Enthusiasts have access to a wealth of information via GM’s Performance Data and Video recorder technology, which offers the ability to pour over a track session and pinpoint where the pilot could improve their lap times and sharpen their skills behind the wheel. However, this feature shouldn’t be exclusive to GM’s performance cars – rather, it could be a good fit for GM SUVs and GM trucks as well.
Let’s start with the basics. GM’s Performance Data Recorder (or PDR for short) captures a number of important real-time data points during a high-performance driving session, such as engine rpm, ground speed, cornering G force, steering angle, selected gear, throttle / brake inputs, and lap times, all of which paint a clear picture of what the car and pilot are doing at any one particular section of the track. This data combines with high-definition video and audio to provide even greater clarity when analyzing a track session.
Introduced with the 2014 Chevy Corvette, GM’s PDR is currently available on the eighth-generation Chevy Corvette C8, sixth-generation Chevy Camaro, and a selection of Cadillac models, such as the previous-generation V-Series and current Cadillac Blackwing sedans. So then, how might it apply to something like a GM SUV or GM truck?
Well, for starters, both segments are now replete with performance models and off-roaders. For example, take the Chevy Colorado ZR2 or Silverado ZR2, or perhaps the new GMC Sierra AT4X – each of these pickups are designed specifically for off-roading. So, if a customer decides to try exactly their hand at the rough stuff, they may appreciate having onboard data collection and video to figure out where they are strong and where they are weak with regard to exploring the local trails and rock crawling.
Then there are performance models, like the new Cadillac Escalade-V, which would also benefit from some information on how the vehicle is performing, especially in terms of acceleration.
Finally, there’s a safety element to all this, as well. Back in 2020, GM Authority covered the story of a C8 Corvette owner who narrowly missed a head-on collision with motorcyclists who crossed the double yellow on a twisting two-lane road. No one was injured, but the bikes did clip the Corvette. The bikers claimed they hadn’t crossed the line, but the PDR video recording told a different story. Now, apply all that to a GM SUV or GM truck, and the applications become pretty clear.
So then – should GM SUV and GM trucks offer PDR and video recording? Let us know by voting in the poll below, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more General Motors performance news, General Motors technology news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Let’s get really basic here!
GM should make standard the video recorder option on all models that have 360 degree cameras on them. This would eliminate the need for dashcams and be extremely helpful when vehicle is involved in a crash 💥.
I could care less for the performance features, but as a 360 dashcam, I think most would want if made available.
If gm offered a teslacam rival they can say that they could add that to super cruise and build some Tesla killers.
That’s not a bad idea. Not that anyone that wants a Tesla would go near a GM product though.
Nate, Spot on. The geeks and the Silicon Valley tech crowd consider GM, Ford, and Stellantis ( except Jeep ) to be vehicles of the Deplorables. They are strictly hell bent on Tesla cars.
This is a really good idea I hope someone at GM is listening.
Does anyone know if this is something that can be added easily to a GM vehicle which already has a 360 surround cameras and a SD card reader?
It looks like it is nothing more than an app that you could download, but perhaps not. Just want the dashcam recording feature not the performance recording.
Absolutely, GM needs to afford the recording option to every vehicle. Safety is huge, the example you cite is spot on. I was recently in a pretty serious accident with my 2021 GMC Sierra. It had 904 miles on it when an out of control motorist forced me off the road. $36,000 in damages, the truck has been in the body shop since Nov 18. I was fortunate the other driver admitted to being at fault….. Make this technology record in a loop, that would be EXCELLENT!
It’s great for the Cops too!
Eliminates the he said / they said bickering at the accident scene about who was at fault and provides them with a clear picture of what exactly happened and who caused it.
In today’s world, this should be as standard as power ABS brakes IMHO.
Teslacams are great and help resolve almost 99% of the accidents their drivers get into so why not make this an industry standard!
Video can also be used by insurance companies to illustrate the severity of the injuries their clients have been subjected too and thus better seek adequate compensation for pain and suffering.
There are many advantages to having video recorders as standard features, but who really needs a data recorder for a normal truck or SUV? Leave that stuff to the sports cars!
There will be a monthly charge and one day it will go to the cloud where GM will own the data and data mine it and sell it to others
Being a Retired Police Officer who specialized in collision investigation, ALL vehicles should be equipped with a recording system. The insurance companies of today will make any excuse to go 50/50 where there is doubt. I have had one for years and i was hoping my 2021 GMC Sierra with the camera systems would have come with one. Be that as it may, take my advice as a professional and buy a “dashcam” for your vehicle. A “Picture” is worth MORE than 1000 “Words”!
Correct Barry! … And imagine if you are all alone in your vehicle and get knocked unconscious in an accident that is not your fault. While the other person explains their side, without any video evidence, you maybe assessed at fault and have little way to prove your innocence unless witnesses come forward. The video recorder will be your witness!
I’ve seen many of times when both drivers say they had a green light, but only the dashcam / video recorder can tell the truth and many police officers are extremely thankful to have the video evidence to prove who actually ran the red light and is at fault.
And that might prove to be helpful in stopping all those thoughtless idiots on the roads who choose to drag race and drive recklessly inflicting damage and injuries on the rest of us. 🤔
Somewhere in this existing technology I heavy suspect the feature to ‘record’ may already be there, just not enabled. Perhaps some after market tech company can figure it out if GM does not do this on their own. This would be a huge benefit for all the reasons those here are pointing out.
Interesting. My 2021 Sierra SLT does not have surround view, but the 2022 SLT I have on order does.
Can anyone with a Sierra and surround view check this out? That would be a great thing to discover for sure.
Barry, thank you for your service. I agree ALL vehicles should have 360 degree cameras with saved videos. But I don’t agree with the insurance company’s new gimmick. They are promoting what they call the Safe Driver program to reduce your premiums. They will send you a reader you install into the vehicle diagnostics plug-in. Then THEY know everything you do, go, or say (it might have a mic). So, let’s say one day you’re driving in a 45mph but actually you are driving 50mph? Week later you get a email from your insurance company stated you were SPEEDING, We are informing you of reckless driving and your insurance rate has increased $100.00. It’s like Big Brother is tracking your every move and invading your privacy. No thank you .
Thanks Gary, I was NOT aware of that Information but it would not surprise me. When they talk of “Over the AIR” updates, who really knows what information is really being relayed and to who. Guess I will stay with my “Aftermarket” Dash Cam. Maybe we should say Be Careful WHAT you Wish For. You never know what “Strings” are attached.
Drive Safe, Be Healthy!