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?
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.
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