Blog / Cadillac Technology

What Is Cadillac Super Cruise?

Black Cadillac car from the front on top of parking garage with lights on

Many of the features available on today's new Cadillac vehicles are designed to enhance the overall driving experience. While some features aim to help keep drivers safer, such as forward collision mitigation and lane departure warnings, others are made to make the drive a little easier and more enjoyable. Cadillac Super Cruise is a technology that you'd think will be available sometime in the far future, but it's already here on select models. So, what is this amazing technology known as Cadillac Super Cruise?

What Is Cadillac Super Cruise?

Image via Unsplash by sniperprincezz

Simply put, Cadillac Super Cruise is a completely hands-free driver-assistance feature available on the 2018-2020 Cadillac CT6, the 2021 Cadillac CT4, CT5, and Escalade, as well as the 2023 Lyriq. Super Cruise is only available for use on limited-access highways as a semi-autonomous hands-free driving system. This system does require driver attention at all times to operate, so if you think you can set it and then go about reading the morning paper, it doesn't quite work that way. Super Cruise allows you to drive hands-free, including during lane changes.

How Does Cadillac Super Cruise Work?

Cadillac uses two advanced technologies, combined with many radar sensors and cameras, to operate Super Cruise. The driver attention system works with the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) map data to create this hands-free driving experience. This system needs to provide a lot of information about the road to both the driver and the vehicle to work.

In order for Super Cruise to work, you need to have the adaptive cruise control enabled. Then, it's as simple as tapping the Super Cruise button mounted on the steering wheel. When the IP symbol lights along with the steering wheel's light bar, then you're ready to cruise along hands-free. The only thing you need to do is keep your eyes on the road. Super Cruise requires a driver's full attention to operate. There's a small camera that uses infrared lights mounted on the steering column to monitor the driver's attention.

You can turn off the Super Cruise by either pressing the gas pedal or pressing the button on the steering wheel again. It automatically shuts off if the driver's attention isn't on the road or ignores warning such as light bar flashes, audible warnings, or seat vibrations.

If the camera senses that your eyes have been off the road for more than four or five seconds, these warnings will be activated to try to redirect your attention. If you're no longer paying attention and warnings aren't doing the trick, the system will first deactivate the Super Cruise but can also bring your car to a stop and alert OnStar.

Super Cruise works much like the other assisted driving systems by using the real-time data available from GPS, radars, and cameras on the vehicle. Super Cruise adds one more piece of technology to the mix. The LiDAR-scanned map uses technology to survey and scan your surroundings to detect objects in order to build out 3D maps in near real-time. This piece of technology is the key to hands-free driving.

Advantages of Cadillac Super Cruise

While you're not able to watch funny cat videos or read a book while driving, there are some advantages to a hands-free driving experience. Super Cruise allows you to have your hands available while driving, maintain a constant pace, and keep you centered in the lane. You're free to dig in your handbag, eat your burger, or grab a quick sip of coffee, as long as your eyes remain on the road ahead of you.

You can even change lanes using Super Cruise by simply activating the turn indicator. Doing so will cause the Super Cruise to look for a gap in traffic. Not only do the cameras and sensors search for an upcoming gap big enough for your vehicle to slide into, but they also watch for traffic that is moving at a faster pace to avoid collision with a fast-approaching vehicle. Once you're centered in your new lane, a message will remind you to turn off your indicator.

Updates to Cadillac Super Cruise

The ability to change lanes is one of the updates to the Super Cruise since 2017. Another update relates to enabling the system. Previously, the driver would turn on adaptive cruise control and then hit the dedicated button for Super Cruise, but Super Cruise wouldn't engage until the car was perfectly centered in the lane. Now, once you activate it, the system will take over the steering and center itself.

The newer Super Cruise system also has improved software for speed control and steering to make the driving experience smoother, even when driving hands-free. The system also slows the vehicle down in a more human-like manner when changing lanes or coming up on a curve. There's also updated map information added to this next-generation Super Cruise. While Super Cruise technology enhances the driving experience, it's important to note that the driver is still responsible for the vehicle and accountable should something go wrong.

Contact Rydell Cadillac

If hands-free driving intrigues you, visit us at Rydell Cadillac of Grand Forks. A knowledgeable team member will be happy to answer any questions you may have, give you a tour of our showroom, and even get you set up for a test drive in a model to check it out for yourself. You can also contact us online, and we'll reach out to you as soon as possible.

Posted in:

Related Posts

A Comprehensive Guide to Cadillac Trim Levels: From V-Series to Sport Platinum

Cadillac is known for top-notch American luxury and performance in their cars. They have different trim levels to suit different tastes, from high-performance to super luxury. These trim levels are V-Series, Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, and Sport Platinum. more Cadillac V-Series: Unleash the Power Cadillac's V-Series is all about high-speed performance. These cars are built to be fast, handle well, and look sporty. They often have a powerful V8 engine, sporty suspension, and a cool style. So, if you pick a CT4-V, CT5-V, or any other V-Series, get ready for an exciting ride! Cadillac Luxury: Affordable Elegance The Luxury trim gives you a touch of Cadillac's fancy style without costing a lot. It typically features leather seats, high-tech entertainment, and smart safety features. If you want a comfy, fancy car that's not too expensive for everyday driving, go for the Luxury trim. Cadillac Premium Luxury: Elevated Comfort and Style Step up to the Premium Luxury trim, you get an even more comfortable experience. This trim has top-notch materials that can include fine leather, wood, or carbon fiber details, and a heightened focus on passenger comfort. It also comes with additional technology features, so it's great for people who want a more sophisticated ride. Cadillac Sport: Dynamic Driving If you love an exciting driving experience, the Sport trim is for you. It's made for better performance and a stylish look. It has a sport-tuned suspension, sporty design, and other features that enhance driving dynamics. The Sport trim finds the right balance between luxury and sporty performance. Compare the Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport here. Cadillac Premium Luxury Platinum The Premium Luxury Platinum trim takes the Premium Luxury and adds special design touches, top-notch materials, and advanced technology. It's all about the best comfort and style, perfect for those who love the finer things in life and want a peaceful and easygoing driving experience. Cadillac Sport Platinum: Luxury Meets Performance The Sport Platinum trim combines the sporty features of the Sport trim with high-quality materials, advanced tech, and unique design details. It's a perfect mix of performance and luxury, great for those who want an exciting drive without giving up on luxury. Knowing what each trim offers helps you pick the right Cadillac that suits your tastes. Regardless of your choice, you'll enjoy classic style, advanced tech, and top-notch quality, which have made Cadillac a luxury car icon. Contact Us at Rydell Cadillac in Grand Forks, ND for any questions you may have.

Cadillac Logo on hood of a Rydell Cadillac

Cadillac Lyriq Trim and Configurations

The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Debut Edition stands at the cutting edge of electric vehicle technology. This new electric vehicle is so sought-after that its reservations sold out up to the summer of 2022. Find out why everyone wants to get their hands on this spectacular car below. more The Final Word in Electric Core Power The 2023 Lyriq comes with one of the most powerful standard electric cores made by a company in the United States, which drives the Lyriq forward with 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This electric car is available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive and has a per-charge range of over 300 miles. Its standard charging rate per hour is 19.2 kW, while its fast-charging unit rate per hour is 190 kW. The battery core rests across the entire length of the vehicle in an electric car design first. This Ultima Battery Platform configuration gives it a nearly perfect 50:50 ratio of front to rear weight distribution, giving it the authentic feel of a sports car. Image via Flickr by Jeppi 94 CC by 2.0 Interior Features that Break the Mold The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq comes with more than just an innovative battery core placement configuration. This configuration is the first of their vehicles to go with a proper hands-free super cruise system. The hands-free driver assistance technology allows the Lyriq to drive over 200,000 miles of US and Canadian roadways. Super cruise allows the Lyriq to change lanes with driver oversight. Three years of map updates come with the system, so the accepted road network for the super cruise function will expand over time. A Connected Services plan must be purchased to gain more than three years of this service. The dashboard is unlike any yet seen in the American auto industry. It features a mind-blowing 33-inch curved diagonal advanced LED display that seamlessly integrates the driver's gauge cluster with all of the functions of a top-tier luxury infotainment system. In addition, it can be customized to shine in an astonishing one billion colors, making it the most vibrant and variable programmable display in the history of not just electric vehicles but driven vehicles in general. The speaker system on the Lyriq also breaks the mold, thanks to its innovative placement. Crystal clear quality stereo sound proceeds from all standard speaker locations, but the headrests have their speakers on either side, creating an authentic surround-sound experience for those in the pilot's seats. In addition, the intelligent, active noise cancellation system is capable of negating exterior sounds from the engine core, rainfall, other vehicles, and many other outside sources. This fantastic mitigation system cancels out even the sound of road vibration. These features update over the air, so these innovative technologies improve as you drive. Every time an update is downloaded and installed, you'll be informed of your spectacular billion-color 33-inch curved advanced diagonal LED display. Next-Generation Exterior Styling You've never seen a car exterior like this one before. The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq features a lit grille with four major segments, arrow-shaped silver points aimed towards them from the nine-lamp LED headlight strips, and a smooth-as-silk set of body lines. It is available in two paint colors, but more will be added as time goes on. Satin Steel Metallic is the standard color available now, and Stellar Black Metallic will be available in the late fall of 2022. Two-wheel types are available for the 2022 Cadillac Lyriq. The first is 20-inches in size, featuring a split six-spoke alloy wheel with a diamond-cut dark android finish. Each of these wheels has gloss black aero inserts and comes with self-sealing all-season tires, so if you pop one on the road, you'll be able to make it to a repair shop before it goes flat enough to do wheel damage. The second available wheelset includes 22-inch reverse rims with a dynamic split-spoke design and a gloss black polished finish. Again, these wheels come with all-season self-sealing low-profile tires. High Standard and Training Safety with the Lyriq The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq comes with the Cadillac Smart System cluster of standard safety features. The automatic emergency braking system detects incoming collisions and helps the driver react accordingly after the forward collision alert sounds. In addition, the front pedestrian braking system prevents the Lyriq from moving forward when it detects someone on foot ahead, so you'll never hit a pedestrian as you tackle the road ahead. The parking sensors assist the driver in carefully parking the Lyriq without running into any unseen obstacles. The HD rear-vision camera feeds into the massive LED dash screen, so you'll be able to see whatever and whoever is behind you in rich detail. The teen driver system makes learning in the Lyriq as safe as possible. Through the settings menu on the massive console display, you'll be able to initialize and deactivate this system with a simple command code. When activated, the system keeps the car within the speed limits you designate and sets the sound system's maximum volume. A unique teen driver key comes with the system, so they only drive when you want them to. When their drive is done, the Lyriq teen driver system will send you a report card on their progress covering the distance driven, any antilock severe brake events, any serious stability control events, the highest speed reached, a list of forwarding collision and braking events, and more. 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Trim Levels The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq will be available in four trim levels: the Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and Platinum. The starting average cost of the base model has yet to be announced, but the Premium Luxury starts at $59,990, the Sport starts at $85,000, and the Platinum starts at $90,000. The 2023 Lyriq will soon take the American electric car market by storm. Contact us at Rydell Cadillac in Grand Forks, North Dakota, if you want to find out more about the Lyriq or order one before they vanish. Act quickly. The demand for this electric vehicle is amazingly high and with good reason.

Cadillac Car Interior | Rydell Cadillac

Are electric vehicles more expensive to maintain?

If you are shopping for a new or used vehicle, one of the most important choices you have to make is what kind of engine you want to shop for. Although gasoline-powered and hybrid vehicles can also be excellent choices, there's never been a better time to learn more about the benefits when you buy a new EV. If you are considering going electric for your next purchase, it's beneficial to understand what's required to maintain your electric vehicle and keep it working at its best. more The Importance of Regular Auto Maintenance Whether you own an electric or gasoline-powered vehicle, regular vehicle maintenance is an important part of keeping it working the way it's supposed to. The benefits of professional automotive service and maintenance include: Vehicle safety: Vehicle maintenance is an important part of safety for your electric car, truck, or SUV. Maintenance ensures that the systems in your vehicle remain operational as intended. When it comes to your vehicle's safety features, proper function is essential to keep you, your passengers, and others on the road as safe as possible when you go for a drive. Warranty maintenance: If your vehicle has a warranty from the manufacturer, dealership, or an outside entity, it may include specifications for maintenance care. Keeping your vehicle well-maintained keeps you in alignment with your warranty, and maintenance may be covered for free or at a discount under your warranty. Damage mitigation: Getting your vehicle professional maintenance can help to avoid more serious damage and repairs. Because service professionals have the opportunity to examine your vehicle when performing maintenance, they can check for any indications of potential damage that could grow if left unattended. Cost savings: Because major problems in a vehicle can be significantly more expensive to repair than small maintenance, routine maintenance and prompt care when you experience warning signs can save you money in the long run. By investing a little in maintenance now, you avoid big expenses for repairs or replacement in the future. What To Know About Maintaining an Electric Vehicle If you're ready to shop for a used EV, then it's important to know what to expect when it comes to maintaining your new or used electric car, truck, or SUV. Understanding how electric cars are similar and where they differ from their gasoline-based alternatives can help you make a more informed decision as you shop for your next vehicle. Here are the most important differences between gas- and electric-powered vehicles when it comes to maintenance: Some similarities: Not everything about owning an electric vehicle is different than owning a gasoline-powered vehicle, which means some of your maintenance expenses will be similar regardless of what you choose. For example, both styles of vehicles include tires that you will need to rotate and replace as they wear out. Reduced fuel costs: The fuel you use to power your vehicle is an essential component of keeping it running, and you can do so for a much lower cost with an electric vehicle. The equivalent economy provided by an electric engine is significant and can result in large fuel savings over its life span. Fewer moving parts: An electric engine has fewer moving parts than its gasoline counterpart, which provides fewer opportunities for breakdowns and malfunctions. This can help to decrease the frequency of repairs and replacement on your electric vehicle compared to a gas alternative. Decreased brake pad usage: Electric engines take advantage of regenerative braking, which decreases the amount of braking responsibility given to the brake pads. While the pads on an electric vehicle will still wear down with use, they last longer because they are not used as frequently, reducing your brake maintenance costs. No oil changes: Getting your oil changed is one of the most important responsibilities of a gasoline-powered car owner. Regular oil changes help to keep a gasoline-powered engine lubricated and working correctly, however, electric engines do not require oil, helping you to avoid the cost of routine oil changes. Higher repair costs: The one drawback to electric vehicles when it comes to maintenance and repair is that individual instances of repairs are often more expensive than similar work on their gasoline-powered alternatives. The good news is that the decrease in how often your vehicle requires repair work will usually translate to savings in the long run. Maintenance Costs for Electric Vehicles vs. Gasoline Vehicles Because the maintenance required for electric vehicles is often quite different from gasoline vehicles, it can be challenging at first to determine which offers the more affordable option. Fortunately, consumer reports completed an extensive analysis of maintenance and repair spending for both electric and gas-powered vehicles. The result of their study found that electric vehicles' average costs are half as much as gasoline vehicles. There were many positive numbers over the course of the report for owners of electric vehicles. It found that the average electric vehicle costs $4,600 less to maintain over its lifetime. This came about due to spending an average of $300 per year less on maintaining electric options versus comparable gasoline vehicles. As encouraging as the numbers were for electric vehicles, they may get even better, as the high-end maintenance numbers consisted mostly of early electric vehicles, which do not account for the steep improvements to electric vehicle design in recent years. Let Rydell Cadillac of Grand Forks Help You Find Your Electric or Gasoline Vehicle Today If you're excited at what an electric vehicle can do for you, from the decreased carbon footprint to the lower maintenance costs, then the staff at Rydell Cadillac of Grand Forks can help you get behind the wheel of one today. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and a member of our staff will work with you to get you the answers you need. If you're ready to begin shopping, come out and see us in person. We're excited to get you behind the wheel of your next electric vehicle today.