Friday 2nd December 2011

AMG Performance Media

Forget the wobbly YouTube clip - AMG's latest gizmo takes track bragging rights to new heights

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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.

 

[MagicalTrevor]

I like it, quite a nice addition.

However, don't many track day organisers prohibit the use of timing equipment? Granted, they're not going to know, but still... on a technicality...

[ugg10]

Is there a map of the M25 on there ?

All joking aside, great for proper track days and driver training but would there be anything stopping you inputting a map of your local streets and then sharing this for others to try and beat your time. I am sure sensible, well adjusted £100k+ merc drivers (big assumption) would not take advantage of this but if this gadget trickles it's ways down the tree to be on hot hatches in the future I am sure there would be an underground club formed for swapping MacD carpark maps in the future :-)

[snorkel sucker]

The most pointlessly cool thing of 2011?

Its a good idea, but not really something that you can't get out of similar systems already available on the market, although, granted, they aren't fully integrated into the car itself.

What is the trackday legislation for these kinds of gizmos? The trackdays I have done have explicitly ruled out any sort of timing for insurance purposes presumably (the TDO / Circuit, as well as the individual as I understand it)

That said, there is something very intruiging about knowing how you compare to others. Question is...is the Merc the kind of car people buy specifically for track day antics? Surely if you had that kind of cash, you'd go for a GT3, wouldn't you?!

[TheDeadPrussian]

Anyone one who has ever used Racelogic Video V-Box data etc can attest to how addictive this can become!
It is however, a really useful tool for racing and for trackday enthusiasts. The sharing of data with others can make for huge improvements in lap times.

Trackday operators do mostly specifically prohibit timing during their trackdays. I think this may be a requirement of their insurance and circuit hire etc, but I am sure a trackday operator will be along shortly to clarify.
But, as this system is GPS based and does not require a timing beacon placed on the pit wall etc, it would be difficult to enforce – as it is with other GPS based data logging equipment at present.

Alternatively, obtain a National B Licence and go testing!

[J-P]

Great plan - I really like this idea. The car should be awesome too!

[ThunderSpook]

I thought it was going to say you could download your data in to something like GT5 or Forza and have your own lap time as a ghost car in the game.

[PaulMoor]

TheDeadPrussian said:

But, as this system is GPS based and does not require a timing beacon placed on the pit wall etc, it would be difficult to enforce – as it is with other GPS based data logging equipment at present.

Surely the problem at the moment is finding the equipment. The track owners don't want to go checking all of the cars and will deny all knowledge if there is any problems. In this case though plausible deniability disappears as it is not an aftermarket item.

[JJ78]

ThunderSpook said:

I thought it was going to say you could download your data in to something like GT5 or Forza and have your own lap time as a ghost car in the game.

never thought of that but that is a superb idea!

[Steve in Stoke]

ThunderSpook said:

I thought it was going to say you could download your data in to something like GT5 or Forza and have your own lap time as a ghost car in the game.

Likewise, that had to be the way foreward, or at least some forum of visualisation of the lap on screen.

[J B L]

Good business idea to pre-load professional drivers' lap time!

AMG Parts department are already rubbing their hands

[RedWater]

How much is this as an option? How does it compare to the alternatives already available?

I love the idea of all this!

[Z4MCoupe]

Although not quite to the same level as the AMG stuff I have been using this software to analyse track data from the sport chrono recordings in my Porsche Cayman S. The Porsche system clearly records a lot of data that is not actually visible or beyond the capabilities of the in car system to display.

Think this has been developed by a guy in the Netherlands. http://www.chronolyze.com/login.php?gclid=CLDyzda4...

[wtdoom]

God I cant wait for this car ...

[Codswallop]

Never thought I would say this, but I really want a bright yellow Mercedes. That looks

[Bill]

J B L said:

Good business idea to pre-load professional drivers' lap time!

AMG Parts department are already rubbing their hands

"Well, this is the point I start gaining on him, and this is where I hit the armco."

[Tankslider]

I thought Fiat / Alfa already could do this in with the Blue and Me track add-on. In the dash, performance datalogging that you can then compare with others.

Been out two years.

[GT3ZZZ]

RedWater said:

How much is this as an option?

Its £2,040

[Johnboy Mac]

GT3ZZZ said:

Its £2,040

Just give the car sans the gizmos and I'll burn the 2k up in fuel. Awesome looking machine.

[Roop]

Great stuff...! Integrate with two wide angle HD video cameras. One internal facing the driver and one forward facing external dumping to a single SD card or USB socket (for stick or hdd). Desktop app to have basic editing with overlay of telemetry . Lovely.

Cameras permanently active when car is started or moving and double up as a crash / theft recorder.

[WCZ]

GT3ZZZ said:

Its £2,040

Is this only an option on the blacks?