Data Logger Visualization

GTPlanet was invited to test Gran Turismo 6’s new GPS Data Visualizer functionality during a special preview event at Willow Springs. As part of the event, I had the honor of being one the first members of the public to try out the new feature and to drive a version of the Scion FR-S equipped with a GT6-compatible ECU.

It’s been a while since we’ve heard about Gran Turismo’s GPS “Data Logger” functionality, formally revealed at a joint press event between Polyphony Digital and Toyota at Fuji Speedway almost exactly one year ago.

Since the technology was first announced in January of 2010, Gran Turismo’s “Data Logger” has been mentioned a few times a year. As the first car to support it, the Toyota 86, makes its way into the world market, we’re finally learning a bit more about the product.

After more than a year without any mention of Gran Turismo 5’s real-world visualization capabilities, the novel feature has suddenly returned to the spotlight with the debut of the Scion FR-S/Toyota 86.

Remember Gran Turismo 5’s “data logger visualization” tech demo?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRjFN1x9hGA

Here’s a closer look at GT5’s “Data  Logger Visualization” feature that was just announced at last weekend’s Tokyo Auto Salon, complete with video of a Lexus IS-F outfitted with the necessary gadgets doing a lap around Fuji.

Here’s some of the first news to come out of the Tokyo Auto Salon 2010: Polyphony Digital has partnered with auto technology company Denso to develop a “GPS-track day unit”, one of which will be included in the new Toyota FT-86G. It works by monitoring your position as you put in hot laps around a real-world track (which is also in GT5, of course). Pull the memory card out of your car and plug it into your PS3, and the data collected will be used to reconstruct your lap within the game. From there, you’ll be able to watch your replay or compete against yourself by loading the replay as a “ghost” car.