UPDATE: GM Authority mistakenly speculated that the equipment on this Chevy Equinox was used for an autonomous driving system. In reality, the hardware installed on the crossover is used for city street mapping, a critical element of its autonomous driving technology.
General Motors is developing a wealth of new autonomous vehicle technology, including both fully autonomous systems and semi-autonomous systems. Now, it appears as though GM Authority spy photographers have captured General Motors in the act with this unique Chevy Equinox prototype vehicle. GM is expected to release the next evolution of its semi-autonomous driver assist system, known as GM Ultra Cruise, in the near future.
This Chevy Equinox prototype was spotted exiting a GM facility in Michigan. Notably, the crossover is wearing a set of California license plates, including a license plate frame that reads “Roseville Chevrolet.” Roseville is located north east of Sacramento, close to the Bay Area and San Francisco. Although it’s unclear if there’s any kind of connection, it should at least be mentioned that GM’s autonomous vehicle technology division, Cruise, is headquartered in San Francisco.
The Chevy Equinox prototype appears to be outfitted with a large array of sensors arranged on a roof-mounted rack. The sensor array is similar to that of several other autonomous test vehicles seen previously, such as a fourth-generation Cadillac Escalade prototype spotted early this year, or another Cadillac Escalade seen late in 2021. Cruise’s fleet of fully autonomous Chevy Bolt EVs is also equipped with a similar sensor array.
Chevy Equinox prototype
Cruise Chevy Bolt EV
Although it isn’t totally clear what GM is testing here, it seems pretty obvious that it’s some sort of autonomous vehicle technology. One possibility is that General Motors is testing the up-and-coming GM Ultra Cruise system. Offered as the next evolution of the GM Super Cruise system currently offered by several GM production vehicles, Ultra Cruise will offer hands-free driving in up to 95 percent of driving scenarios on 2 million roads in the U.S. and Canada, covering some 3.4 million miles. The GM Ultra Cruise system will also incorporate more sensors than the current Super Cruise system, including visual cameras, radar systems, and LiDAR.
Chevy Equinox prototype
Cadillac Escalade prototype
First announced in 2021, it’s unclear when exactly Ultra Cruise will launch. However, with prototypes like this Chevy Equinox running around, it’s possible that date may be approaching soon.
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Comments
Give it up! This is a huge waste of money!
Additionally, it does nothing but increase the cost of what is arguably an entry level family vehicle. Yes, there is a Trax, but the key word is “family” vehicle. A Trax, any stroller with under-storage, cup holders, and a canopy WILL NOT fit in the trunk, i.e., is not suitable for a family. And a Trailblazer is not any bigger.
So what are you doing GM? What are new families that are just starting out supposed to drive? You don’t make cars. You entry SUV’s are to small. And the Equinox, the first suitable vehicle for a family, you are adding idiotic tech that will price new families out the vehicle.
The existing bolt is going out of production. So they will be testing other platforms to replace the bolt as their robocar. Nox seems like a good candidate. They may even be planning on deploying multiple sizes of robomobiles. If they expand to suburbs, they will want some larger vehicles for riders to be able to pack more stuff when they shop.
When GM produces a mid-priced vehicle with Ultra Cruise, that will change everything. I expect that’s going to happen sooner than most believe. Once the software is good to go, it is reproduceable with a click of a button. The hardware is getting less expensive. Soon….
The answer to a question no one asked .
If you don’t want to drive take the bus .
What will ypu do if you drive somewhere and cannot drive back? Abandon the car and take a bus? At least with autonomy, your car can return home by itself.
How about a family member goes with either friend or family to pick it up. Or worst case if you have no family or friends, have it towed. I’ve been driving for decades and never encountered what you describe. I’d say you describe a feature no one needs or wants. Certainly not one that is going to cost thousands. Maybe tens of thousands. Worst case what a tow is 300.
How does that happen ?
Ultra Cruise project was shutdown… Believe it or not!
GM will provide more way technological soon.
Is is real? GM shut down ultra cruise project?