We’re towing hands-free with GM’s next-gen Super Cruise

general managers Great cruise is arguably one of the most important automotive innovations to come out over the past two decades. This hands-off driving aid is up to the task with features like rear view cameras and automatic emergency braking. Further improving Super Cruise, the engineers developed an improved version which is easier to use and offers additional functionality. We got to experience this updated system at the automaker’s proving ground in Milford, Mich., And it is truly impressive.

Super Cruise: the basics

If you are unfamiliar, Super Cruise automatically controls vehicle speed and steering, allowing you to roll with your hands on the wheel – although there are a few caveats. Super Cruise is geo-fenced, which means it can only be hired on certain routes, especially limited-access divided highways, of which approximately 200,000 miles have been mapped in the United States and Canada. Beyond that, we must also be careful. A driver-facing camera ensures you’re always up to date and ready to step in at any time if the system needs a helping hand, without watching TikTok videos on your phone or taking a nap in the seat back.

Super Cruise was launched about five years ago on the Cadillac CT6 sedan and since day one the system has worked phenomenally good. It’s fluid, almost immediately confidence-inspiring and intuitive. Building on this foundation, the next-gen version can be engaged while towing and is smart enough to change lanes automatically.

Super towing

Making long trips with a trailer much easier, you will soon be able to tow with Super Cruise, something I experienced in a heavily camouflaged 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, a refreshed version of the full-size truck from the GMC brand.

All over Ordinary Super Cruise works that you can also tow with. Typically, this would not include a GM proving ground, although the Milford facility’s track was mapped so the system could work there. Once you’re on a suitable route that the system recognizes, all you need to do is push the button and wait for the steering wheel lights to turn green. When they do, it indicates that you are great cruise and can let go of the wheel and relax… not too much, because you have to stay alert and ready to take over.

I only experienced it for a few minutes, but towing with Super Cruise was a smooth experience. The system works just as well when dragging a huge trailer as in a Cadillac CT6. The system is responsive and builds driver confidence within seconds.

As well as being a boon to drivers who regularly haul trailers, the ability to tow with Super Cruise should give GM a head start over rivals who are developing similar driver aids. For example, you will not be able to do the same with Ford BlueCruiseat least when it comes out.

Automatic lane change

Another smart feature of Super Cruise is the ability to change lanes automatically. If you’ve set the system to, say, 70mph and get close to another vehicle that is only doing 60mph, the vehicle recognizes it, changes lanes to pass the slower obstacle, and then comes back into the road. previous route. These maneuvers are fluid: as fluid as a human could. Super Cruise even flashes the turn signals while doing all that, something Human drivers often neglect to do this.

Automatic lane change works anywhere Super Cruise can be engaged, although it is unfortunately disabled when towing, which is probably smart. This feature can also automatically move a vehicle if it is in a lane that ends, an incredibly smart touch.

Beyond, improved Great cruise offers on-demand lane change functionality. If you want to move, just press the turn signal lever and if it is clear the vehicle will pass. If you fully engage the throttle, it still only moves one lane at a time; you must reset the turn signal for each lane you want to change.

Vehicle Intelligence Platform

The innovative new features of the next generation Super Cruise are activated by several elements. The new electrical architecture of GM’s Vehicle Intelligence Platform provides higher throughput for the various computers and sensors in the system. Beyond that, 360 degree radar arrays have been added so this latest version of Super Cruise can see all around the vehicle. This addition allows the system to monitor traffic, so that it does not jump in front of another car or truck that is speeding by. The upgraded Super Cruise is smart enough to accelerate or decelerate so that it can try to find a suitable gap and change lanes.

With better radar units and other sensors (and probably an unfathomable amount of software linking it all together), engineers also improved the Driver Attention Monitor. It has better sun glare performance so that the system does not disengage when driving in the sun and it is low in the sky, the system can follow head pose and gaze, so it is better whether you’re careful – – and it works even with polarized sunglasses.

The future today

Super Cruise is the app that kills GM. Since its release this is a really impressive kit and the upgraded version looks like a important advance even in my admittedly limited tests. The towing capabilities with it engaged and using the automatic lane change capability are nifty features.

After years of being chained to a single model in one of its divisions, it finally seems that the automaker is recognizing the importance of this technology. You can get Super Cruise in the Chevrolet Bolt EUV all-electric crossover right now and GM is expanding its availability – including the upgraded version – to 22 different models by 2023, bringing the future a bit closer to the present.

And finally, GM offers this revolutionary driver assistance in its product portfolio. You will be able to get a new Super Cruise in six 2022 model year vehicles starting in the first quarter of 2022. This includes the Cadillac Escalade, CT4 and CT5 models, the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and Hummer EV Pickup. By 2023, it is expected to be available in no less than 22 different models.

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