LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet announced at the Consumer Electronics Show today an industry-first Performance Data Recorder for the 2015 Corvette Stingray. The fully integrated system enables users to record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays, of their driving 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, or PDR, system was developed with Cosworth, the British motorsports-engineering company that 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 a 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 hertz, or cycles per second. That is five times faster than the in-dash navigation system and allows more precise positioning and corner traces. The recorder is also hard-wired into the Stingray’s Controller Area Network, or 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 8-gigabyte card can record approximately 200 minutes, while a 32-GB 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 – simply records and displays video and audio of the drive with no data overlay
• 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 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 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 ultimately their 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.”

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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.

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

 

SPECIAL EVENT PRECEDING REVEAL OF CORVETTE Z06 AND C7.R

DETROIT – The 2015 Corvette Z06 and the all-new C7.R represent the next evolution in the Corvette Stingray, the industry’s most awarded car in 2013. Continuing the momentum, the reveal of the Z06 and the C7.R will be live streamed on Monday, January 13 during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The live stream will be available at  ( chevy.com/Z06reveal ) beginning at 9:30 a.m. EST with a special event leading into the press conference, which begins at 10 a.m. EST in the Chevrolet Exhibit at COBO Hall.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray is one of three finalists for the North American Car of the Year, on which 48 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada vote to recognize the most outstanding vehicles of the year based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.