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[VIDEO] Chevrolet Introduces the 2015 Corvette’s Performance Data Recorder at CES

[VIDEO] Chevrolet Introduces the 2015 Corvette's Performance Data Recorder at CES

We are just over a week away from the introduction of the 2015 Corvette Z06 but thanks to the Consumer Electronics Show kicking off a week before NAIAS, we’re getting a preview of a very cool new tech feature coming to Corvette in 2015.

It’s called the Performance Data Recorder – an advanced video capture system with motorsport-inspired telemetry that drivers can download, view and share.

Chevrolet is introducing the new system at the Consumer Electronics Show on Sunday in Las Vegas.

The Corvette Performance Data Recorder is an integrated audio/video recording system which allows Corvette drivers to record high definition video with telemetry overlays while driving both on and off the track. The telemetry can include data ranging from speed and rpms as well as a G-force meter and showing the location on a track via GPS.

“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.”

Three major components make up the Performance Data Recorder system – the camera, telemetry system and the SD card.

Recording a driver’s view of the action is a 720p high definition camera which is mounted within the windshield header trim. Audio is also recorded via a dedicated microphone in the car’s interior.

The telemetry system, developed with Cosworth who also supplies similar equipment to Corvette Racing, uses a dedicated GPS receiver and operates at 5Hz which Chevrolet claims is five times faster than the in-dash NAV system for more precise positioning. The recorder is hard wired into the Stingray’s Controller Area Network to gain access to vehicle’s information including speed and rpms, transmission gear selection, braking force and steering wheel angle.

The final piece of the system is the dedicated SD card slot in the glove box for recording and transferring the drivers exploits and the vehicle’s data. Recording time is estimated to be up to 800 minutes of video on a 32 GB card. That’s more than 13 hours of drive 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.

For those that track their Corvettes, the PDR can be used to gain a greater understanding of their performance driving. Cosworth is including a “software toolbox” which will combine professional-level motorsport data analysis with an easy to use interface.

The Cosworth application will give drivers the ability to compare selected laps in detail, from any point on the drive. Comparisons include corner traces, vehicle speed and cornering force.

Chevrolet Introduces the 2015 Corvette's Performance Data Recorder at CES Chevrolet Introduces the 2015 Corvette's Performance Data Recorder at CES Chevrolet Introduces the 2015 Corvette's Performance Data Recorder at CES
Chevrolet Introduces the 2015 Corvette's Performance Data Recorder at CES Chevrolet Introduces the 2015 Corvette's Performance Data Recorder at CES  

In addition to downloading the video for later viewing, the video can be viewed on the Corvette Stingray’s eight-inch color touchscreen when the car is parked.

“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.”

Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner drove a Corvette Stingray equipped with the Performance Data Recorder at Sebring International Raceway:

Chevrolet also posted this How-To video for the PDR:

From our conversations with Corvette Team members at a recent briefing about the PDR, we were told that the system will ship on 2015 Corvettes and is not something that can be retrofitted for the 2014 Corvette Stingrays.

With the ease that the Performance Data Recorder will allow weekend warriors the ability to capture their drives, we are sure to see a flood of PDR videos on YouTube and other Corvette video sharing websites once the system ships with the 2015 Corvette.

Source:
Chevrolet

Related:
Report: 2015 Corvette to Get 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
[PICS] 2015 Corvette Z06 Photoshopped and LT4 Engine Photo Leaked
2015 Corvette Z06 to be shown at January’s Detroit Auto Show

 

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2014 Camaro Z/28 To Retail For $75,000, Orders To Begin Soon

2014 Chevy Camaro Z28
2014 Chevy Camaro Z28

From Chevrolet News 1-3-14

Chevrolet announced the 2014 Camaro Z/28 will go on sale this spring with a suggested retail price of $75,000, including a $995 destination charge, but excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees.

The new Z/28 is offered in five exterior colors – Red Hot, Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Ashen Gray Metallic and Summit White. Only a single option is available: A $1,150 package that adds air conditioning and a total of six audio speakers. The standard Z/28 package includes one speaker.

“The Camaro Z/28 is an uncompromising performer that’s bred for the track – and every one of its unique components supports the goal of faster lap times,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America.

“It takes the Z/28 back to its racing roots and adds to the strong lineup of Chevrolet performance cars, including a revamped Camaro SS and supercharged ZL1, as well as the SS sedan, Corvette Stingray convertible and 2015 Corvette Z06, which we’ll introduce at the North American International Auto Show next week.”

The Z/28’s unique exterior is designed like a race car to produce downforce that presses the tires against the track for greater grip – up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration – and faster lap times.

The aerodynamically optimized design helped the Camaro Z/28 log a  lap on Germany’s legendary Nürburgring road course that was four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1’s and beat published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

Power comes from the 7.0L LS7 engine, with dry-sump oiling, rated at an SAE-certified 505 horsepower (376 kW) and 481 lb-ft of torque (652 Nm). The engine will be built by hand at the new Performance Build Center within GM’s Bowling Green assembly plant.

A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is the only transmission offered and power is distributed to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs, for optimal traction.

The differential works in unison with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system, allowing drivers to adjust the level of throttle and braking intervention to match their capability and driving environment.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Old and New
2014 Camaro Z/28 vs. 1967 Camaro Z/28. Lightweight, nimble and incredibly powerful, the original Z/28 was designed for road racing. The 2014 Z/28 carries the same spirit, with every detail engineered specifically to create the ultimate track-capable Camaro.

The Camaro Z/28 is also one of the first production cars fitted with race-proven, spool-valve dampers, which allow four-way damping control, enabling engineers to precisely tune both bump and rebound settings for high-speed and low-speed wheel motions. The wider tuning range also allows dramatically greater damper stiffness without a significant change in ride quality.

Additional chassis changes include stiffer spring and bushing rates for improved cornering response.

Lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires reduce unsprung weight by 49.6 pounds (22.5 kilograms) per car compared to the 20-inch wheels standard on Camaro SS and ZL1.

The massive 305/30ZR19 PZero Trofeo R tires represent the first production-car application in the industry and are believed to be the widest front tire on any production car. To fully exploit their grip, the Z/28 also features Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrixâ„¢ rotors and fixed, monoblock calipers.

The large 394 x 36 mm front rotors are paired with six-piston calipers, while the 390 x 32 mm rear rotors are paired four-piston calipers. Compared to similar-size, two-piece steel rotors, the lightweight carbon discs save 28 pounds (12.5 kg) per car.

The combination of tire grip and braking power enable the Camaro Z/28 to achieve at least 1.5 g in deceleration. With standard front brake cooling ducts, the Z/28 is also capable of continuous track use.

Interior details

On the interior, the Camaro Z/28 features trim in a distinctive, matte-metallic finish called Octane, a flat-bottom steering wheel and Recaro seats with microfiber inserts.

The seats feature aggressive bolsters for high-performance driving, as well as seat cutouts inspired by the five-point harnesses found on racing seats. To save weight, both front seats incorporate manual adjustment.

The rear seats of the Z/28 have also been modified for weight reduction. Nine pounds, or four kilograms, were saved by eliminating the seat-back pass-through, as well as using high-density foam in place of the rigid structure of the seat back and steel mesh of the seat bottom.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 side view
2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 side view

Additional examples of weight savings include:

  • Elimination of the tire-inflator kit, except for Rhode Island and New Hampshire, where it is required by law
  • Removal of some interior sound deadener, as well as trunk carpet
  • Use of a smaller, lighter battery
  • Thinner  rear-window glass – 3.2 mm vs. the standard 3.5 mm
  • Elimination of high-intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps and fog lights
  • No air conditioning except as part of the single option package.

The Camaro Z/28 will be available to order in late January with the first cars delivered to customers in the spring.

Rights to the first Camaro Z/28, VIN 0001, will be auctioned at Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. on January 18.

The Z/28’s suggested retail price includes destination and freight charges, as well as the gas-guzzler tax.