The new Chevrolet Corvette packs a tonne of new features that will certainly leave people drooling on this machine. Aside from its all new looks that is sharper than before, the Performance Data Recorder (PDR) is one of the many technologies stuffed into this American Muscle. Designed to provide drivers with video and telemetry of track sessions, Chevrolet now found a new use that will definitely benefit the owners in a different way.
Since cases of valet drivers or mechanics taking their client’s car for a joy ride are on the rise, Chevrolet introduced a new Valet Mode that could be included in the PDR. Working fairly similar to a nanny cam, the camera runs when the car enters Valet Mode and records both video and audio. The video could then be viewed on the car’s touchscreen or even downloaded into a computer, with information like the speed and g-force being displayed.
And one should not also be worried if the irresponsible valet driver is to erase or disable Valet Mode as the mode also disables the infotainment system and locks the storage compartments like the glove box and the cubby hole behind the touchscreen display.
The Corvette’s PDR system is developed by the same company responsible for the data acquisition system used by Corvette Racing. The system uses a 720p camera mounted inside the car on top of the windshield and comes with a dedicated microphone. The video recorded is then relayed to an 8GB SD card in the glove box which could record up to 200 minutes of driving.
If you are worried that your prized ride is being mishandled by those who were trusted upon to take care of them, the PDR is definitely one of the must-haves and not only for Corvette, but for other exotic rides like Ferrari or Lamborghini.
