Corvette’s Valet Mode: A Baby Monitor for Your Baby

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tOwners of the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette can rest easy when turning their keys over to a valet thanks to an industry-exclusive feature offered on the car.

tThe “valet mode” not only allows drivers to lock interior storage and disable their infotainment system — a performance data recorder facilitates the recording of video, in-car audio, and vehicle data (speed, engine RPM, gear position, and g-force).

t“Think of it as a baby monitor for your car,” says Harlan Charles, Corvette product manager. “Anyone who has felt apprehension about handing over their keys will appreciate the peace of mind of knowing exactly what happened while their baby was out of sight.”

tThe performance data recorder was initially designed as a racetrack tool, allowing drivers to record their laps and improve their driving skills.

t“We soon realized the system could have many more applications, such as recording a scenic drive up Highway 101, or recording when the valet mode is activated,” says Charles, noting that the system was developed with Cosworth, the British motorsports-engineering company that supplies the Corvette Racing team’s data acquisition and telemetry electronics systems.

tThe system includes three major components: a high-definition camera mounted within the windshield header trim, recording the driver’s point of view through the window; a self-contained telemetry recorder; and an SD-card slot in the glove box for recording and transferring video and vehicle data.

tRecorded video can be viewed instantly on the Corvette’s 8-inch color touchscreen when the car is parked, or downloaded to a computer.

tAlso included with the system is the “Cosworth Toolbox” software, which combines professional-level motorsport data analysis with an easy-to-use graphic interface for users who want a more in-depth understanding of their performance.