GM Brings Internet Connectivity to Racing, World’s Spectators

 

Consumers to receive data from Internet-wired Cadillac and Corvette race cars

AutoWorld.com - David Lee  - In what could be a major turning point in live electronic motorsports coverage, General Motors announced today that it will use its technical expertise to provide consumers with a new perspective on the term "spectator sport." On June 17-18, GM will connect consumers from around the world to race data from its Cadillac LMP and Corvette C5-R race cars on a special Web site as the two global brands compete in the fabled 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.

Anyone with access to the Internet will be able to see first-hand what has previously been exclusive to drivers and pit crews. By tuning to the "GM Experience @ Le Mans" (www.gm.com) race fans, Cadillac and Corvette enthusiasts and curious consumers alike will be able to view telemetry data from the four Cadillac and Corvette entries, including speed, braking, rpm and lateral G-force data. The GM Experience @ Le Mans will also provide visitors to the site with real-time positions of the cars on the course. A unique visual experience for race spectators on the GM Web site will be the ability to see through the drivers eyes during the day and even at night through the first ever road racing use of Cadillac's exclusive Night Vision technology.

GM’s ‘Connected Car’ Web event is an entertaining demonstration of GM’s advanced technology and our ability to connect vehicles to the Internet," said Mark Hogan, GM group vice president and president of e-GM. "Information is going to be flowing from the race cars in Le Mans, France, to homes around the world. The webcast is representative of what GM will be doing this fall with production vehicles when it connects them to the Internet."

The General Motors Experience @ Le Mans is the first of its kind in the history of GM Racing and believed to be the first Internet car racing webcast to synchronize telemetry data with in-car camera images. In addition to telemetry data, the site will also feature several more traditional Web elements, including: a multimedia gallery, hourly race coverage, historical Le Mans articles, Team Cadillac and Corvette background pages, chat rooms, a link to the official race broadcast: "Radio Le Mans," and a shopping section.

Our intent is to give race fans and Cadillac and Corvette enthusiasts the most extensive and comprehensive look at a motorsports event ever," said Hogan. "Today, consumers and race fans from around the world can be connected to share a common experience with our drivers and see how GM is applying Internet technology to the production cars they will be driving."

When Web users log on to www.gm.com and enter the "Connected Car," they will be able to select an in-car camera view from the Cadillac or Corvette race cars. The telemetry data from those vehicles will appear on the same screen. In addition, consumers will also be able to navigate a host of other interesting web features, including:
  • Virtual laps in the Cadillac LMP and Corvette race cars and Cadillac Seville STS safety vehicles.
  • Cadillac Night Vision views of the race during the evening hours.
  • Actual engine audio during the virtual laps.
  • A diagram of the track noting the car's position on the track at all times.
  • Synchronized visual representation of RPM, MPH, brake pressure and lateral G-forces with in-car camera images.
  • Videotaped laps of track with voice-overs by both Cadillac and Corvette Le Mans drivers describing how they'll drive the course.
  • Lap charts highlighting GM's cars.
  • A news section that features up-to-the minute breaking stories and photos.
  • Link to the Radio Le Mans Web site for a radio broadcast of the event.
  • Web links to other GM sites.


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