WORKING in conjunction with a data logging system, Hyundai has this week presented an upgraded version of its Track Maps racetrack information feature for free download to enabled N performance models.
Data logging and other relevant info’ at the racetrack is highly desirable for many enthusiast drivers who regularly test themselves and their car in the controlled high speed environment.
To get a heads-up on the track and the nitty gritty on your and your car’s performance has, in the past required sophisticated electronic equipment that came at a high cost.
Hyundai has gone a few extra steps with its new Track Maps feature compared to other savvy car-makers who provide a data logging system designed specifically to cater for so-called “track addicts”.
Data logging has been available in Hyundai’s N performance cars for a while but has been recently upgraded to include more information and specifically, relevant information on most of Australia’s main racetracks.
The full name is Hyundai N Track Maps and it contains an expanded catalogue of supported Australian circuits. Track Maps identifies when a compatible N vehicle is on a racetrack, allowing the driver to run an automatic lap timer and logger.
The function also displays vehicle position on track in the multimedia display and is available on the popular i20 N, i30 Sedan N and Kona N high performance SUV.
Users can download the Track Maps software update from the update.hyundai.com website (at no cost), and there’s no need to visit a dealership. This and subsequent software updates can be downloaded onto a USB stick and then uploaded by the user into the compatible Hyundai N model’s navigation/multimedia system. The process only takes a few minutes.
After a widget is downloaded onto the multimedia display in compatible N models, Track Maps helps the driver adopt a “Let’s Play” mind-set by displaying the circuit layout on approach.
The system intuitively identities the racetrack and layout, allowing the driver to run an automatic lap timer triggered when crossing the start/finish line, freeing brain capacity for hitting each apex, rather than a lap timer button.
The feature not only shows the position of the vehicle on track but provides live lap timing and a log of previous lap times (lap timing also displayed in the driver’s digital cluster).
This, is in addition to the data-logging offered by the N Performance Driving Data System, which provides an acceleration timer, a g-force meter, and power, torque and turbocharger boost gauges.
Track Maps first appeared in the surprisingly capable Kona N and is now available from the i20 N through to the i30 Sedan N.
The system supports, Wakefield Park Raceway (while it exists) and Sydney Motorsport Park in NSW, Winton and Sandown in Victoria, Queensland Raceway, Morgan Park and Lakeside in QLD, Mallala and The Bend in SA, Baskerville and Symmons Plains in Tasmania, Collie and Wanneroo in WA, Hidden Valley in the NT and more, including multiple layouts and separate start/finish lines where applicable.
“Every Hyundai N model has an innate sense of fun and driver involvement engineered into it,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia CEO Ted Lee.
“Now, that’s complemented by the Track Maps software that can recognise and automatically record lap times around a host of Australian racing circuits, to prompt the driver when the opportunity for driving fun arises.”
Track Maps complements all the track-focused features and technologies inherent in the Hyundai N range.