telemetry electronics system. It will be available with the start of regular 2015 Corvette production, later in the third quarter of 2014. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
The PDR system includes three major components, all seamlessly integrated into the Corvette Stingray's interior. First is the 720p, high-definition camera, mounted within the windshield header trim, which records the driver's point-of-view through the windshield. Audio is recorded via a dedicated microphone in the cabin. Second is a self-contained telemetry recorder. The system uses a dedicated GPS receiver that operates at 5 Hz, 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. Recording time depends on the capacity of the memory card, but an 8GB card can record approximately 200 minutes, while a 32GB card stores up to about 800 minutes – more than 13 hours of driving time.
The PDR system can record video with three data overlay options, each 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
• Touring Mode – no data overlay; it simply records and displays video and audio of the drive
• Performance Mode – records performance metrics, such as 0 to 60 mph acceleraiton, 1/4-mile speed and elapsed time, and 0-100-0 mph runs. The video can be viewed on the Corvette Stingray's eight-inch color touchscreen (when the car is parked), or downloaded to a computer for further editing, and sharing video via social media sites.
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, which combines Cosworth's professional-level motorsport data analysis with an easy-to-use graphic interface.
The Cosworth Toolbox application 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.
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, proving you with real-time feedback to improve your driving skills."
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
About Cosworth
Cosworth leverages its brand and motorsports-inspired engineering and manufacturing capabilities to supply electronics and powertrain technologies to premium high-performance vehicle manufacturers. Cosworth was founded in 1958. With headquarters in Northampton, UK, the company employs staff across Europe and the USA. Cosworth can be found at www.cosworth.com.
By Noah Joseph