GM Super Cruise Updates Introduce Automated Lane Change Feature
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In 2017, General Motors launched Super Cruise – a semi-autonomous feature for the Cadillac CT6. In 2019, the driver assistance feature expanded to include over 200,000 total miles of compatible highways in the U.S. and Canada. Now, the system is getting another series of enhancements that includes automated lane change functionality, which allows the vehicle to change lanes when requested by the driver.
Before we get into the details, we should note that, in order for the lane-changing feature to work, it must meet certain conditions. Moreover, it currently works only compatible highways. The enhancements will be introduced starting on the 2021 Cadillac CT5, 2021 Cadillac CT4 and the upcoming, all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
According to GM Super Cruise chief engineer, Mario Maiorana, this update to the hands-free driving system is the most extensive one yet.
“We have made a number of improvements to make Super Cruise more intuitive, better performing and more accessible for our customers. In addition to the automated lane change functionality, we’ve made improvements to the user interface and hands-free driving dynamics,” said Maiorana.
It’s also worth noting that these Super Cruise enhancements were made possible by General Motors’ all-new digital vehicle platform, which provides more electrical bandwidth and data processing power.
Automated Lane Changing
Here’s how to use automated lane changing: with Super Cruise engaged, the driver can either tap or fully latch the turn signal lever to indicate the desire to change lanes. Doing so prompts the system to look for an acceptable opening in the indicated lane, while also signaling to other cars that a lane change is imminent. If the system determines that the indicated lane is open, the vehicle will merge into the indicated lane.
GM says that the driver attention system will continue to require the driver to focus on the surroundings during the lane change, meaning that this is by no means a fully-autonomous system.
How It Works
The car communicates with the driver in various ways about the automated lane change. Upon initiating the turn signal, the gauge cluster will display messages letting the driver know when the automated lane change has begun. The system will display messages, such as “looking for an opening” or “changing lanes” to keep the driver informed on the status of the lane change. Alternatively, the system can also tell the driver that a lane change is unavailable, and that changing lanes must be manually completed by the driver.
“In order to add automated lane change and provide our customers with the same level of confidence that they currently have in Super Cruise, we made improvements to both our software and hardware,” said Maiorana. “This included improving rear-facing sensors and advanced software algorithms so that the system can confidently track vehicles approaching from the rear. As a result of these improvements, we are able to ensure that Super Cruise will hold in its current lane and only change when a sufficient gap exists.”
GM Super Cruise uses advanced technologies, including precision LiDAR map data and real time GPS, to help to provide a detailed understanding of the surrounding road and also to determine allowable automated lane change maneuvers. The system works via an array of camera and radar sensors that continuously scan around the vehicle to determine if an acceptable opening exists, allowing the vehicle to complete the lane change. GM says that the combination of these technologies and Super Cruise’s driver attention system ensures a confident execution of the automated lane change.
Other Super Cruise Improvements
In addition to the aforementioned automated lane change feature, the GM Super Cruise system also includes updates that are meant to improve performance and ease-of-use.
For instance, richer map information enables automated lane change and improved functionality through turns and highway interchanges, while improved software is used for better steering and speed control.
Finally, The General also made enhancements to make it easier and more intuitive for drivers to engage the system.
Availability
Enhanced Super Cruise with automated lane change will be optional on the 2021 Cadillac CT4 and CT5 Sedans as well as the 2021 Escalade. Those models should become available in the second half of 2020.
Ironically, the Cadillac CT6 will not live on long enough to see the improvement of the feature that it championed three years ago.
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This is good news. And now it makes sense why it wasn’t included on the CT4 and 5 at launch – GM was waiting for the improvements to be ready. Now if only the SUVs would get super cruise!
You can tell that’s the Escalade interior in the shot with the updated lane change info. Excited for the reveal!
What’s the point on using Super Cruise if you can’t take your eyes off the road? I would imagine the user is is going to want to use the system so he or she can rest. I think it’s a very ingenious feature so I’m not downing it, I just question its utility.
The point is that you don’t have to make any driving inputs (or rarely do). That, for those people who particularly aren’t fond of driving, delivers a much more relaxed way of “getting there”.
No mention of the xt6 or xt5…. Very confused by this. I guess we have to wait until a brand new xt5/6 model comes? Really shows how the “new” xt6 is really just a rehash of prior platform.
Also, as a super cruise user, the real upgrade they need to make is making sure the car can stop in time when approaching traffic at high speed. If you approach stopped traffic at high speed (65mph) the system is too late to brake in time. I know that’s why you need to pay attention but in my mind a critical shortcoming of the system.
Are we not going to talk about the sneak peek here of the Escalade Dash? You also get a clear view of the Escalade rear end in that graphic. It has the raised tail lights on the D pillar
No one has noticed it yet, they were too busy hating everything else, but don’t worry, they will get to hating that and the Escalade dash shortly……
Glad to hear this. It is about time.
It is really taking GM a long time to update Super Cruise but hopefully updates going forward will be just like Tesla vehicles. Meaning constant and over the air.
It’s doubtful CT4 or CT5 will live long enough to ever see implementation of the system either. I would expect both of these lackluster sedans to join the CT6 in the Cadillac graveyard soon.
It would’ve been better to apply the tech to Cadillac’s cheap-to-build FWD SUVs, the XT4, XT5, and XT6, which likely have a much more secure future.
I have always purchased autos that were exciting for me to drive and have full control of all systems. If a person like me wishes to purchase a new auto that comes with these features, will I have a choice to delete the features and not have to pay a premium for them? Right now, I am not ready to give control to an AI system and do not wish to pay for it.
These features are packages you can purchase as addons during the purchase process. They aren’t as I know now standard equipment. Even then you have a choice of not using them.
While historically Cadillac has been most associated with luxury, it was also once renown for technological innovation. For all of the complaints in recent years, on this and other sites, about Cadillac not being willing to match the best cars in the world, here is an example of Cadillac actually taking the lead with a truly amazing technological advance to a system that has already received universal praise. I like to drive (I have had three Vs), but this technological wizardry, made possible by the new electrical architecture, is exciting to me, and I will be pleased to have the option of utilizing Super Cruise just for the fun of it, as well as when I want, as Alex puts it, “a more relaxed way of getting there.”
Too bad that they didn’t say that the current 2020 CT6 would be upgraded to the lane change function on the Super Cruise. I love the feature, but wish it would change lanes for me when clear and indicated.
I guess the General and Cadillac want everyone to move to one of the EV’s or a compact car instead of a full size luxury car. I remember when my uncle, who worked at GM/Cadillac would show up every year with his new feature loaded, innovated Caddy. So sad the leader think everyone wants a cross-over (dressed up minivans), pickup or an SUV. Looks like I shop else where in a couple of years for a REAL luxury sedan