Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, GM
GM reconfigurable performance display available 2009
Click above for high-res gallery of GM's reconfigurable performance display
As of 1996, the United States requires all new vehicles to come equipped with the OBD II on-board vehicle diagnostics system. The system utilizes an array of sensors to provide feedback on engine performance in order to aid mechanics with troubleshooting as well as maintain sufficient emissions levels. The large expense of readers and loggers has kept access to the system out of range for the majority of consumers, that is until more recently. These days electronics, such as small touch screen lcds, have become a reasonable option for data displays. The aftermarket industry has already taken the jump in releasing software that integrates OBDII output to visual digital displays. Nissan even includes a fine example of the technology in the GT-R. Now GM has developed its own performance display intended for use with ECOtec engines, specifically those of the turbocharged variety, and it will be a $295 dealer installed option beginning in 2009.
GM's Reconfigurable Performance Display can illustrate a wide range of data in gauge form, such as boost, battery voltage, air fuel ratio, cam phase angle, timing, barometric pressure and even torque and horsepower (the later two likely calculated based on other parameters). The device even includes a g-sensor, so no need for hacking your Wiimote to do the job. Traction control can also be enabled and disabled through the screen, along with shift lights for individual gears. Check out the gallery below for various screen shots. While it is apparent that the display is marketed towards Chevrolet Cobalt SS and HHR SS owners, we also presume that Saturn Sky Redline and Solstice GXP owners will get the option. Unfortunately, there is no word yet on the performance display being available for the Chevy Camaro.
Gallery: GM Performance Display
[Source: GM Tuner Source]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Torrent 2:03PM (8/26/2008)
hmmm. That's quite nifty.
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Allan 2:17PM (8/26/2008)
Was going to jump to conclusions and comment that people should just get a Scangauge II (love mine) but this does do quite a bit more. And not a terrible price either. Not bad....
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Pete 2:18PM (8/26/2008)
Some recognition!
I just bought an 09 Cobalt SS and the RPD is awesome.
The rest of the car is fantastic too. Acceleration, handling, and fuel economy...fantastic package!
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Dude 2:20PM (8/26/2008)
Be nice if it was better integrated into the dash, but looks like a cool toy none the less.
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inteller 2:23PM (8/26/2008)
so when it displays the SS Turbocharged badge do you get 20 more hp as opposed to when it displays the LTZ badge?
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Benfolio 2:24PM (8/26/2008)
Oh, something else for the kiddies to be distracted with as they try and race every Civic from every stoplight.
Thanks, GM!
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Pete 2:28PM (8/26/2008)
Don't know too man kiddies that can afford a car like this...
Benfolio 3:13PM (8/26/2008)
A Cobalt SS?
Ummm......
Have you seen how many people fresh out of driver's ed are/were driving SRT-4s, EVOs, (a handful of) STis, etc?
Whatever they want, mommy and daddy will buy. Or at least co-sign for.
Superleggera 4:07PM (8/26/2008)
Yeah, its a mad, mad world eh?
The amount of spoiled Jackasses that cant drive with brand new sportscars is getting worse than the amount of Jackasses with 80s and 90s Civics.
And the worst part is, how they drive them.
Maybe if they would be so daring as to drive stick, they would be a little more focused... But i could be very wrong.
Ex.) Kid with brand new 5sp Jetta TDi, eating, talking on a cellphone AND flying through the parking lot.
Maybe that's just him, since he is a scatterbrained moron.
Or this other Kid who IS a good drive, speeding around in a 2k-something- Pontiac GTO that his Mommy and Daddy bought for him. You know he is going to tune it. You know he is going to wreck it. And you know its because hes playing with his cellphone, or eating, or changing his pants, or playing with a GPS or something.
My Beretta gets no respect....
Big Jim Slade 5:21PM (8/26/2008)
Do people with performance cars really bother "racing" Hondas? I don't...
Like they say, "racing a Honda is like being in the special Olympics..."
RyanK 6:48PM (8/26/2008)
"Don't know too man kiddies that can afford a car like this..."
Friend of mine bought himself a brand new Cobalt SS Supercharged with everything short of the LSD on his own money (working + school, 19 years old) a year or two back. They aren't exactly expensive vehicles for someone that's actually saved their money appropriately. Sadly, most people his age are too busy blowing it on other crap.
David(Postal) 2:26PM (8/26/2008)
That is a really nice toy
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Jon Barrett 2:36PM (8/26/2008)
Keeps with the GM cheap interior feel. Anyone else think this looks like the screen of an ancient laptop computer?
http://www.classiccmp.org/dunfield/pc/h/lte5100.jpg
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tankd0g 3:07PM (8/26/2008)
It looks like the cheapest no-name satnav screen you can buy.
toronado455 3:13PM (8/26/2008)
I'd have to agree. Looks like cheap plastic interior stuff. And that border around the screen is reminiscent of an old PowerBook Duo.
retsel 2:37PM (8/26/2008)
this is very sweet...
GM need to integrate it better... and make the screen bigger(multifunction)... and capable of playing videos, mp3's etc...
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Mark 2:45PM (8/26/2008)
I've been waiting for this -- in fact I suggested just such a device on an autoblog (or BITOG) posting two or three years ago.
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tankd0g 3:02PM (8/26/2008)
Free G-Tech with every GM?
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The Other Bob 3:09PM (8/26/2008)
Awesome. Quite awesome.
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Kevin 3:40PM (8/26/2008)
looks like it was designed by kragen
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