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Chevrolet unveils Cosworth Performance Data Recorder for Corvette
[January 07, 2014]

Chevrolet unveils Cosworth Performance Data Recorder for Corvette


(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 07 January 2014 Release date- 06012014 - Legendary automotive brand, Chevrolet, today announced the launch of the Performance Data Recorder (PDR), developed in partnership with Cosworth.



The system will be available on the 2015 Corvette Stingray and will bring professional motor racing technology to the flagship sports car, enabling drivers to achieve the very best from themselves and their vehicle.

Cosworth, has developed state of the art data acquisition and telemetry electronics for the Corvette Racing team for over a decade (since 2000). It has drawn on this experience to develop an easy to use, factory-installed performance data system for the 2015 Corvette Stingray built on the acquisition and analytics technologies that power its professional motor racing products.


The Corvette PDR is a world-first in the high performance sports car market, integrating high-definition video with high resolution vehicle data, to produce overlay graphics that can be viewed on the vehicle infotainment display.

'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.

Cosworth's CEO, Hal Reisiger, explained the concept behind the PDR 'Drivers want professional-quality information and analysis,' he said. 'They want to improve their driving performance with state-of-the-art tools, and they want to share that information with their social networks. Quality data, personalized, from your own dashboard. Driving has joined the social revolution.' 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 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. 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 four 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 acceleration, 1/4-mile speed and elapsed time, and 0-100-0 mph runs.

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