Corvette's Performance Data Recorder Lets You Show Off Your Hot Lap
Tech to prove your mettle or improve your skill
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Plenty of fitness wearables debuting at CES measure the human body's performance, so it only makes sense that Chevy brought a data recorder that helps drivers improve their skills.
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Developed with the British engineering company Cosworth, the Performance Data Recorder (PDR) will be available on the 2015 Corvette Stingray. It can record HD video and overlay it with vehicle telemetry data such as position, engine speed, gear selection, braking force and steering angle.
The PDR includes a 720p camera and microphone, and an ultra-precise telemetry system that taps into vital vehicle systems to record performance data. Its GPS is five times faster than an in-dash GPS system, meaning it can record exactly how a vehicle enters a corner, for example.
In Track Mode, the PDR records speed, RPM, and g-force all on a location-based map. Sport and Touring mode record fewer details but retain video. Performance Mode can record a 0-60 time, a quarter mile, or a run from 0 to 100 to 0.
While it may sound tailor-made for helping drivers show off, it's designed to help drivers get better on the track. The Cosworth Toolbox software offers a detailed analysis of how well a driver maintained consistency across laps. By highlighting what drivers did well and what needed improvement, Cosworth Toolbox can improve lap times.
The PDR allows for 800 minutes of recording time on a 32 GB SD card. That video can be viewed on the Corvette's 8-inch touchscreen, or downloaded to a computer.