General Motors has announced that the all-new 2016 Cadillac CT6 will introduce a new technology that will replace the rear-view mirror with a streaming digital video system showing what’s behind the vehicle. Earlier this year, GM Authority was first to report that GM filed a trademark application for the term THRUVIEW, which we believed to be the go-to-market name for the technology.
The system, according to GM, will furnish the driver with a field of vision four times greater than that of a traditional mirror, while providing a clearer view that’s unobstructed by headrests, passengers, or the car’s roof or rear pillars.
“The closest comparison to this kind of rear vision would be driving a convertible with the top down,” said Travis Hester, executive chief engineer for the CT6.
A specialized camera mounted on the car’s rear end will provide a wide view of the lanes and space behind the car, thereby overcoming the infamous “blind spots” found in vehicles. Furthermore, the lens will reduce glare and adjust for low-light conditions better than an auto-dimming mirror. To prevent the camera from getting dirty or fogging up, the lens is covered in a water-shedding hydrophobic coating (a dedicated washer was introduced later). The video image captured by the camera will be transmitted to a display located in the rearview mirror.
GM global product chief Mark Reuss discussed the new rear camera mirror during a GM investor conference in October. According to Automotive News, he said the mirror is one of many technical innovations destined for the CT6, including a Bose in-floor sound system and rear-seat connectivity options.
GM says that researchers and engineers working on the new video mirror have been awarded 10 different patents, 1 for the streaming video mirror and nine for its video processing capabilities. The patents cover different video features such as camera image calibration, de-warping, glare reduction, and camera hardware design.
The CT6, along with the new rear-view mirror camera mirror, are expected to debut at the New York Auto Show in March 2015.
Comments
Drove a new Sierra 2 weeks ago and realized that snow + cameras don’t always work. I hope that this car incorporates something into the camera to melt snow around it
This is more like it! EXCLUSIVE and advanced technology to debut for once, and not simply mimic the competition! Yes this type of tech isn’t totally new (there are a few aftermarket devices with similar features), but GM’s e execution of it is. This is the approach Cadillac needs to be successful!!! Now show us more GM!!!!!!
Well, since Audi started using a digital rear view mirror for their r8 e-tron 2 years ago, they are still running after the Germans.
Cadillac mimics the Germans yet again!
This is the kind of little stuff that adds up over time.
The rear cameras for most cars have snow and water issues. I will be interested since this is now used as a mirror how they protect the lens.
Everyone cries out for cameras to replace mirrors but they tend to forget about some of these details.
According to the article, GM is going to use a hydrophobic coating which renders the lens waterproof and inhibits icing. They’ll probably use the more common and less costly gel type as opposed to the oxide polystyrene type which is more costly and a more involved application procedure. Long term durability of the coating is my concern.
I thought nissan came out with this already.
Can’t wait till this trickles down to their other models.
Without being the best that Cadillac will do in the future, and predicts it will be a great car.
Cadillac is returning to excellence slowly without stopping
Great¡¡
Regards from Spain
The camera could be located inside the rear window, with provisions to remove and clean it occasionally.
Didn’t GM Authority post an article about GM trademarking the name ” ThruView”? Could this be it?
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2014/03/general-motors-files-for-thruview-trademark/
About time. The SUVs have absolutely no visibility out the back window. Like driving in a cave. I hate them and GM is one of the worst with the Equinox
I am not sure but I think the CT6 was leaked here, its a CNBC report talking about the new mirror. At the bottom of the page there is a video showing luxury sales and buyers. In the video at the bottom of the page they show 3 GM vehicles and a price range. Notice the 100K and up shows what appears to be a big Caddy. We know that no Caddy is in the 100K level currently. I see a small badge or vent hole on the front fender. What do you guys think. All the cars in the video are GM. http://www.cnbc.com/id/102281640
It looks a lot like the former De Ville/DTS to me.
Good idea. Most systems make you look down to see a screen. A head up system should increase situational awareness.
And if whatever powers the system fails, do we still have a regular mirror as backup? Or are we out of a mirror and have to crane our necks? 🙂
Should’ve integrated it into the cabin ceiling better, if you’re going to ‘re-invent’ the rearview mirror, why leave it looking so conventional
You have mirrors on the doors. Odds are slim too the system will fail.
Why invent something on the roof that is so new it may not be easily accepted. This design has proven itself well and would at this point be more easily accepted.
It will be interesting to see how they deal with the camera as it has to be somewhere that it would be un obstructive. I do not see it on the package shelf.
I also hope this does not lead to more people not cleaning their rear windows in the winter. That is bad enough and if you can’t see in it may make for issues driving.