The increasing accuracy of video game racing simulators is creating a global community of digital data freaks. Is AMG Performance Media the first serious attempt to tap this new kind of enthusiasm?
Performance Media is fully integrated with Comand
This is a tale that likely starts with the Nissan GT-R. The supercar that isn't features virtual instrumentation with graphic design by Gran Turismo. But while it's fun to scroll through your highest achieved g-loadings and watch the boost pressure spike, you can't really do anything with this data - it's just useless bragging rights.
AMG Performance Media is different. Introduced with the SLS Roadster earlier this year as an optional extra , it was fitted to all the C63 Blacks at Laguna Seca ; fully assimilated within Mercedes' Comand infotainment system, at its base level this too offers virtual dials and other twiddly bits - all without mucking up the satnav.
Beyond this basic functionality, however, there is Race mode. A genuinely integrated data logger, and then some, Race mode is like having your own F1 telemetry.
Every last detail of you lap is recorded
Once Race is set-up with a circuit layout, APM will record every lap in minute detail, giving you moment by moment data on parameters that include speed, steering angle, throttle percentage, brake percentage and lateral acceleration (that's g-level) - not to mention time. You can then compare this data on a lap-by-lap basis, to see exactly where you lost or gained, and the attitude of the car at that particular instant.
Already it sounds like quite the handy utility for the serious track hound. But it gets better: not only can you import new tracks as they become available, you can actually record your own. Meaning if AMG's technicians haven't yet officially logged your local circuit you can create your own template and still exploit APM to improve your performance. You can then export that track via USB, ready for sharing with other APM users.
How do you compare with Schneider? Go on, guess...
Can you see the potential? AMG has the opportunity to create an entire community here, based around shared circuit data. While there is no finalised desktop application yet, it's coming, and the obvious next step extension is to enable users to share their lap times and traces within this community. Comparable virtual bragging rights, but from the physical realm.
And this is just the start. Imagine being able to compare your lap times around a famous circuit with someone like Bernd Schneider, driving an identically specified car. AMG is seriously considering making the former DTM champion's lap data available to APM users, so they can see where they're losing time to the firm's current brand ambassador.
We tried AMP in the C63 Black Series
AMG is also already looking to use APM is a training tool in its driver academies. Something as simple as a slalom course becomes a genuinely useful source of information with this system, as it can track whether you make the same steering inputs turning right as you do turning left. That's just one example - put your mind to it, and the possibilities are almost endless.
Giving out Schneider's ultimate lap time straight away could be disheartening, for example - perhaps even dangerous - so we've already suggested allowing users to 'unlock' faster guide times as they get consistently capable at their current level. We're sure you guys can think of plenty more, so let's have those ideas - AMG wants to know.