With the release of the 2015 C7 Corvette Stingray, a number of new package features are now included with the new eight-speed automatic transmission. One of the biggest items included is Chevy’s new Performance Data Recorder (PDR), being the first production car to host a fully integrated system. The PDR allows drivers to analyze their track performance and pinpoint where mistakes were made and where there is room for improvement. With a high-definition camera facing towards the front of the car, the system records lap time on the track and can overlay this with telemetry data.

Recently at Watkins Glen International Raceway the PDR technology was put to the test with a track challenge. Professional drivers for Corvette Racing, Tommy Milner and Ron Fellows took on the PDR track challenge and teamed up with driving enthusiasts to demonstrate how this system enables drivers to nail down areas of opportunity and how an owner can use the system to make them a better and more skilled driver.

During their track experience, the driving enthusiasts ran laps around Watkins Glen with Milner and Fellows. They then jumped into the driver’s seat to run a base lap. With the benchmark lap determined, the teams reviewed the data and footage with the use of the PDR system to analyze where and how they could improve. The pro drivers, with the use of the system, were able to coach the driving enthusiasts and send them back on the track with immediate improved results.

Just like the in-car screens you see on the Web or during televised races; the drivers saw gauges, graphs and audio superimposed in real-time over a video of what the Corvette’s driver saw while navigating the race track. The data playback can be seen on either the car’s own 8-inch touchscreen or on a computer, where a more detailed analysis is available.

Previously reserved for racing teams, this system now available to the everyday driver, is taking the driving experience to a whole new level. We expect with Corvette leading the way in providing the ultimate driving experience, it won’t be long before this highly advanced system is offered in other high-end performance cars as well. When throwing down on the track, how would you use this system to improve your laps around the oval or down the straight away?