Designed for the Toyota 86 sports car (GT86, Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ), the system monitors telemetry data, such as GPS location and engine rpm, that can be later used as input for the PlayStation racing game Gran Turismo 6.
Drivers can watch each real-world lap replicated virtually within the game, in the same way that a game lap can be reviewed. A virtual Toyota 86 follows the same course and heading as the real car did on the track, complete with raw data that provides a look at racing lines or braking and shift points, among other details.
“Furthermore, by using the GPS Data Visualizer in conjunction with GT6′s GPS Data Logger, users will be able to compare their own driving data against those of professional drivers, enabling study and improvement of driving techniques by practicing in concert with model braking, acceleration techniques and racing lines,” the company notes.
The system represents a new angle in telemetry recording, following on the heels of General Motors’ “Performance Data Recorder” for the new Corvette Stingray. The PDR system utilizes an HD camera and overlays telemetry information onto the screen as it would appear in a virtual racing game.
Toyota’s Sports Drive Logger initially supports only three tracks in Japan — Fuji, Tsukuba and Suzuka — though additional tracks are said to be planned for the future. It is scheduled to arrive in Japan on June 1 with a 91,800-yen (~$884 USD) price tag.
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