General Motors is investing billions into the development of new autonomous vehicle technology, with a whopping $35 billion earmarked for new AV and EV projects between now and 2025. Now, GM Authority has new photos that show GM is benchmarking the Tesla summon feature on a Tesla Model 3 sedan.
These photos were captured near a GM testing facility. The Tesla Model 3 sedan is finished in white and includes a GM vehicle inventory barcode on the rear bumper, as well as Michigan manufacturer license plates. Critically, the Tesla sedan did not have a driver onboard when these photos were taken. In fact, the sedan was driving by itself to another person nearby.
For those who may not know, the Tesla Smart Summon feature is currently in beta test form, and is designed to allow Tesla owners to prompt their vehicle to drive fully autonomously to their location. The system locates the target destination using the GPS on the owner’s smartphone, and only works within a certain distance of the target, varying between 20 feet and 200 feet depending on the system version. The system allows the Tesla vehicle to maneuver around obstacles, out of parking spots, and around corners.
Given the system’s beta test status, Tesla owners that use the feature must keep a clear line of sight with the vehicle to ensure that they can stop it should the vehicle be in danger of colliding with an object.
Looking ahead, it’s likely that a Summon feature will be part of the upcoming GM Ultra Cruise system. GM Ultra Cruise is an evolution of the GM Super Cruise system, and is expected to enable drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel during city driving. By comparison, the GM Super Cruise system is only available for activation on highways.
First introduced with the Cadillac CT6, the GM Super Cruise system is now available on the Cadillac CT5, Cadillac CT4, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Hummer EV, Chevy Silverado, and GMC Sierra. The system will be available on as many as 22 vehicles by 2023.
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Comments
This is an older Model 3. Pre-2021. Chrome Trim is the Biggest difference. The Wheels are also the older variant of the Sport Wheels. Either GM bought this new, and has been benchmarking it internally within 4 walls, or bought it used
Look just do one story how GM has benchmarked each production Tesla. GM has looked at each and all. It will save us the Y story next.
I expect the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq to have Ultra Cruise.
I think it will at least have the hardware, and ultra cruise will just come out as a software update.
A lot of us feel that if you want the vehicle to do the driving, you obviously do not enjoy the drive…. In that case, grab a cab, bus, train, plane or some other means of transport. I like to D R I V E !!!!!
Would you say that you enjoy a morning traffic jam on the way to work? How about waiting in the exit lane of a highway packed full of cars, trying to get on the other highway that you actually need to get home?
Oh look, it’s a construction zone and we’re slowing to a crawl. You can’t beat driving!
Sounds like that place should have and now needs to invest more into public transportation & better road infrastructure to avoid traffic jams like that in the first place…
35 billion into evs. How about some sales first????
You gotta spend money to make money.
Summon works within 150ft radius sometimes farther. You’re off by 130ft.
Yes, summons works from much farther away. I’ve had my model 3 pick me up after a movie. Car was in the back parking lot!