This unassuming box from Cosworth is the brains behinds GM’s performance data recorder. It’s usually located in the passenger footwell under the carpet pad.
Results from the world’s first auto races, as early as the 1860s, were recorded in local newspapers in England and France. Today, thanks to modern technology, every movement of your car on the track or highway can be automatically recorded for history.
A performance data recorder (PDR) makes a video—and tracks GPS coordinates and detailed engine data. These devices give you a data-rich picture of your driving performance.
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GM’s Performance Data Recorders
In 2015, General Motors started offering a performance data recorder in the C7 Corvette Stingray, Z06, and Grand Sport. Later, the company expanded the data offerings to some Camaro and Cadillac models. The system utilizes a high-definition video camera to record the driver’s view through the windshield. A microphone picks up audio as well. The system simultaneously records GPS and engine data. The video, audio, and data are blended into reports stored on a removable SD card.
Video cameras with PDR functionality come in various shapes and sizes.
The GM system offers four recording modes: Sport, Track, Performance Timing, and No Overlay. The main idea is to provide feedback for improving your driving skills. For example, you can play back the video right away to analyze your approach to a curve—the exact moments when you accelerate or brake.
Instant playback from a performance data recorder allows you to make adjustments on your very next lap.
Alternatively, software from England’s Cosworth and others provides a deeper dive into the data—viewable from the comfort of your home. Cosworth also develops racing technology for the Corvette and Porsche racing teams and Indy cars.
PDRs Add Security
One of the most practical features is valet mode. In this mode, the PDR starts recording the vehicle’s movement until a password is provided. Maybe you’ve seen YouTube videos of parking valets mistreating luxury vehicles as soon as the owner is out of sight.
There might be privacy issues to consider. Some states have strict rules for when you can record data and audio.
Aftermarket PDRs
If your GM performance car didn’t come with a performance data recorder, that’s okay. eBay sells PDRs for a wide range of vehicles. Of course, you need to install the components after purchase, but most of the wiring is plug-and-play.
Porsche provides performance data recording via its optional Sport Chrono smartphone app for the 911 GT3 and other models. The app pre-configures the layout of several world-class racing venues. Or you can take a practice lap to teach the system about the course.
Dash Cams with PDR Features
These purpose-built performance data recorders might not be compatible with your car. But there’s a solution: dash cameras that also use accelerometers and gyros to measure vehicle performance. Some cameras connect via a modern car’s OBDII port to log engine performance—and match it to the recorded video.
Other dash cameras immediately display performance data on a smartphone app. The data is combined with the phone’s built-in GPS coordinates to create the analytics needed to improve your driving skills.
Some PDRs can play back on your phone as soon as finish a lap.
Some cameras with PDR functions include a video screen for instant playback.
Using a data-recording device is only helpful if you spend the time to analyze the numbers. But if you put in the effort, you can learn a lot—such as when you shifted, where you hit the brakes, and your exit speed coming out of a corner. Some software packages offer suggestions about how to improve your performance by dissecting the track into specific segments.
These analytics can help you focus on improving performance on specific twists and turns. And it will give you insight into combining each segment into a perfect complete lap. When that happens, the PDR even allows you to show off your mad skills by uploading your videos on social media.
