New Features Keep Corvette Fresh as Ever

There’s no question: the 2022 Chevy Corvette isn’t hurting for power. Chevy’s marquee luxury sports car has won over a fair number of drivers over the years by delivering the sort of blistering speed one expects from the segment, and this new, 490 horsepower iteration is no exception. However, sometimes the little things make all the difference, and the 2022 Corvette is packed with those under-the-radar features that can go a long way in improving your overall enjoyment behind the wheel. This is particularly well-appreciated on the Corvette, which could have easily scraped by providing the bare minimum when it comes to interior tech, safety, and comfort. Chevy took a different approach with this year’s model, crafting a stylish, race-inspired interior that punches far above the sports car’s sub-$70,000 price tag. If any of this gets your attention, we suggest visiting us at DePaula Chevy, your local NY Corvette dealership. In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at some of the best features of the 2022 Corvette.

The Sound of Speed

For many drivers, the steady roar of the 6.2-liter V8 provides the perfect soundtrack for any ride, but for those looking for something a little more melodic than the sound of 490 horses under the hood, the Corvette has you covered. The sports car comes complete with a premium Bose sound system that includes 14 individual speakers and two subwoofers to boot. Audio can be streamed from the infotainment system through connected apps or played directly from your device via a USB connection. The Corvette also comes with one year of free satellite radio, allowing drivers to connect with some old standbys or discover new favorites.

One interesting audio feature that works particularly well in the context of a sports car is the Corvette’s speed-sensitive volume control. It’s often all too easy to drown out your tunes when the vehicle’s V8 engine starts to open up, but this new system saves drivers from constantly having to readjust the volume. Simply select the level of sensitivity, and the vehicle will account for the increased engine noise produced at higher speeds ensuring you’ll never miss the good sing-along part because you were trying to overtake someone on the highway.

The audio system is controlled via the Corvette’s new 8-inch full-color touchscreen, a notable feature itself. Infotainment system touchscreens are nothing new of course, but the layout itself is worth mentioning. The touchscreen is subtly angled towards the driver, giving the interior an almost cockpit-like feel with a wide array of buttons, knobs, and instrument display systems, all within easy reach. This layout makes perfect sense in a sports car like the Corvette, but the sheer sensibility of the layout could probably be extended to a number of different vehicle types with positive results. The angle improves visibility and reduces glare, and puts the touchscreen within easy reach in a concession to safety that’s hard to argue with. Similarly, the Corvette’s climate controls are laid out in a single, top-to-bottom strip that’s both unique and eye-catching. It might take a little while to get used to, but if you ever wanted to feel like you were behind the wheel of a fighter jet while doing your daily commute, you should feel right at home.

The cockpit-like feel extends to the instrument display cluster, which has gone fully digital. These fully-customizable instrument clusters have become popular as of late and offer increased flexibility, allowing drivers to display a range of pertinent driving info consistent with their own driving style and preferences. Taking it one step further, the 2022 Corvette comes with an exciting new heads-up display (HUD) feature, which brings a little slice of sci-fi futurism into the interior. The HUD projects relevant driving data, including speed, navigation, and warnings/alerts, directly onto the windshield, allowing drivers to monitor relevant metrics without ever taking their eyes off the road. This carries obvious safety benefits and is especially helpful for turn-by-turn navigation. The system can be adjusted for brightness and position, allowing drivers to find a comfortable, unobtrusive balance that won’t interfere with visibility.

The Corvette also comes with Valet Mode, which allows for valuable peace of mind when it comes time to hand over the keys to a parking attendant. Configured through the vehicle’s infotainment screen, this mode allows drivers to limit access to certain systems and areas of the vehicle, giving you the confidence to keep your valuables safely stashed away no matter who is behind the wheel. This feature can lock down the glove compartment and center console storage compartment and prevent other drivers from accessing certain features on the infotainment system. Valet Mode also repurposes one of the Corvette’s performance-minded features as a safety measure, allowing those curious about how the car is being driven when not under their own watchful eye to set the Performance Data Recorder to automatically record when in Valet Mode. This gives drivers a sneak-peek into potential antics, but it’s far from the most interesting part of the Corvette’s Performance Data Recorder (PDR) system, so let’s take a closer look.

Forza Corvette

Cars like the 2022 Corvette are made to have their limits tested. If the exotic exterior wasn’t enough of a hint, this is a vehicle that wants to go fast, but how fast, exactly? With GM’s PDR, drivers have access to all the same performance data as some of the world’s top racing teams, with video recording and telemetry overlays turning every drive into something out of an F1 race broadcast. High-definition video and data like RPM, speed, and corner G force can be recorded during a drive then reviewed later either on the in-vehicle infotainment screen or stored on an SD card where it can be transferred to a computer and even uploaded to the internet. The system not only allows for bragging rights complete with irrefutable video evidence but can also help drivers improve their on-track performance with feedback and analysis provided by its Cosworth Toolbox software.

“The Performance Data Recorder combines the ability to record and share drive videos with the power of a professional-level motorsports telemetry system,” says Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “Drivers can easily record and share their experiences driving down the Tail of the Dragon or lapping Road Atlanta. In addition, with the included telemetry software, users can analyze their laps in incredible detail and find opportunities to improve their driving and lap times.”

The PDR system consists of three basic components: a high-definition 720p windshield-mounted camera to capture the driver’s POV, a microphone to record in-cabin audio, and a telemetry recorder that captures performance data down to the smallest increment. It’s this last bit that allows the PDR to provide the sort of precise feedback used by racing teams the world over to earn their spot on the podium, with a dedicated GPS receiver that operates at a blazingly fast 5 hertz a second.

To put this into context, the GPS system found in most vehicle’s navigation systems usually operates at around 1 hertz per second. While this is fine for turn-by-turn direction purposes, it’s not precise enough to be useful for analyzing on-track performance when it comes to positioning and corner tracing, so the upgrade here makes all the difference. That GPS data is fed into the PDR’s Controller Area Network (CAN), which reports engine speed, transmission-gear selection, braking force, and steering wheel angle.

Drivers can choose between the PDR’s five overlay options, each offering different levels of on-screen feedback. Track mode is the no-holds-barred data dump of the bunch, displaying everything from speed and g-force to a track map, lap times, and more. One step down, Sport mode is a bit less cluttered, limiting itself to details on speed and g-force. Touring mode is the most relaxed of the bunch, simply recording video and audio of the drive. Lastly, Performance mode is geared towards seeing how your vehicle stacks up against the competition, logging zero to 60 mph acceleration, 1/4-mile speed, and zero to 100 mph runs.

After data is recorded, it can be transferred using the vehicle’s integrated SD card slot with a 32-gigabyte card storing up to 13 hours of real-time driving, but that’s just the start of the fun. With the help of the Cosworth Toolbox software, drivers can feed this data into the same performance analysis software used by professional racing teams, including the Corvette racing team itself. Developed in collaboration with British motorsports engineering outfit Cosworth, the software can integrate recorded data into a satellite-based map of a specific track. This allows drivers to see how their drives stack up against the pros, tracking corner traces, speed, and cornering force and offering insight into improving one’s lap times.

“The ability to review laps between track sessions can identify immediate adjustments for quicker laps in the next session,” says Juechter. “It’s like having a 32-GB crew chief trackside providing you with real-time feedback to improve your driving skills.” The Corvette served as the initial testing ground for GM’s PDR technology as far back as 2014, but 2021 sees a new, second-generation version hitting the market, starting with high-end GM offerings like the Corvette and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. The new version features a higher-quality camera and new data overlay options, including Timing mode.

The 2022 Corvette Is Calling Your Name. Will You Answer?

Want to see how your lap times stack up with some of the world’s best? Stop by DePaula Chevy today and check out all the exciting features on the new 2022 Corvette. From its sleek interior and innovative audio features to the game-changing Performance Data Recorder, there’s a lot to love about the newest iteration of Chevy’s storied sports car. Schedule, test drive, and see just how fun your daily drive can be behind the wheel of a new Corvette.

Not in the market for a sports car? We carry a full range of quality Chevy offerings here at DePaula, from crowd favorites like the Silverado pickup and Malibu sedan to exciting new options, including the Equinox crossover and Bolt EV. We also offer a generous selection of used vehicles, including those priced under $15,000 that are sure to fit any driver’s budget. It’s not limited to just Chevys either—we buy many different makes and models, meaning there’s always a great new deal to uncover here at the dealership. With a full-service department, friendly sales staff, and experienced financing team on hand, there’s a reason we’ve been named GM Dealer of the Year 11 times in a row. Ready to get behind the wheel of your new favorite vehicle? Stop by today and experience the DePaula difference.